Learning Through Reading

[1313]

S. — However, as is well known, He manifested His Shakti and performed miracles, just as You do, Baba. He even resurrected the dead.

SAI: — Yes. But these Divine miracles (siddhis) and divine play (lila) were simply expressions of Love for His devotees. They were not intended to attract attention, but only to keep them from danger and protect them. He did not use them as calling cards. He employed His Shakti only to save His devotees from trouble and sorrow, grief and pain. He performed so-called miracles not for their own sake, but as a means of protecting His subjects from evil and danger; even in these cases, however, He did not manifest the full potential of His Divine Shakti. He did not need to demonstrate miracles in order to attract people to Himself.

S. — Why was that so, Baba?

SAI: — Because in those days people had simple faith. They possessed the ability to recognize a Saint or Avatar through their own perception and by virtue of their wisdom. They did not need proof of greatness or Divinity. They accepted Divinity through their simple devotion. They were drawn to Shirdi Sai by His nature (svabhava), not by His actions. They revered Him and served Him as a Great Teacher, a Divine Sadguru. Unfortunately, the nature of human faith has changed nowadays. The values of simplicity in thought and belief have been forgotten. Attention is paid only to something unusual, sensational, extraordinary, and miraculous.

S. — Is that where Your calling cards come in, Baba?

SAI: — Yes. I use My Shakti to draw people and attract them to the path leading to God. These miracles are merely bait with which I draw them to Myself. Once their faith becomes unwavering, they begin to look beyond the miracles and slowly reach out for what I truly came to give them—Knowledge and Bliss. This incarnation of Sathya Sai possesses the complete manifestation and visible expression of all 16 attributes and characteristics of a Purna-Avatar. Previously, this occurred only once, in the time of the Krishna Avatar. I am the embodiment of Shiva and Shakti, representing Cosmic Consciousness and Cosmic Energy. And I demonstrate, in the fullest and highest degree, the evidence of both.

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<div class="bbWrapper">S. — However, as is well known, He manifested His Shakti and performed miracles, just as You do, Baba. He even resurrected the dead.<br /> <br /> SAI: — Yes. But these Divine miracles (siddhis) and divine play (lila) were simply expressions of Love for His devotees. They were not intended to attract attention, but only to keep them from danger and protect them. He did not use them as calling cards. He employed His Shakti only to save His devotees from trouble and sorrow, grief and pain. He performed so-called miracles not for their own sake, but as a means of protecting His subjects from evil and danger; even in these cases, however, He did not manifest the full potential of His Divine Shakti. He did not need to demonstrate miracles in order to attract people to Himself.<br /> <br /> S. — Why was that so, Baba?<br /> <br /> SAI: — Because in those days people had simple faith. They possessed the ability to recognize a Saint or Avatar through their own perception and by virtue of their wisdom. They did not need proof of greatness or Divinity. They accepted Divinity through their simple devotion. They were drawn to Shirdi Sai by His nature (svabhava), not by His actions. They revered Him and served Him as a Great Teacher, a Divine Sadguru. Unfortunately, the nature of human faith has changed nowadays. The values of simplicity in thought and belief have been forgotten. Attention is paid only to something unusual, sensational, extraordinary, and miraculous.<br /> <br /> S. — Is that where Your calling cards come in, Baba?<br /> <br /> SAI: — Yes. I use My Shakti to draw people and attract them to the path leading to God. These miracles are merely bait with which I draw them to Myself. Once their faith becomes unwavering, they begin to look beyond the miracles and slowly reach out for what I truly came to give them—Knowledge and Bliss. This incarnation of Sathya Sai possesses the complete manifestation and visible expression of all 16 attributes and characteristics of a Purna-Avatar. Previously, this occurred only once, in the time of the Krishna Avatar. I am the embodiment of Shiva and Shakti, representing Cosmic Consciousness and Cosmic Energy. And I demonstrate, in the fullest and highest degree, the evidence of both.</div>

 

[1313]

S. — Yes, Baba, all Your devotees have experienced Your Divinity many times and in many ways. Will Your Incarnation as Prema Sai be a continuation of what You have now begun?

SAI: — Yes. Prema Sai will be an expression of Shakti. He will work tirelessly for the good of the world and establish Love, goodwill and peace. His Name and Glory will reach every corner of the Earth. He will be the Universal Guru, the World Teacher, a Leader among leaders. In the Dvapara Yuga, Krishna was the Counselor and Friend of the Pandavas. He guided and directed them in governing the kingdom and taught His devotees the Truth about His Divinity. Prema Sai’s role will be the same. His voice will be heard throughout the world. He will receive universal recognition and devotion and will lead the world directly to Truth, Love and Peace.

