Learning Through Reading

1313 · Dec 7, 2023

We all marvel at the many miracles performed by Bhagavan, which we have heard about or witnessed. But what is their purpose? Bhagavan Himself explains this so that we may derive true benefit from them.

The miracles and signs I manifest are given names that do not correspond to their purpose or effect. They may be called chamatkara (miracles), which lead to samskara (purification), which in turn impel a person toward paropakara (helping others) and finally lead to sakshatkara (divine vision). Chamatkara is any action that attracts through its inexplicability. This aspect of attraction is the very nature of the Avatar. The name Rama itself means: “The One who delights or causes joy.” Krishna means: “The One who attracts, who draws people to Himself.” This attribute of attractiveness is a distinguishing characteristic of Divinity. Why does the Divine attract? Is it to deceive or mislead? No. It is transformation, reconstruction and reshaping—a process called samskara. What is the purpose of transformation? To make a person useful to society, erase his ego and establish in him the unity of all beings in God. A person who has undergone samskara becomes a humble servant of those in need. This is the stage of paropakara. Service of this kind, performed with reverence and selflessness, prepares a person to realize the One pervading the many. The final stage is Sakshatkara.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
—Divine Discourse, November 23, 1976

Control the mind, control your behavior, keep your heart peaceful and pure, and then you will receive the grace of God.
—Baba

1313 · Dec 8, 2023

Why our devotion should not be limited to worshipping the Lord. Bhagavan lovingly explains this so that we may go further.

Let us consider chamatkara—the actions that attract and amaze. You see a flower. You want to take it in your hand only if its color or fragrance is attractive. You go to the market and see heaps of fruit. If the fruit is not appealing, you do not feel any desire to eat it with pleasure. Attraction is the very nature of the Divine. As soon as a person is attracted, the process of samskara (transformation) begins. Without this, a person remains undeveloped and weak. He has neither dignity nor individuality. A worthless piece of metal, through skilled manipulation and reworking, becomes a watch worth several hundred rupees—this is the result of samskara, which has transformed it into a useful instrument for telling time. In the same way, a person can be transformed into a noble, effective, happy, and disciplined member of society by instilling good thoughts and noble feelings, cultivating good actions, and fostering positive emotions. Such transformed people will voluntarily engage in work to improve people's welfare. They will promote the ideals of the brotherhood of man and the fatherhood of God.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine Discourse, November 23, 1976

When you are immersed in worldly affairs, He makes you cry. When you immerse yourself in spirituality, He wipes away your sorrow.
- Baba

1313 · Dec 9, 2023

We all marvel at the many miracles performed by Bhagavan, which we have heard about or witnessed. But what is their purpose? Bhagavan Himself explains this so that we may derive true benefit from them.

The miracles and signs that I manifest are given names that do not correspond to their purpose or effect. They may be called chamatkara (miracles), which lead to samskara (purification), which in turn inspire a person to engage in paropakara (helping others) and finally lead to sakshatkara (divine vision). Chamatkara is any act that attracts through its inexplicability. This aspect of attraction is the very nature of the Avatar. The name Rama itself means “The One who delights or inspires wonder.” Krishna means “The One who attracts and draws people to Himself.” This quality of attractiveness is a distinctive feature of Divinity. Why does the Divine attract? Is it to deceive or mislead? No. It is transformation, reconstruction, and reformation—a process called samskara. What is the purpose of transformation? To make a person useful to society, erase his ego, and establish in him the unity of all beings in God. A person who has undergone samskara becomes a humble servant of those in need of help. This is the stage of paropakara. Service of this kind, performed with reverence and selflessness, prepares a person to realize the One pervading the many. The final stage is Sakshatkara.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
— Divine Discourse, November 23, 1976

Control the mind, regulate your behavior, keep your heart peaceful and pure, and then you will attain God’s grace.
—Baba

1313 · Dec 10, 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 greater than what 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 without worry.

With blessings,
Sri Sathya Sai Baba

From the book: “Prema Dhara” (River of Love)

1313 · Dec 11, 2023

What does every sunset and sunrise remind us of? What does every passing minute tell us? Today, Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of this.

