Compassion, kindness, and love are separate words, but they all mean the same thing. The word “love” has many synonyms, but only one source—the heart. Love is immortal, like nectar, filled with bliss, and infinite. A heart filled with love knows no boundaries.
The test that will reveal the quality of your faith is whether you sincerely follow the precepts established by God. Your beliefs and actions must be expressions of faith. Holiness must be their foundation. They must be so full of love and compassion that they attract God’s grace to you. Activity arising from such holiness and faith is the purpose of Karma, according to the chapters of the Vedic scriptures. It is the backbone of human development; it is the very breath of a happy person’s existence; it is food that alone can relieve people’s hunger; it is life-giving water that heals their thirst. Activity (karma) is as inseparably connected with people as their need to investigate and realize their own reality. Therefore, the first and constant duty is to engage in the activity taught or approved in the Vedas. Three kinds of activity reach God and earn His grace: (1) Activity not prompted by personal desire, (2) Activity arising from selfless love, and (3) Prayer arising from a pure heart. This is what the Lord takes notice of; these reach God directly.
- Sathya Sai Vahini, Chapter 19.
There is no greater quality in a person than selfless love expressed through service to others.
What is the secret of the art of inaction in action (Akarma in Karma)? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us so that we may consciously transform our outlook and way of life.
Just as the work performed or activity in which a person engages can be called karma, not doing work or inaction is also karma! Seeing people silent and calm, sitting quietly and doing nothing, we conclude that they are inactive. How, then, can they be described as engaging in activity? What is meant by the words: “They do not perform any work; they are not engaged in anything”? This statement means only that “they are engaged in keeping away from any work or activity.” Thus, it can be said that at times people are engaged in performing work, and at other times they are engaged in not taking up any work; that is, they can be said to be involved in action (karma) as well as in inaction (akarma). If they are not absorbed in or attached to the action they perform, and regard it as their duty, as their offering to the Lord, without being bound by the fruits of their labor, then they will practice inaction even in action. This is the highest spiritual discipline.
From the experience of a real-life woman who called upon the gods of death. They answered her: “Child, to attain the crystal-like perfect purity of the soul, one must not suffer, but know how to appreciate all the good in one’s life and strive for harmony...”
Engage in good deeds, good company, and good thoughts. Focus your attention on your goal. You have not yet realized the mystery of this Advent. You are truly fortunate, much more fortunate than others. Only when Yashoda saw that no matter which rope she took, it was not long enough to tie around Krishna’s body did she understand that He was God.
In the same way, someday you will realize that any description of My Divine Glory (Mahima) falls somewhat short of reality; only then will you become convinced. However, if you studied the Shastras and became acquainted with the descriptions of the Avatars of the Supreme One, you might catch glimpses of the Truth about Me.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba. SSG, Volume 1. On the Banks of the Chitravathi River: Puttaparthi. 23-2-1958
How should one live so that life becomes a journey toward God? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us not to miss this opportunity.
To a superficial observer, life consists of the cycle of eating, drinking, working, and sleeping. But in truth, life has a much greater and far deeper meaning. Life is a sacrifice (yajna). Every small action is an offering to the Lord. If the day passes in actions performed in such a spirit of surrender, what else can sleep be but complete absorption in God (samadhi)? People are deeply mistaken in identifying themselves with the body. They accumulate all kinds of things to maintain and provide comfort for the body. Even when, with the passing years, the body becomes inert and infirm, people try to strengthen it in one way or another. But how long can death be postponed? When Yama’s messenger comes, everyone must leave with him. Status, pride, and power—all of it vanishes before death. Realizing this, strive day and night, maintaining the purity of body, mind, and spirit, to realize the Higher Self through service to all living beings.
Prema Vahini, Chapter 6.
The body is an instrument given to you for service. Remember that you are not this body; the body cannot be you!