S. — Baba, what position will India occupy then?

SAI: — India will become the leader of the entire world in every respect: spiritual, cultural, social, political and economic. All its former glory, culture and traditions will be revived, and it will shine as the leading nation of the world. It was so many, many years ago, and it will be so again.

SHUDDHA ADITYA, Streams of Nectar of Sathya Sai, Chapter 6

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<div class="bbWrapper">S. — Yes, Baba, all Your devotees have experienced Your Divinity many times and in many ways. Will Your Incarnation as Prema Sai be a continuation of what You have now begun?<br /> <br /> SAI: — Yes. Prema Sai will be an expression of Shakti. He will work tirelessly for the good of the world and establish Love, goodwill and peace. His Name and Glory will reach every corner of the Earth. He will be the Universal Guru, the World Teacher, a Leader among leaders. In the Dvapara Yuga, Krishna was the Counselor and Friend of the Pandavas. He guided and directed them in governing the kingdom and taught His devotees the Truth about His Divinity. Prema Sai’s role will be the same. His voice will be heard throughout the world. He will receive universal recognition and devotion and will lead the world directly to Truth, Love and Peace.<br /> <br /> S. — Baba, what position will India occupy then?<br /> <br /> SAI: — India will become the leader of the entire world in every respect: spiritual, cultural, social, political and economic. All its former glory, culture and traditions will be revived, and it will shine as the leading nation of the world. It was so many, many years ago, and it will be so again.<br /> <br /> SHUDDHA ADITYA, Streams of Nectar of Sathya Sai, Chapter 6</div>

 

[1313]

In the Gita, the Lord assures us that a person who dies with Pranava (Om) filling his final breath will certainly attain liberation. Of course, merely remembering Om is useless. The sound “Om” will not help if the mind jumps from one desire to another, sheds tears over the inevitable departure from the world and trembles at the thought of the impending end. How can the sound help in such a case? The greatness of Om must be realized throughout one’s life so that it becomes the foremost thought in the mind at the moment of leaving the body.

— Divine Discourse, November 23, 1966
Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">In the Gita, the Lord assures us that a person who dies with Pranava (Om) filling his final breath will certainly attain liberation. Of course, merely remembering Om is useless. The sound “Om” will not help if the mind jumps from one desire to another, sheds tears over the inevitable departure from the world and trembles at the thought of the impending end. How can the sound help in such a case? The greatness of Om must be realized throughout one’s life so that it becomes the foremost thought in the mind at the moment of leaving the body.<br /> <br /> — Divine Discourse, November 23, 1966<br /> Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

What is the prerequisite for self-knowledge and discovering the Atma? Bhagavan lovingly guides us today so that we may choose the right direction.

The benefit we derive from anything is proportional to the faith we place in it. From worshipping gods, going on pilgrimages to holy places, reciting mantras or consulting doctors, we derive benefit only to the extent of our faith. When someone gives a speech, the more faith we have in him as a scholar and interpreter, the more clearly and directly we can absorb the essence of his speech into our hearts and understand him more deeply. For strengthening faith and developing understanding, an essential condition is purity of heart, or purity of kshetra (the field), and purity of chitta (consciousness). Without this purity, the intense effort of self-knowledge or inquiry into the self-existent Atma, while surrounded by various worldly and material attractions, will prove fruitless, since it will not be the result of firm resolve. First, chitta must be detached from the material world and turned inward, toward awareness of the Atma.

— Vidya Vahini, Chapter 9.

One who possesses good discernment will naturally be righteous in conduct and actions before undertaking any activity.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">What is the prerequisite for self-knowledge and discovering the Atma? Bhagavan lovingly guides us today so that we may choose the right direction.<br /> <br /> The benefit we derive from anything is proportional to the faith we place in it. From worshipping gods, going on pilgrimages to holy places, reciting mantras or consulting doctors, we derive benefit only to the extent of our faith. When someone gives a speech, the more faith we have in him as a scholar and interpreter, the more clearly and directly we can absorb the essence of his speech into our hearts and understand him more deeply. For strengthening faith and developing understanding, an essential condition is purity of heart, or purity of kshetra (the field), and purity of chitta (consciousness). Without this purity, the intense effort of self-knowledge or inquiry into the self-existent Atma, while surrounded by various worldly and material attractions, will prove fruitless, since it will not be the result of firm resolve. First, chitta must be detached from the material world and turned inward, toward awareness of the Atma.<br /> <br /> — Vidya Vahini, Chapter 9.<br /> <br /> One who possesses good discernment will naturally be righteous in conduct and actions before undertaking any activity.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

