Learning Through Reading

1313 · Sep 2, 2023

“Think of how, for millennia, lovers have sworn eternal love to each other beneath the moon. And the Moon looks down and laughs at their skulls scattered across the sands of time! Such is human love. The body seems so permanent, but life is short! The love with which people amuse one another is an abstraction. Only love itself, like life itself, lasts forever. Its forms are constantly changing. External attachments also change. Only God’s love is eternal.”

— Paramahansa Yogananda.
From the book “Conversations with Yogananda”

1313 · Sep 3, 2023

What is the purpose of the Divine Incarnation? Bhagavan lovingly explains this to us so that even today we may gain confidence in His Divine protection.

People believe that God’s incarnation has two purposes: to punish sinners and protect the righteous. But that is only one of His tasks. To grant peace and joy, and bring a sense of fulfillment to spiritual seekers who have journeyed toward the goal for a long time—this too is His task! The Avatar, or Incarnate Form, is the fulfillment of the aspirations of spiritual seekers. It is the embodied sweetness of the devotion of the pious. The Formless assumes form for the sake of these seekers. They are the primary reason. A cow gives milk to nourish the calf. The calf is the main beneficiary. But, as we see, others also benefit from the milk. Likewise, devotees (bhaktas), although they are the primary reason and their joy and well-being are the main goal, also make possible other benefits, such as the strengthening of dharma, the suppression of evil, and the destruction of the wicked.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba
— Chapter 1, Bhagavata Vahini.

Devotees think that they are seeking God. But no—it is God who is seeking devotees.
— BABA

1313 · Sep 5, 2023

What principle of unity do we need to reflect upon, and how should it be manifested? Bhagavan lovingly explains this for the benefit of our self-examination.

God is beyond the limitations of time and space. He is beyond all attributes and qualities, and no description can give a complete understanding of Him. To Him, all living beings are equal. The difference between a human being, an animal, a bird, a worm, an insect, and even a deity is merely a difference in “vessels” (upadhis). God is like an electric current passing through various devices and having many different manifestations. The current is not different; it is always one and the same. To speak of it as different is to display one’s ignorance. In the same way, the one God activates all vessels and produces a diversity of effects. The wise see only the one current; the ignorant see differences. God emphasizes the value of realizing unity as the fundamental motive for action. But He does not believe that activity should be uniform without any diversity, for diversity corresponds to different needs.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
— Chapter 1, Bhagavata Vahini.

The same God shines in everyone and through everyone, regardless of religion, skin color, origin, or territory.
— Baba

1313 · Sep 7, 2023

How can worshipping and venerating a limited form or object help one attain the grace of the Lord, who lies beyond all limitations? Bhagavan lovingly explains this to us today.

Many people condemn worship of an image of God, but at the foundation of such worship lies the human ability to see the macrocosm in the microcosm. The significance of image worship is confirmed by experience and does not depend on the power of imagination. What is revealed in the form of the Lord (Virat-svarupa) is revealed in its entirety and without alteration in the form of the image (Svarupa). The image serves the same purpose as metaphors and analogies in poetry. They illustrate, amplify, and clarify the image. Joy does not come through the form of the Deity, but through the relationship established with Him. It is not just any child who makes a mother happy, but her own. The same applies to a person and to everything. But if one establishes a bond of kinship—this Divine Love (Ishvara Prema)—with every person and with everything in the Universe, one can experience truly all-consuming joy! Only one who has experienced this feeling can understand it!

Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Chapter 20, Prema Vahini.

Practice worship of the external form of God until you experience the feeling of the Divine within yourself.
— BABA

1313 · Sep 8, 2023

“Life is God’s great dream,” the Teacher told his disciples. One of them asked, “If it is only a dream, then why does one suffer for real?”

And the Teacher said:
— In a dream, striking a dreamed head against a dreamed wall produces dreamed pain. Until the sleeper wakes up, he does not understand that the dream is unreal. Nor can the duality of the cosmic dream be understood until one awakens in God, emerging from the dreams of illusion.

Paramahansa Yogananda

1313 · Sep 10, 2023

What must we realize before the time of this life runs out? Bhagavan lovingly and firmly reminds us.

Today, people are unable to understand what life is, what its purpose is, what their duty consists of, and what they should strive for. Time rushes by like a whirlwind. The span of life allotted to a person melts away with every moment like a piece of ice. A person’s life ends before they realize their duty.

What, then, is their duty?
Every person has aspirations and ideals that must be brought to fruition, and sacred paths that must be followed. But they make no effort to achieve these goals. What is the purpose and meaning of life, and what is its secret? A person hardly ever asks themselves these questions. They live and enjoy sensual pleasures. This is not what they should do; it is not the purpose of life. A person’s entire life should be a manifestation of divinity. This ideal should become the very essence of their life and activity.