You must have heard people say that all I do is perform tricks. But the manifestation of divine power should not be interpreted in terms of magic and tricks. Magicians perform their tricks to obtain money, worldly fame, and prosperity. They are based on falsehood and thrive on deception. But this Body could never stoop to such a low level. This Body came because of the Lord’s decision to come. That decision was the intention to uphold satya, or truth. A divine decision is always a true decision. Remember that there is nothing divine power cannot do. It can turn earth into heaven and heaven into earth. To doubt this is to prove that you are too weak to comprehend the great things and grandeur of the Universe.
I have come to teach everyone the essence of the Vedas, to pour out this precious gift upon all, in order to protect and uphold Sanatana Dharma—the ancient wisdom. My mission is to spread happiness, and therefore I am always ready to come to you, not once, nor twice or thrice, but as often as you want Me.
Speech at the celebration of Swami’s 43rd anniversary
What should be the effect of chanting the Lord’s name and spending time in noble company? Bhagawan lovingly explains today.
A person who claims to have been to the seashore and played with the waves there should provide at least a pair of wet feet as proof, right? Similarly, when you come to this sea of Satsanga (the company of the virtuous) and share the waves of bliss with everyone present, the proof is eyes moistened with tears and a heart rejoicing at the sight of others’ happiness. Even when you are simply listening to Me, gather honey like a bee settling on flowers. It was said here that the world is becoming Sai-mayam (filled with Sai), and that Sai-namam (the name of Sai) is on everyone’s lips. I want this process to go even deeper. I do not insist that it must necessarily be the name “Sai.” The world should become Paramatma-mayam (filled with the Supreme), and let any of the multitude of names be on people’s lips, and any form of the Supreme in their minds! The same substance permeates many different forms. It is like the sugar candies children love so much—they may be shaped like a cat, dog, cow, or horse; all are equally sweet: one child prefers one shape and name, while another cries, demanding a candy of a different shape! The same Divine essence reveals itself at different times and in different places, taking different Names.
- Divine Discourse, February 26, 1961
All names belong to Him, and He will respond to any of them. Visualize Him in any form, meditating on Him; He assumes that form, bestowing Grace.
BABA
I know the stirrings of your heart and its aspirations, but you do not know My heart. I respond to the pain you suffer and the joy you feel, because I am in your heart.
I dwell in the temple of every heart. Do not lose contact and connection, because only when a lump of coal is in contact with a live ember can it also become an ember. Cultivate closeness to Me in your heart, and you will be rewarded. Then you too will receive a share of supreme love. This is a great opportunity. Be assured that all of you will be liberated. Know that you are saved.
Many waver in their faith that things will improve, that life will be happy and full of joy for everyone, and that the Golden Age will return. Let Me assure you that this Dharmaswarupa—this divine Body—did not come in vain. This crisis that has befallen humanity will be successfully overcome.
Speech at the celebration of Swami’s 43rd anniversary
To tell you the truth, you cannot understand the nature of My Reality—not today, nor even after a thousand years of strict asceticism or ardent inquiry, even if all humanity were to unite in this effort. But, in a short time, you will experience the bliss poured forth by the divine Principle that has assumed this sacred body and this sacred name. Your fortunate destiny, which has given you this opportunity, is greater than what was available to hermits, monks, sages, saints, and even those who embodied aspects of divine Glory!
Because I walk beside you, eat as you do, and speak with you, this misleads you, and you think that this is merely an instance of ordinary human nature. Beware of such a mistake. I also mislead you by singing with you, conversing with you, and taking part in activities with you. But at any moment My divinity may be revealed to you; you must be ready for it, prepared for such a moment. Because divinity is veiled by the illusion of human form, you must be able to look beyond the veil of this maya (illusoriness) that conceals divinity from your eyes.
What can help us attain bliss, and what cannot? Bhagawan clearly explains this matter to us today.