Due to a lack of gratitude, a person lowers himself to an even lower level than an animal. If someone picked up a handkerchief you had dropped, you would certainly say “thank you,” addressing the body of the person who courteously picked it up. But how strange and astonishing that it never even occurs to you to thank God for the Priceless Gifts with which He has so generously and Graciously blessed us! He has given you a place in this Boundless and Beautiful Universe, providing pure air for you to breathe, clean water for you to drink, and Mother Earth as your dwelling place. If not for the five great elements created by Him, you could not exist for even a moment. Therefore, is there any greater sin than failing to be grateful to the Supreme Lord for His Infinite Mercy?
Tell me, what tax do you pay God for providing you with such “conveniences” as the Sun illuminating the Earth, the wind refreshing the entire World with its coolness, and abundant rains that cool and moisten the soil and sustain Life? If a person does not reflect on such things, it speaks not only of his ingratitude, but also of an inertia of mind that defiles his Soul.

Sathya Sai Baba.

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<div class="bbWrapper">Due to a lack of gratitude, a person lowers himself to an even lower level than an animal. If someone picked up a handkerchief you had dropped, you would certainly say “thank you,” addressing the body of the person who courteously picked it up. But how strange and astonishing that it never even occurs to you to thank God for the Priceless Gifts with which He has so generously and Graciously blessed us! He has given you a place in this Boundless and Beautiful Universe, providing pure air for you to breathe, clean water for you to drink, and Mother Earth as your dwelling place. If not for the five great elements created by Him, you could not exist for even a moment. Therefore, is there any greater sin than failing to be grateful to the Supreme Lord for His Infinite Mercy?<br /> Tell me, what tax do you pay God for providing you with such “conveniences” as the Sun illuminating the Earth, the wind refreshing the entire World with its coolness, and abundant rains that cool and moisten the soil and sustain Life? If a person does not reflect on such things, it speaks not only of his ingratitude, but also of an inertia of mind that defiles his Soul.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba.</div>

 

[1313]

*What should our worship of the Divine be like? What can and should we offer Him? Bhagavan lovingly inspires us with His words today.*

Such is the Grace of the Supreme that it manifests fully in each devotee; you need not grieve that you will be without God when others receive Him, nor should you take pride in having Him when no one else can have Him at the same time!

God is enshrined on the altar of your heart. Offer Him your entire self, your whole life; then your worship will transform you so quickly and completely that you and He will be able to merge into One. He thinks, feels, and acts just as you do; you think, feel, and act just as He does. You will be transformed, as a sculptor transforms stone, into an idol worthy of the worship of generations of sincere people.

In the process, you will have to endure many blows of the hammer and many wounds from the chisel, because He is the sculptor. He is merely freeing you from petrification! Offer your heart to the Creator, filled with pure love for Him!

- Divine Discourse, November 23, 1968.

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<div class="bbWrapper">*What should our worship of the Divine be like? What can and should we offer Him? Bhagavan lovingly inspires us with His words today.*<br /> <br /> Such is the Grace of the Supreme that it manifests fully in each devotee; you need not grieve that you will be without God when others receive Him, nor should you take pride in having Him when no one else can have Him at the same time!<br /> <br /> God is enshrined on the altar of your heart. Offer Him your entire self, your whole life; then your worship will transform you so quickly and completely that you and He will be able to merge into One. He thinks, feels, and acts just as you do; you think, feel, and act just as He does. You will be transformed, as a sculptor transforms stone, into an idol worthy of the worship of generations of sincere people.<br /> <br /> In the process, you will have to endure many blows of the hammer and many wounds from the chisel, because He is the sculptor. He is merely freeing you from petrification! Offer your heart to the Creator, filled with pure love for Him!<br /> <br /> - Divine Discourse, November 23, 1968.</div>

 

[1313]

May the fire of spiritual wisdom consume all the bad tendencies, emotions, and desires you have accumulated over many lifetimes. And when all impurities have been burned away in this fire, the gold of your soul will shine in all its splendor.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, February 6, 1963.