- Divine Discourse, August 18, 1995

Why did God give us this body?
Only so that we may dedicate it to the service of the Lord.
- BABA

1313 · Sep 11, 2023

There are no limitations of time or space for contemplating the Omnipresence of the Lord. No special holy place or particular time is required. Wherever the mind reflects on the Divine, that place becomes sacred! Whenever it engages in this, that moment becomes auspicious! The sages of ancient times and the Sacred Scriptures have also revealed to us the truth that meditation on God requires neither a specific time nor a specific place. Therefore, wherever and whenever your mind wishes, meditate on the Lord!

The world can attain prosperity only through disciplined souls with pure hearts who are the “salt of the earth.” Seeking the welfare of the world, from this very moment everyone should pray for the arrival of noble and holy souls and try to earn the blessings of the great. Every day, when going to sleep, remember these thoughts and try to forget the suffering of that day.

From the book: “Prema Vahini”

1313 · Sep 12, 2023

What important lesson should we learn from the life of Emperor Bali about how to please God? Bhagavan lovingly explains this to us today.

The flower that should be offered to God is a pure heart, free from all vices and bad tendencies such as lust, anger, and pride. The fruit that should be offered is a mind free from all bad thoughts and feelings. It should be filled with the nectar of goodness. The water that should be offered is the tears that flow from the eyes out of the joy of experiencing God. There are two kinds of tears: tears caused by the sorrow of losing objects of attachment, and tears that spontaneously arise from Ananda (the blissful experience of the Divine). Make God your life breath, the sweetness of your existence. It was with these sacred feelings that Emperor Bali offered himself to the Lord who appeared in the form of Vamana. People make all kinds of offerings to God. The greatest of all offerings is offering oneself. That is exactly what Bali did. He declared: “O Lord! I offer You the heart that You gave me. What else can I offer You? Please accept this offering at Your feet.” Bali is an example of the highest self-sacrifice. In this way, he pleased God!
-Divine Discourse, September 5, 1995.

Love is selflessness; selfishness is the absence of love.
-BABA

1313 · Sep 13, 2023

How can we become close and dear to God? Bhagavan lovingly gives us valuable advice today.

How can you become dear to God? The Gita points to two main qualities: “Samtushtah Satatam” (always content) and “Dhruda nishchayah” (with firm resolve). We must always remain content and cheerful, paying no attention to the changing currents of fate. This should not be a demonstrative, momentary, artificial, superficial display. Tushti has the prefix Sam, indicating that contentment must take deep root in the heart and manifest in every thought and action. Another term denoting contentment is trupti; the all-pervading, never-changing form of trupti is indicated by the prefix sam (sam-trupti). Samtushti fills the heart with divine delight; it signifies a stage of detachment from the world, for the world makes a person move from pain to pleasure and back again. Therefore, devotees should refrain from trying to gain joy or avoid sorrow. They should not be affected by ups and downs. Success should not inflate their pride, nor should failure plunge them into despair! Honors should not turn their heads, nor should dishonor bring them low. Equanimity and serenity are the signs of Samtushti. A devotee gratefully accepts everything that happens to them as given by the Divine Will, to which they have surrendered their own will!
- Divine Discourse, August 2, 1986.

True renunciation consists in treating happiness and sorrow alike.
- BABA

1313 · Sep 14, 2023

How should a devotee conduct themselves in daily life? Bhagavan lovingly and approvingly reminds us today of the need to remain focused on the lofty goals of life.

Do not limit Rama or Krishna to a particular name or form. These names were given to them after their birth. They were not born with these names. The Bharatiyas realized the truth that God dwells in their hearts. That is why they are able to withstand all difficulties and suffering and lead happy lives. “One should remain impartial in happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat (Sukhadukhe samekrutva labhalabhau jayajayau),” teaches the Gita. Pleasure and pain are an integral part of human life. Whenever they encounter sorrows and difficulties, they regard them as harbingers of happiness. They attained an exalted state through such pure feelings. Their faith in God remains unshaken even in the face of calamities such as bomb blasts, floods, and plane crashes. Those who base their lives on faith in God will never encounter sorrows, suffering, and difficulties. Their difficulties will come and go like passing clouds.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine Discourse, April 3, 2009.