Accumulating possessions, learning, or fame cannot bring any benefit if what has been acquired is not put into practice for the good of oneself and others. Spiritual wisdom must blossom in a person—the realization that the body they identify as themselves is merely an instrument they use. This is the first step toward higher spiritual consciousness. In every person abides the Atman, eternally free from limitations and attachments, eternally pure. This is Brahman (Absolute Reality), Cosmic Awareness, hidden and manifest in everyone. Yoga (Divine Union) awakens when the world is viewed with renunciation that is noble in nature. This is the source of supreme Ananda (Divine bliss). A question may arise: how can renunciation and detachment lead to joy? While engaged in any activity, experiencing any emotion or reaction, cast aside the feeling that you are the enjoyer—then you will be able to remain in joy forever. In this case, the bhogi (enjoyer) truly becomes a yogi (spiritually advanced person).
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine discourse, April 21, 1983
If the ego is removed when performing actions, and attachment is cast aside when using material objects, there will be no difference between tyaga (renunciation) and bhoga (enjoyment).
- Baba
On the eve of the New Year, people are full of hopes and expectations. But in fact, you should regard every moment of your life as the beginning of a New Year. Without eternal virtues, names and forms have no value. People suffer from various illnesses, physical and mental, internal and external. A doctor can cure diseases of the body, but for all mental illnesses, the only remedy is awareness of one's true Self. The Atmic awareness is the only remedy for all inner ailments. You should strive to understand the principle of the Atman.
If we think that the consequences of prarabdha karma (the fruits of past actions destined for us) are inevitable, then what is the point of worshipping God? Although prarabdha exists, God's grace will certainly eliminate its negative consequences to a great extent. Let us take an injection ampoule as an example. It says that the medicine inside is valid until 1970. In 1972, we may take the same ampoule with the same medicine, but it will no longer be effective. It will no longer produce the desired effect. Something similar happens in our destiny: we are obliged to take the medicine (that is, experience prarabdha), but God's grace can weaken and mitigate its effects. And it will no longer trouble us. We can become recipients of God's grace; and we need not fear prarabdha, sanchita, or agami (different types of karma). If God is pleased with our worship, He will surely cancel its negative consequences. Therefore, the most important thing we should strive for is to earn God's grace, through which we can overcome all these adverse consequences of karma.
—BABA
Summer Showers in Brindavan, 1972, Chapter 11.
Once, during an interview, we asked Swami: “How should we conduct psychotherapy?”
We thought He would give us a long lecture, but He simply said: “See Me in everyone.” It was such a simple answer, but its meaning was profound.
It meant that we should see the light of truth in everyone; sustain this vision, focus on it, and allow everything else to dissolve.
Then, on another occasion, I asked: “Swami, is everything truly Your will? When bad things happen, such as Nazism in Germany, when half of my family was killed in Europe, is that Your will?”
Without hesitation, He said: “Everything is My will.”
He did not even say, well, it is the ego, some things happen because of negativity.
He simply said: “Everything is My will.”
Then I said: “Swami, German fascism! Tell me!”
And He replied: “You do not understand; there are no victims.”
What a profound statement; only God understands the reality that lies beyond us.
This is difficult to understand, especially when we see negative things happening around us.
What can we do in the present to ensure a joyful future? Today, on the occasion of Ugadi (New Year), Bhagawan lovingly guides us with His blessings.
Love all. Believe that God is present in everyone. Make everyone happy. Only in this way can you attain happiness. It is impossible to attain happiness without making others happy. On this day of Ugadi, make a firm resolve to purify your heart. The past is behind you and cannot be brought back. When you walk along a road, you need to see the path ahead. What is the use of looking back? Besides, there is no need to dwell on the past. The future is uncertain. Is there any guarantee that you will live until tomorrow? Therefore, do not worry about your future. Live in the present. This is not an ordinary present; it is omnipresent, which means that it contains the fruits of the past and the seeds of the future. Therefore, when you use the present properly, you can be confident that the future is secure.