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<div class="bbWrapper">May the fire of spiritual wisdom consume all the bad tendencies, emotions, and desires you have accumulated over many lifetimes. And when all impurities have been burned away in this fire, the gold of your soul will shine in all its splendor.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, February 6, 1963.</div>

 

[1313]

Every second is a new moment in your life. Do not wait an entire year to celebrate the New Year and make New Year’s resolutions. Use every second to purify your heart and fill it with love. Then you will understand that God is yours.

True devotion is the means to realize Divinity. Devotion means love for God without any desire for reward. Such devotion can be developed only through good conduct.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, December 31, 1983

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<div class="bbWrapper">Every second is a new moment in your life. Do not wait an entire year to celebrate the New Year and make New Year’s resolutions. Use every second to purify your heart and fill it with love. Then you will understand that God is yours.<br /> <br /> True devotion is the means to realize Divinity. Devotion means love for God without any desire for reward. Such devotion can be developed only through good conduct.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba, December 31, 1983</div>

 

[1313]

Service and singing bhajans alone are not enough. You must give up the feeling that you are serving other people. This is very important. When you serve others, you are thereby serving yourself. You must regard everyone around you as your own self. In reality, other people are God; therefore, service to humanity is service to God.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba. January 1, 2003

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<div class="bbWrapper">Service and singing bhajans alone are not enough. You must give up the feeling that you are serving other people. This is very important. When you serve others, you are thereby serving yourself. You must regard everyone around you as your own self. In reality, other people are God; therefore, service to humanity is service to God.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba. January 1, 2003</div>

 

[5728]

,,There is only one religion—the religion of love There is only one language—the language of the heart There is only one race—the race of humanity There is only one GOD—and HE is omnipresent" Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">,,There is only one religion—the religion of love There is only one language—the language of the heart There is only one race—the race of humanity There is only one GOD—and HE is omnipresent" Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

My dear ones!
Allow God to work through you, and darkness will disappear. Allow God to shine through you. Allow Him to reveal His Own True Reality through you and others, through love and care. The best way to spread the philosophy of the Vedas is to live accordingly; there is no other way. Love is God, purifying hearts. Whisper His names, which drive away evil. Always remain in goodness. Never allow the ego to prevail. Be righteous. Let the heart shine.

With blessings and love,
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">My dear ones!<br /> Allow God to work through you, and darkness will disappear. Allow God to shine through you. Allow Him to reveal His Own True Reality through you and others, through love and care. The best way to spread the philosophy of the Vedas is to live accordingly; there is no other way. Love is God, purifying hearts. Whisper His names, which drive away evil. Always remain in goodness. Never allow the ego to prevail. Be righteous. Let the heart shine.<br /> <br /> With blessings and love,<br /> Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

Embodiments of Divine Love! Break down the walls separating people from one another. Rid yourselves of distinctions based on caste and religious doctrines. Develop firm faith in the unity of humanity. Cultivate love in your hearts. Only then will the nation be united, happy, and prosperous.

God belongs to everyone. He is universal. Each of you must give up distinctions of every kind and leave no room for narrow sectarian and national allegiance. Consider yourselves children of one God. You may worship God in any form you choose, but acknowledge the truth that there is only One God. Observing holy days such as Christmas gives us the opportunity to realize the importance of love and harmony among people.

It is wrong to celebrate the birth of Christ with feasting, drinking, and revelry. The ideals taught by Jesus must be put into practice in life. This is the right way to celebrate His birthday. Whoever you worship, you must live according to the principles of His teachings. What kind of devotion is it when a follower does not practice what they profess? It is merely a display of devotion.

Remember the Lord with love. Serve Him with love. Dedicate your entire life to Him with love.
Sathya Sai Baba
Christmas Message—1988

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<div class="bbWrapper">Embodiments of Divine Love! Break down the walls separating people from one another. Rid yourselves of distinctions based on caste and religious doctrines. Develop firm faith in the unity of humanity. Cultivate love in your hearts. Only then will the nation be united, happy, and prosperous.<br /> <br /> God belongs to everyone. He is universal. Each of you must give up distinctions of every kind and leave no room for narrow sectarian and national allegiance. Consider yourselves children of one God. You may worship God in any form you choose, but acknowledge the truth that there is only One God. Observing holy days such as Christmas gives us the opportunity to realize the importance of love and harmony among people.<br /> <br /> It is wrong to celebrate the birth of Christ with feasting, drinking, and revelry. The ideals taught by Jesus must be put into practice in life. This is the right way to celebrate His birthday. Whoever you worship, you must live according to the principles of His teachings. What kind of devotion is it when a follower does not practice what they profess? It is merely a display of devotion.<br /> <br /> Remember the Lord with love. Serve Him with love. Dedicate your entire life to Him with love.<br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Christmas Message—1988</div>