In the beginningless and endless flow of time, the eternal succession of days and nights, summers and winters, rolls on. With each passing day, the lifespan of living beings grows shorter. It is strange that a person carried along by this current does not realize what fate awaits them. Blinded by ignorance, they never once reflect on their fleeting life. Wealth and luxury are short-lived; high positions and power are transient; and the breath of life is like a flickering flame in the wind. Youth is a three-day fair. Pleasures and good fortune are merely bundles of sorrow. If, knowing all this, a person dedicates their limited lifespan to serving the Lord, they are truly blessed. Seek refuge at the Lord’s feet before the breath of life flies out of the cage of the body. This cage is always open, and the bird may fly out at any moment. Such is the truth.

- Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 06, Chapter 38.

Time will not submit to you; you must submit to time. Time is its own master, so you must strive to use it properly.

- BABA

1313 · Dec 12, 2023

What is the profound truth we should strive to understand, and what prevents us from realizing it? Today, Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of this and offers us inspiration.

The countless waves of the vast ocean contain the same water as the ocean, whatever their form. Similarly, although human beings have myriad names and forms, each one is a wave in the ocean of Sat-Chit-Ananda (Being-Awareness-Bliss). Human beings are endowed with immortality, being embodiments of love. But unfortunately, they are unable to share this love with other members of society. The root cause of this situation is selfishness and self-interest. All human words, thoughts, and actions are motivated by personal gain. People have become puppets in the hands of self-interest. Only when selfishness is eradicated will a person be able to manifest their inner Divinity. Every person is an embodiment of the Divine, but few try to understand this. Developing attachment to the body and forgetting their Divine essence, people lead a meaningless existence. To rid themselves of selfishness, people must engage in selfless service and singing the name of God.

- Divine Discourse, September 14, 1997.

Only one who renounces their selfish interests and considers the happiness of others their own, dedicating themselves to their welfare, is truly a selfless person.

- BABA

1313 · Dec 13, 2023

How should we chant the Divine Name? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us of this today, giving classic examples from the epics.

When expressing your gratitude to God by chanting His name, you should do so from the depths of your heart, not as a musical performance. For example, Ravana constantly repeated the five-syllable Shiva Mantra — "Namah Shivaya," but did not rid himself of any of his demonic qualities because he did so mechanically.
On the other hand, Prahlada, although he was the son of a rakshasa, constantly repeated Narayana’s mantra, "Om Namo Narayana," with all his heart and soul. This saved him from all the terrible tortures inflicted on him by his father, Hiranyakashipu. He emerged unharmed from every ordeal by connecting himself with the Lord’s name in his heart. Each instrument of torture transformed into a form of the Lord. It should be noted that uttering the Lord’s name wholeheartedly is true Smarana (meditation). One should not chant the name to earn the approval of others or for show. It is enough if you are able to please the Lord. In the process, one becomes united with the Divine.

- Divine Discourse, September 14, 1997

When you repeat the Divine Name with love even once, you will experience indescribable and all-encompassing bliss in your heart.

- Baba

1313 · Dec 14, 2023

How can we find lasting joy in a world where everything is fleeting? Today, Bhagawan lovingly guides and inspires us.

The physical body itself, which people cherish so carefully from the moment of birth, is subject to decay and destruction. What, then, can be said of those who consider other things to be “theirs”? This is merely the delusion of a wayward mind. Everything is false, everything is impermanent — mere castles in the air, structures built in a dream. Reflect on the Truth: only turning to Sri Hari and glorifying Him can bring you everlasting joy. Within the room called the body, in the safe of the heart, lies the precious jewel of jnana (wisdom). Four treacherous thieves — kama, krodha, lobha and asuya (lust, anger, greed and envy) — are waiting to commit a robbery. Realize the danger before it is too late; seek the support of the Universal Protector, the Lord, and preserve this precious jewel safe and sound. This will make you rich in prema (love) and shanti (peace).

- Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 06, Chapter 38.

Distinguish the permanent from the temporary and follow the path leading to everlasting bliss.

- Baba

1313 · Dec 15, 2023

How can we bring our lives into alignment with our spiritual aspirations? Bhagavan lovingly explains this to us today.