Which flower should you offer to God? A jasmine flower or a marigold? No, no. Offer the flower of your pure heart. Then which fruit is pleasing to God? A banana, guava, or orange? No, these are not the fruits you should offer. Offer the fruit of your mind. Likewise, God does not expect you to offer water from the Ganges or any other river or spring. You should offer your tears of joy for the Lord.
The Lord sees the entire drama of life in three acts—the past, present, and future—as clearly as the palm of His hand. In the blink of an eye, He encompasses all three acts. God is Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient; therefore, everything that happens is the fulfillment of His design, His play enacted upon the stage of the Universe. But the actors and spectators are left guessing and cannot comprehend its grand meaning or further development. For how can one scene or a small act from a play fully reveal the meaning of the entire production?
To understand the meaning of the play, one must watch it in its entirety, mustn’t one? When the mystery of the production becomes clear and the performance is perceived as a “simple game,” the conviction arises and grows stronger that you abide in God and God abides in you. This is why seekers of Spiritual Wisdom (Jnanis) are always aware of the presence of God in everything and everyone, in the visible and the invisible. The Lord dwells both in the tiny ant and in the enormous elephant, in the smallest atom and in the boundless expanses of the Universe!
What is the unique and special glory of humanity? How should we use our special ability? Today Bhagawan motivates us in His inimitable loving manner.
You may not get the chance to participate in a large-scale service project through which you could help millions of people, but you can help a lame lamb climb the steps or help a blind child cross a busy street. This too is an act of worship. Seva is more fruitful than japa, dhyana, yajna, and yaga, which are generally recommended to spiritual seekers. For seva serves two purposes: weakening the ego and attaining ananda (bliss). Can you be happy when a person beside you is deeply sorrowful? When a child near you cries pitifully, your eyes fill with tears of sympathy. Why? Because there is an invisible bond between you. Only human beings possess compassion; only they can be happy when others are happy and unhappy when others are unhappy. That is why the human being is the crown of creation, the pinnacle of evolution. Only human beings are capable of seva; in this lies their special glory and unique skill. — Divine Discourse, March 4, 1970
To serve anyone is to serve Me, for I am in everyone.
How should we use the opportunity to serve (Seva)? Today, Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of this once again.
Imprint delight in your hearts, share this delight with others, and worship God in this delightful form. Turning to the qualities necessary for performing service (Seva), you will understand how important it is to have a pure heart, untouched by vanity, greed, envy, hatred, or rivalry. Faith in God as the source of life force, virtue, and justice is also necessary. Seva is worship offered to God in the heart of every person. Do not ask another person which country they come from, which caste they belong to, or which faith they profess. Be able to see the beloved form of God in that person; in reality, they are not “another” at all. They are His likeness, just as you are. You are not helping some “one person”; you are worshipping Me in them. I am before you in this Form, so is there room in you for the ego to raise its head? Duty is God, Work is worship. Even the tiniest task is a flower laid at the feet of the Lord.
Divine Discourse, March 4, 1970.
The best way to love God is to love all and serve all.
How can we experience the sweetness of Rama's presence within us, and how should this be reflected in our lives? Today Bhagavan explains this beautifully and clearly.
Consider that Rama is speaking through you, and honor every word as Rama would. Think about how deeply Lakshmana had to repent for one fateful act, when he acted contrary to the word given to Rama himself. He had agreed to Rama's request never to leave Sita alone in the hut. But he left, and so Ravana was able to abduct Sita and carry her away to his island city! Rama is Atma-Rama, the voice of God within. Do not disobey or circumvent His instructions. Pray that this voice may always warn you; pray with humility and heed its advice. Then Rama will compassionately guide you along the right path. Ramadasa of Bhadrachalam was thrown into prison and flogged without mercy. He fervently prayed for grace and was able to earn divine help that saved him from torture. Unwavering faith is a sign of spiritual success. It is the result of realizing one's inner Reality, the basis of stability, Divinity in the human being.
Divine Discourse, April 21, 1983.
One who obeys the commands of the Lord is truly peaceful and is a yogi; one who does not obey the commands of the Lord is sick (rogi).