 

[1313]

God will give a devotee anything, including Himself. No one can compare with Him in the self-sacrifice He makes for the sake of His devotees. Krishna asked Radha what she would like in the final moments of her life. Radha said: “I need nothing; I only want to hear the music of Your flute once more before I die. Play, O Krishna! Speak to me. Fill my heart with bliss,” sang Radha. “Fill the eternal music of Your flute with the essence of the Vedas, O Krishna!”

Krishna took out His flute and began to play, and when Radha closed her eyes, He threw the flute away and never touched it again. The purpose of His flute was to bring joy to Radha. Thus, all of Krishna’s mysterious powers were directed toward alleviating the suffering of His devotees. Krishna used all His might to serve His devotees.

Sathya Sai Baba, September 4, 1996

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<div class="bbWrapper">God will give a devotee anything, including Himself. No one can compare with Him in the self-sacrifice He makes for the sake of His devotees. Krishna asked Radha what she would like in the final moments of her life. Radha said: “I need nothing; I only want to hear the music of Your flute once more before I die. Play, O Krishna! Speak to me. Fill my heart with bliss,” sang Radha. “Fill the eternal music of Your flute with the essence of the Vedas, O Krishna!”<br /> <br /> Krishna took out His flute and began to play, and when Radha closed her eyes, He threw the flute away and never touched it again. The purpose of His flute was to bring joy to Radha. Thus, all of Krishna’s mysterious powers were directed toward alleviating the suffering of His devotees. Krishna used all His might to serve His devotees.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba, September 4, 1996</div>

 

[1313]

Jesus took upon Himself three tasks:
- to fill Himself with Divine Love and share it with everyone, considering this the main purpose of His life;
- to treat praise and blame equally while carrying out His mission;
- to instill in people faith that the Divinity within them is omnipresent.
Jesus considered spreading the Gospel of Love His main task. In carrying out His mission, He faced many difficulties, but regarded them as trials that had to be overcome. He was determined to treat pleasure and pain, success and failure with complete equanimity. He could not bear to see anyone suffer.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba, December 25, 1995

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<div class="bbWrapper">Jesus took upon Himself three tasks:<br /> - to fill Himself with Divine Love and share it with everyone, considering this the main purpose of His life;<br /> - to treat praise and blame equally while carrying out His mission;<br /> - to instill in people faith that the Divinity within them is omnipresent.<br /> Jesus considered spreading the Gospel of Love His main task. In carrying out His mission, He faced many difficulties, but regarded them as trials that had to be overcome. He was determined to treat pleasure and pain, success and failure with complete equanimity. He could not bear to see anyone suffer.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba, December 25, 1995</div>

 

[1313]

.. Try to be like Jesus.

Jesus was a man whose only joy was spreading Divine Love, offering Divine Love, receiving Divine Love, and living by Divine Love.

There are various theories about the date of Jesus’s birth, based on the “appearance of a bright star at the time of His birth.” It is said to appear once every 800 years. Some say that He was born on September 15. But He was born 1,980 years ago, on December 25, at 3:15 a.m. (the speech was given in 1980). It was a Sunday. The star that appeared on that day appears only once every 800 years. Its appearance had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. There is no rule that when Divine Energy or a Divine Incarnation descends to Earth, a star must appear. That is merely the opinion of believers themselves. But Jesus Himself was a Star of infinite magnitude, spreading radiance of infinite power. Why, then, take another, less brilliant light as the basis?

Today, Jesus’s Birthday is celebrated amid December snowfalls with festive lights, Christmas trees, and prayers. But it is pointless to pray for just one day and not remember God during the rest of the year. It is empty show. It does not come from the heart. We are true Christians only when we live according to Christ’s teachings and apply them in our daily lives. Even if we followed only two principles of His teaching, that would be enough. Christ said: “My dear Son! All living beings are one; treat everyone equally.”

If we sincerely follow this, it will be enough to fulfill our purpose. When He was on the Cross, gripped by agony, He heard a Voice from Heaven say to Him, “Death is the garment of Life.” The body is a garment worn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should not grieve when the body becomes worn out, is damaged, or falls away. Death is an event inherent in the very nature of the body. People seek the cause of death, but none of them seeks the Divine Source of Life. So praise God throughout your short life! Praise God and work for Him.