Thieves who rob people of such precious treasures as peace and contentment, equanimity and courage are honoured as masters! Yet the true masters, who bestow peace and happiness, are treated with disrespect and dislike! Thieves—lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and hatred—are honoured as welcome guests, while true benefactors such as serenity and humility are shown the door! You want to drink a sweet beverage, but instead of sugar, you put salt in the cup, mistaking salt for sugar. Is this not the condition of people today? They passionately desire peace, but do not know how to attain it! The means they employ do not lead them to the result they expect!
Many people who come to Me ask for moksha (liberation) from the bonds of sorrow and joy, birth and death. But when I offer to fulfil this desire, they do not respond; they would rather receive it ten or five years later. Thus, all these longings and aspirations are merely posturing, a fashionable slogan, and nothing more. A person must be sincere; their words must accord with their feelings, and their actions with their words. Resolve to follow this practice, at least from today onward.
- Divine Discourse, February 15, 1969

Any great task can be accomplished through prayer. However, your prayers must be sincere. They must embody unity of thought, word and deed.

- Baba

1313 · Dec 16, 2023

WHEN YOU SAID “YES” TO ME

When you said “Yes” to Me, you gave up the right to be like everyone else. And so you attract experiences that will cleanse you of what is incompatible with who you are.
Again and again, over and over, until I make you see that the past no longer works.
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 fit your new self, the discomfort is unbearable. It will be this way every time, until you fully realise it. Then, and only then, will you completely cast aside your desires, because this is the only way a person learns. Very rarely does a person actually learn from quiet reminders. Human desires and traps are arranged so that I can do My work. When you fully surrender, 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 foolishness, because I love you, and although you are not fully aware of it, you
really did say “YES” to Me.

~ Sathya Sai Baba

1313 · Dec 17, 2023

What is the best way to express gratitude to God for all the blessings He bestows upon us? Today, Bhagawan lovingly reminds us of this and gives us inspiration.

Man leads his life on earth, completely dependent on the five elements: ether, air, fire, water, and earth, which are closely interconnected. Every being in this world, whether a bird, an animal, or anyone else, has its own value. Only man has lost it because he is too preoccupied with worldly affairs. He feels no gratitude toward the five elements that bestow such countless precious gifts as light, warmth, air, and water. Man has to pay money for many benefits of civilisation, such as electricity and running water, but what price does he pay for the sunlight that illuminates the entire world? This light is God’s gift. What price do you pay for a gentle breeze or a heavy downpour? God bestows these precious gifts upon man without asking anything in return. What gratitude, then, does man express to God for all this? The only way to show gratitude to the five elements is to practise smarana (continuous repetition of the Lord’s name). We express gratitude for the many small services we receive, but how do we thank God, who provides us with life’s most precious gifts?
- Divine Discourse, 14 September 1997

We need buddhi for intelligent activity. For buddhi to function, we need gratitude. An ungrateful person can never become an intelligent person.

- BABA

1313 · Dec 18, 2023

Why should we continuously watch our actions? Bhagawan lovingly guides us today.

This world is a combination of time (kala), action (karma), and cause (karana). Every action has a reaction. When you cut your finger with a knife, blood immediately spurts out. Here, the reaction is instantaneous. There is no time interval. On the other hand, the food we eat takes at least two hours to digest. Take a seed, for example. A seed sown today requires three or four days to germinate. Here, the gap between action and reaction is somewhat greater than in the previous cases. At times, a sapling takes years to grow into a giant tree and bear fruit. Thus, the time interval between action and reaction may vary depending on the nature of the action. It is impossible to say when, how, and where a person will face the consequences of their actions. But it is certain that no one can escape them.
- Divine Discourse, 3 September 1999

Devotion to the Divine will grant you bliss, prosperity, and peace.

- Baba

1313 · Dec 19, 2023

THE MESSAGE OF THE TRIPLE INCARNATION

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Question: Why should the task be divided among three separate incarnations of Shirdi, Sathya, and Prema Baba?

Swami: They are not separate from one another. I have already mentioned the complete unity of all three in the ultimate goal of the mission. I will give you an example. Take a kilogram of gur (a sweet substance). It is all sweet in taste. Then break it into small pieces. Each of them is sweet. Finally, break them into tiny grains. You will find the same sweetness in them. Thus, the difference is only in quantity, not in quality.

The same applies to the Avatars. Their tasks and the power required by them differ according to the time, situation, and surrounding circumstances. But they belong to and originate from the same “Dharma Swarup,” or divine body.

Let us take a fruit as an example. It begins as a seed, which grows into a tree, and fruit appears on it. Work can be compared to the seed, worship to the tree, and wisdom to the fruit.