Life is a succession of happiness and sorrow. To free oneself from these opposites, one must cultivate detachment.
- Baba

1313 · Sep 15, 2023

GAYATRI MANTRA AND ITS TRANSLATION

OM – Parabrahman
BHUR – Bhu loka (the physical plane). It also refers to the body made of the 5 Pancha Bhutas (5 elements). These 5 elements constitute Prakriti (nature).
BHUVaha – Bhuva loka—the intermediate world. Bhuva is also Prana Shakti. Of course, in reality, the presence of Prajnana enables Prana Shakti to bring the body to life. It is in this regard that the Vedas declare, “Prajnanam Brahma” (Continuous, All-Encompassing Awareness is Brahman).
SVAHA – Svarga loka (heaven—the land of the Gods) (Sanathana Sarathi, 9/95–234).
TAT – Paramatma, God or Brahman (literally, “That”).
SAVITUR – That from which all this was born.
VARENYAM – Worthy of worship, desirable.
BHARGO – Radiance, Spiritual Brilliance, the Light that bestows Wisdom.
DEVASYA – Divine Reality.
DHIMAHI – We meditate.
DHIYO – Buddhi, the spiritual intellect.
YO – Who.
NAH – Our.
PRACHODAYAT – May illuminate.

Also: Dhiyo Yo Yo Nah Prachodayat = Awaken my discernment, O Lord, and guide me.

🪔Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

From the book: “Gita Vahini”

1313 · Sep 17, 2023

What is true devotion? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of this today so that we may remain focused on the path of devotion.

Today, devotees have a theoretical idea of the form of Divinity, but perform rituals mechanically, without any regularity or constancy.
However, ostentatious charity and worship are of no significance to the Lord. Display them—and your wealth—to the tax authorities. God needs only your love.

Dear devotees! Merely chanting the Lord’s name is not enough. Offer your love to God. Love is not your property. In fact, it belongs to God. Give God what belongs to Him. What is the use of a long life without this offering? You have no right to give your love to anyone but God. When you give all your love to God, He will take care of all your needs. There is nothing He could not do in this world. In the city or in the village, in the forest or in the sky, on a high mountaintop or in the depths of the ocean—God is everywhere. He pervades space and time. All beings are His forms. Realize this truth, put it into practice, and enjoy bliss. This is true devotion. Only then does human life acquire its true meaning.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
– Divine Discourse, September 3, 1999

Water your hearts with love, nurture the plants of love, and enjoy their harvest.
– Baba

1313 · Sep 19, 2023

How can we please God? What can we receive His Grace for? Bhagawan lovingly guides us today and asks us to reflect.

The Lord revealed to Arjuna—and through him to all humanity—that only the devotion of those who seek to attain His Grace makes Him happy. “Bhaktiman me priyo narah” (“A devoted person is dear to Me”—Gita 12, verse 19), He declares. A devotee offers prayers, performs worship, and dedicates their thoughts, words, and actions to God, whom they clothe in Form and Name and endow with such attributes as love, compassion, wisdom, and power. Most devotees ask God for health, wealth, power, and fame—trivial blessings that bring fleeting pleasure. Divine Grace can bestow the most precious gift: His Love. A person may take pride in their achievements and claim to love God. But that is only half the journey. They gain very little from it. Has God answered them, “me priyo narah” (“they are dear to Me”)? Only after receiving such an answer can a person claim to have attained Grace!
- Divine Discourse, August 2, 1986.

There is nothing on earth or beyond it that equals Divine Love. Making every effort to deserve this love—that is the purpose and meaning of human existence.
— BABA

1313 · Sep 20, 2023

What qualities are expected of teachers who pursue the noblest of professions? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us of this today as we celebrate Teachers’ Day in India.

A teacher should have sacred feelings, perform sacred actions, and have no harmful habits.
Why?
Because it is quite natural for students to follow their teacher. A teacher shapes the future of their students. Therefore, teachers should not indulge in harmful habits such as smoking, drinking, or eating non-vegetarian food. Students observe their teachers’ habits. If a teacher indulges in these harmful habits themselves, they have no right to advise their students to give up these vices. Moreover, a teacher should never tell lies or resort to stealing. A teacher’s words should arise from sacred feelings. Virtue, a good mind, truth, devotion, discipline, and duty—these are the qualities expected of a teacher. Only then will students emulate them. The teacher’s contribution to the development of society cannot be overstated. A teacher can build society or destroy it. Teachers bear a great responsibility. They should possess a good mind in order to fulfill these duties.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine Discourse, September 11, 1998

“I will be an ideal student whom my students will follow”—this should inspire a teacher. Such a teacher has undoubtedly understood their duty.
- Baba

1313 · Sep 21, 2023

My dear ones!

The time will come when this entire dream will disappear. For each of us, the time will inevitably come when it is revealed that the entire universe is merely a dream, when we understand that the Soul is infinitely better than that which surrounds it. In the constant struggle with what we call circumstances, the moment will come when we see that all circumstances are insignificant compared with the Power of the Soul. It is only a matter of time, and time is nothing to infinity. It is merely a drop in the ocean. We can afford to wait and not worry.