...Only Love can reveal the Divinity that lies hidden in everything. Love is God. Live in Love. Love lives by giving and forgiving. Selfishness lives by taking and forgetting. Love is self-denial. Self-love is the absence of Love. Do not waste your life pursuing the narrow interests of your ego. Love! Love! Become what you truly are—embodiments of Love. It does not matter how others treat you or what they think of you; do not worry about it. Follow Jesus Christ. Love is for your own evolution, not for what other people say about you.
Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">.. Try to be like Jesus.<br /> <br /> Jesus was a man whose only joy was spreading Divine Love, offering Divine Love, receiving Divine Love, and living by Divine Love.<br /> <br /> There are various theories about the date of Jesus’s birth, based on the “appearance of a bright star at the time of His birth.” It is said to appear once every 800 years. Some say that He was born on September 15. But He was born 1,980 years ago, on December 25, at 3:15 a.m. (the speech was given in 1980). It was a Sunday. The star that appeared on that day appears only once every 800 years. Its appearance had nothing to do with the birth of Jesus. There is no rule that when Divine Energy or a Divine Incarnation descends to Earth, a star must appear. That is merely the opinion of believers themselves. But Jesus Himself was a Star of infinite magnitude, spreading radiance of infinite power. Why, then, take another, less brilliant light as the basis?<br /> <br /> Today, Jesus’s Birthday is celebrated amid December snowfalls with festive lights, Christmas trees, and prayers. But it is pointless to pray for just one day and not remember God during the rest of the year. It is empty show. It does not come from the heart. We are true Christians only when we live according to Christ’s teachings and apply them in our daily lives. Even if we followed only two principles of His teaching, that would be enough. Christ said: “My dear Son! All living beings are one; treat everyone equally.”<br /> <br /> If we sincerely follow this, it will be enough to fulfill our purpose. When He was on the Cross, gripped by agony, He heard a Voice from Heaven say to Him, “Death is the garment of Life.” The body is a garment worn by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, we should not grieve when the body becomes worn out, is damaged, or falls away. Death is an event inherent in the very nature of the body. People seek the cause of death, but none of them seeks the Divine Source of Life. So praise God throughout your short life! Praise God and work for Him.<br /> <br /> ...Only Love can reveal the Divinity that lies hidden in everything. Love is God. Live in Love. Love lives by giving and forgiving. Selfishness lives by taking and forgetting. Love is self-denial. Self-love is the absence of Love. Do not waste your life pursuing the narrow interests of your ego. Love! Love! Become what you truly are—embodiments of Love. It does not matter how others treat you or what they think of you; do not worry about it. Follow Jesus Christ. Love is for your own evolution, not for what other people say about you.<br /> Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

The most serious illness is the absence of Peace (Shanti); if the mind is at peace, the body will be healthy. Therefore, everyone who wishes to enjoy good health should pay close attention to the emotions, feelings, and impulses that drive them.

Just as you send your clothes to be washed, you need to regularly wash the dirt from your mind. Otherwise, if the dirt accumulates and a “habit” has already formed, it will be difficult for the washer, and the clothes will suffer as well. Therefore, this process should be daily.

You should make sure that no dirt settles on your mind. In other words, you should keep company with people who are free of dirt. Lies, injustice, indiscipline, cruelty, and hatred—all of these form “dirt.” Truth (Sathya), Righteousness (Dharma), Peace (Shanti), and Love (Prema)—all of these are cleansing agents. If you breathe their pure air, your mind will be freed from the bacilli of evil, and you will attain mental health and physical strength. As Vivekananda said, you should have nerves of steel and muscles of iron. In other words, your unfailing traits of character should be hope, joy, and an uplifted mood—not despair and despondency.

Talks of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba from 1953 to 1960

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<div class="bbWrapper">The most serious illness is the absence of Peace (Shanti); if the mind is at peace, the body will be healthy. Therefore, everyone who wishes to enjoy good health should pay close attention to the emotions, feelings, and impulses that drive them.<br /> <br /> Just as you send your clothes to be washed, you need to regularly wash the dirt from your mind. Otherwise, if the dirt accumulates and a “habit” has already formed, it will be difficult for the washer, and the clothes will suffer as well. Therefore, this process should be daily.<br /> <br /> You should make sure that no dirt settles on your mind. In other words, you should keep company with people who are free of dirt. Lies, injustice, indiscipline, cruelty, and hatred—all of these form “dirt.” Truth (Sathya), Righteousness (Dharma), Peace (Shanti), and Love (Prema)—all of these are cleansing agents. If you breathe their pure air, your mind will be freed from the bacilli of evil, and you will attain mental health and physical strength. As Vivekananda said, you should have nerves of steel and muscles of iron. In other words, your unfailing traits of character should be hope, joy, and an uplifted mood—not despair and despondency.<br /> <br /> <div class="lbContainer lbContainer--inline " title="📙" data-xf-init="lightbox" data-lb-single-image="1" data-lb-container-zoom="1" data-lb-trigger=".js-lbImage-_xfUid-2-1792945186" data-lb-id="_xfUid-2-1792945186"> <div class="lbContainer-zoomer js-lbImage-_xfUid-2-1792945186" data-src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f9399_2x.png" aria-label="Zoom"></div> <img src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f9399_2x.png" data-url="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f9399_2x.png" class="bbImage" data-zoom-target="1" alt="📙" style="" /> </div> Talks of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba from 1953 to 1960</div>

 

[1313]

The clouds of ignorance conceal the truth. The Lord sends sages, saints, and prophets to reveal the Truth and Himself appears as an Avatar (divine incarnation) in order to awaken and liberate humanity. Two thousand years ago, when the narrowness of pride and the density of ignorance defiled humanity, Jesus came as an embodiment of Love and compassion and lived among people, upholding the highest ideals of life. You should pay attention to the lessons he explained in detail at different stages of his life. From the very beginning, He proclaimed: “I am the Messenger of God.” Everyone should accept this role and make their life an example of Divine love and charity. Today we celebrate Christmas. Recall the words he spoke, the advice he offered, and the warnings he gave, and resolve to direct your daily life along the path he laid out. His words should be engraved in your hearts, and you should resolve to follow everything he taught.
Divine Discourse, December 24, 1980

“God is in everyone. Do not slander anyone. Do not harm anyone.” — Such was Jesus’ greatest message.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">The clouds of ignorance conceal the truth. The Lord sends sages, saints, and prophets to reveal the Truth and Himself appears as an Avatar (divine incarnation) in order to awaken and liberate humanity. Two thousand years ago, when the narrowness of pride and the density of ignorance defiled humanity, Jesus came as an embodiment of Love and compassion and lived among people, upholding the highest ideals of life. You should pay attention to the lessons he explained in detail at different stages of his life. From the very beginning, He proclaimed: “I am the Messenger of God.” Everyone should accept this role and make their life an example of Divine love and charity. Today we celebrate Christmas. Recall the words he spoke, the advice he offered, and the warnings he gave, and resolve to direct your daily life along the path he laid out. His words should be engraved in your hearts, and you should resolve to follow everything he taught.<br /> Divine Discourse, December 24, 1980<br /> <br /> “God is in everyone. Do not slander anyone. Do not harm anyone.” — Such was Jesus’ greatest message.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

I declare that I am in everyone, in every being. Therefore, you must not hate one another or look for faults in each other. Always and everywhere, spread love. This is a way of honoring Me. Do not try to measure or evaluate Me. I am beyond your understanding. Pray to and worship Me for your own good and fulfillment. To say that I respond only to those who call upon Me or save only those who think of Me is incorrect. Have you not heard Me proclaim: “Sarvatah panni padam”? You can hear My footsteps, for I walk with you, behind you! When you cry out in agony, “Do You not hear the lament of my heart? Has Your heart truly become stone?”—My ear will hear you. Ask Me to guard you as the apple of My eye. My eye will watch over and protect you. I will respond to any name by which you call Me; I will answer any request made with a pure heart and good intentions.”
Conversations with Bhagavan
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
1978

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<div class="bbWrapper">I declare that I am in everyone, in every being. Therefore, you must not hate one another or look for faults in each other. Always and everywhere, spread love. This is a way of honoring Me. Do not try to measure or evaluate Me. I am beyond your understanding. Pray to and worship Me for your own good and fulfillment. To say that I respond only to those who call upon Me or save only those who think of Me is incorrect. Have you not heard Me proclaim: “Sarvatah panni padam”? You can hear My footsteps, for I walk with you, behind you! When you cry out in agony, “Do You not hear the lament of my heart? Has Your heart truly become stone?”—My ear will hear you. Ask Me to guard you as the apple of My eye. My eye will watch over and protect you. I will respond to any name by which you call Me; I will answer any request made with a pure heart and good intentions.”<br /> Conversations with Bhagavan<br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba<br /> 1978</div>