With blessings,
Sri Sathya Sai Baba

From the book: "Prema Dhara" (the River of Love)

1313 · Sep 23, 2023

Liberation is of two kinds: Immediate and Gradual. The first is the result of attaining wisdom, Jnana. The second is the result of Upasana, spiritual discipleship, and Sadhana. Jnana is a pure monistic experience. Bhakti, or Devotion, is the nature of the Supreme Love characterized by love for God solely for the benefit of the Lord Himself.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

From the book: "SATHYA SAI VAHINI"

1313 · Sep 24, 2023

Rama asked:
When a person realizes the highest truth, what does he become?

Vasishtha replied:
For him, even stones become friends and the trees in the forest become relatives; even when he lives in the midst of the forest, animals become his acquaintances and kin. The kingdom seems empty to him, suffering becomes good fortune, and even when he lives in a kingdom, he enjoys (celebrates) his misfortunes. Disharmony becomes harmony,
sorrow becomes great joy, and even immersed in intense activity, he experiences inner silence.
He sees perfect inaction in action. Awakened, he is in deep sleep; alive, he is as good as dead.
He does everything and nothing.
He enjoys without tasting pleasure.
He is everyone's best friend.
He is free from pity for others, yet full of compassion. Free from desires, he appears to desire something.
He is concerned only with the proper performance of his actions.

He appears happy or unhappy in the corresponding situations.
He does not abandon what is natural and plays his appropriate role in this drama of life.
He sympathizes with those who grieve and rejoices with the happy, and neither one nor the other defiles his heart.

Yoga Vasishtha

1313 · Sep 26, 2023

Namasmarana will make you hold on to the thought of God. At present, you are like a mouse caught inside a drum—a mridanga. When the musician strikes on the right, the mouse runs to the left; when he strikes on the left, it runs in terror to the right. In the same way, you rush from Paramatma to Prakriti (the objective world), unwilling to hold on to God and, at the same time, unwilling to renounce the disappointments of worldly activity. You came from God. You are a spark of His Glory. You are a wave of this ocean of bliss. You will find peace only when you merge with Him once again. Like a child who has lost its way, you will find joy only when you meet your mother again. A drop of the ocean rose as vapor, joined a mass called a cloud, fell to the earth, flowed through ravines and finally reached the ocean. In the same way, you will reach the ocean that you lost. Set out on this journey and move forward quickly and easily!
- BABA
Divine Discourse, October 17, 1966

1313 · Sep 27, 2023

We all aspire to receive the Lord’s grace. But what must we do to attain it? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us of this today.

The ways of the Lord are inscrutable. It is difficult to understand how Divine Grace operates.
There are countless examples of how God comes to the aid of His devotees in difficult times. Saint Kabir was a weaver by profession. Once, he fell seriously ill and was unable to perform his duties. The all-compassionate Lord took on Kabir’s form and wove the yarn in his place, helping him. Similarly, the Lord appeared in the form of a potter and helped Gora Kumbhar, making the pots Himself when Gora was in trouble. Sakkubai, an ardent devotee of Lord Panduranga, constantly chanted the Lord’s name. One day, she was unable to perform her daily duties because she developed a high fever. Even under these circumstances, her husband and mother-in-law did not allow her to rest. At that moment, Lord Panduranga assumed Sakkubai’s form and performed all her duties. Truly, it is impossible to understand how, when, and where God comes to the aid of His devotees. Absolute faith is necessary for God to manifest.

- Divine Discourse, September 3, 1999

Chant God’s name day after day. This alone will protect you at all times.

- Baba

1313 · Sep 28, 2023

You are now Me.
I am now you, and there is no difference.
My darshan will pour out to you and through you. You may not be aware of its constant action. Be pure in heart and soul, and throughout your lives you will bring benefit to humanity through your unique qualities. Others will also join Me in this mission when I draw them to Myself. The time is approaching when all humanity will live in harmony. This time will come sooner than can be expected. Before it arrives, be prepared for everything required to reveal the true purpose of existence to every living being. It is not something that one living on Earth can imagine. It is not something a person can aspire to. It is beyond all understanding. I can say that its beauty is so magnificent, it surpasses every dream. And as each person carries out their silent work, I will hold you close to My heart—then your souls will rise, and your eyes will open to My presence within you. It is I who speak to all My devotees from the summit of the Lord’s mountain, where all universes merge into one!
Carry out My work, My beloved bhaktas! Your breath will bring the fragrance of heaven’s blossoms. Your example will be an example to the angels. Your joy will be My joy.
Sai Baba,
February 1995.