 

[1313]

Christmas hymns and candles, Bible readings, and dramatizations of stories connected with His birth—all this is not enough to celebrate the birth of Jesus. During the Last Supper, Jesus said that the bread was His flesh and the wine His blood. By this He meant that every living being with flesh and blood should be treated as oneself, and that people should not be divided into friends and enemies, into “us” and “them.” Every body is His body, sustained by bread; every drop of blood flowing through the veins of every living being is His blood, enlivened by the action of the wine. In other words, every person is Divine and should be honored as such. At first, you work as a messenger or servant; later, you serve as a son serves his father; and finally, you attain wisdom and understand that you and He are one. This is a spiritual journey, and Jesus clearly showed the way there. He announced in His early youth that He had come to illuminate the spiritual path. He spread fragrance like a flower. He contained Light within Himself—otherwise, how could a firefly glow?

To uplift humanity and raise the level of human consciousness, He had to incarnate as a human being. He had to speak to people as they were accustomed to speaking and in their own language. He had to teach them what they could understand and apply. Animals and birds do not need a Divine Incarnation to take the form of an animal or bird in order to guide them, for they have no tendency to deviate from their dharma. Man is the only one who forgets or ignores the purpose of life.
Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">Christmas hymns and candles, Bible readings, and dramatizations of stories connected with His birth—all this is not enough to celebrate the birth of Jesus. During the Last Supper, Jesus said that the bread was His flesh and the wine His blood. By this He meant that every living being with flesh and blood should be treated as oneself, and that people should not be divided into friends and enemies, into “us” and “them.” Every body is His body, sustained by bread; every drop of blood flowing through the veins of every living being is His blood, enlivened by the action of the wine. In other words, every person is Divine and should be honored as such. At first, you work as a messenger or servant; later, you serve as a son serves his father; and finally, you attain wisdom and understand that you and He are one. This is a spiritual journey, and Jesus clearly showed the way there. He announced in His early youth that He had come to illuminate the spiritual path. He spread fragrance like a flower. He contained Light within Himself—otherwise, how could a firefly glow?<br /> <br /> To uplift humanity and raise the level of human consciousness, He had to incarnate as a human being. He had to speak to people as they were accustomed to speaking and in their own language. He had to teach them what they could understand and apply. Animals and birds do not need a Divine Incarnation to take the form of an animal or bird in order to guide them, for they have no tendency to deviate from their dharma. Man is the only one who forgets or ignores the purpose of life.<br /> Sathya Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

Jesus sacrificed His life and shed His blood to instill love and compassion in the human heart, so that people could be happy when others are happy and sad when others are sad. Christmas should not be celebrated in idleness or merriment. On the contrary, celebrate it by accepting and putting into practice at least one of the ideals He proclaimed, or by striving to achieve at least one of the goals He set for humanity. Let Me, in memory of this sacred day, call upon you to give up two vices of the mind: self-praise and speaking ill of others. Develop one habit: the habit of serving those who suffer with love. If you spend all your time and energy acquiring earthly comforts and sensual pleasures, you dishonor this human existence. Life must not be spent merely eating; food is only a necessity for existence. You mistake this dwelling for your body; no, it is the temple of God. God dwells within it. Keep it clean, fresh, and fragrant by developing compassion and love.

Divine Discourse, December 25, 1976.

When you become all-encompassing and infinite Love, the Divine will manifest within you and through you.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">Jesus sacrificed His life and shed His blood to instill love and compassion in the human heart, so that people could be happy when others are happy and sad when others are sad. Christmas should not be celebrated in idleness or merriment. On the contrary, celebrate it by accepting and putting into practice at least one of the ideals He proclaimed, or by striving to achieve at least one of the goals He set for humanity. Let Me, in memory of this sacred day, call upon you to give up two vices of the mind: self-praise and speaking ill of others. Develop one habit: the habit of serving those who suffer with love. If you spend all your time and energy acquiring earthly comforts and sensual pleasures, you dishonor this human existence. Life must not be spent merely eating; food is only a necessity for existence. You mistake this dwelling for your body; no, it is the temple of God. God dwells within it. Keep it clean, fresh, and fragrant by developing compassion and love.<br /> <br /> Divine Discourse, December 25, 1976.<br /> <br /> When you become all-encompassing and infinite Love, the Divine will manifest within you and through you.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba</div>