The previous Avatar, Shirdi Baba, laid the foundation for the eternal unification (integration) and gave humanity the message that duty is work.

The mission of Sathya Sai Baba is to make everyone realize that the same God, or divinity, is present in each person. People should respect, love, and help one another regardless of skin color or religion. Thus, any work can become worship.

Finally, Prema Sai, the third Avatar, will spread the good news that not only does God reside in everyone, but everyone is God. This will be the final wisdom that will enable every man and woman to move toward God.

The three Avatars carry the triple message of work, worship, and wisdom.

1313 · Dec 20, 2023

Children of Immortality!
Remember that you were created
In My image and likeness. Exactly!

Be worthy of this image
Always and everywhere,
Live as Masters!

Walk the Earth with your head held high.
Your spirit soars in the heavens…
Your hearts are open to love…
Believe in yourselves and in the God within you.
Then all will be well.

The Earth is merely a manifestation of My Being,
Created by My Life!
Wherever you look, I am there.
Wherever you go, I am there.
Whomever you meet, it is Me.
I am in everyone, in all My Splendor.

See Me everywhere.
Speak with Me and love Me,
Who dwells in each of you.

And then I will answer from within each of you
And lead you to Glory.
I cannot be seen in any one place,
For I fill all of space.

You cannot hide from Me
Or conceal anything from Me,
For there are no secrets from Me.

Live… live… live… in harmony
With My laws—and miracles will begin.

Now reflect.
Do your delusions hinder the free
flow of the Essence of My Being through you?
Immediately ask Me in the silence of meditation
To show you your mistakes.
Let old memories of Me
rise from your subconscious…
Old images…
Old, forgotten feelings and thoughts.

Now immerse them in the Ocean of Light,
Ignite them with your consciousness,
So that you may become
True symbols of My Being.
Right now
Imagine My burning Flame,
Rising higher and higher
As it burns its way through you.

This is the flame that refreshes,
Cleanses, and heals;
It eases hidden suffering…
And gives you tranquility and peace.

Rest in My Love.
Let everything you have had to go through
Over many lifetimes up to this day,
Melt away in My Redemptive Light.

Children of My Being!
Dissolve your sorrows and fears in Me.
Allow Me to erase
All your Karma.
Return to My Consciousness, which is
Your own true consciousness.
Let your pitiful human self
Disappear at once,
As soon as you come to Me—to the One
Who is your Inner True Self.

Now you are—
My Radiant, Magnificent Self…
Do not separate yourselves from Me henceforth…
Dissolve into Me…Merge with Me…
Become Me!

“PREMA DHARA”
(RIVER OF LOVE)
A collection of letters
by Sri Sathya Sai Baba
to his students
compiled by Sri J. Venkataraman
first international edition
Australian Sathya Sai Baba Centre, 1995

1313 · Dec 21, 2023

Most devotees who have come here from overseas are quite well-off. Why did they come? They are like patients who are admitted to a hospital to treat their illnesses. All of them truly suffer from some ailment, physical or mental; they are its victims and need such medicines as peace, joy, and happiness. Where will this peace come to them from? It cannot be obtained from outside; it is within you. Illness arises within because of negative qualities. Everyone’s physical, mental, and emotional health is destroyed by bad qualities, unkind feelings, and thoughts. Therefore, cherish good thoughts, good feelings, and good relationships. Drive out every bad thought as soon as it arises in your mind.
Baba

1313 · Dec 22, 2023

What is the significance of Gokulashtami, or the Advent of Lord Krishna? Today, Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of the purpose of the Avatar.

Krishna was born during Krishna Paksha, the dark half of the month. During the dark hours, the Lord’s radiance manifests with greater force. In a world ruled by chaos, Krishna was born to establish order. He was born on Ashtami (the eighth day according to the lunar calendar). Ashtami is associated with worries and difficulties. When do troubles rear their heads? When righteousness is forgotten.

The advent of Krishna symbolises the dispelling of darkness, the removal of suffering and ignorance, and the teaching of humanity the Highest Wisdom.

Krishna’s principal role was that of a teacher. He taught the Gita to Arjuna. He told Arjuna: “Be My instrument!” In this way, Krishna proclaimed: “Using you as My instrument, I will reform the entire world.”

All teachings that originate in the Divine are connected with Dharma and Prema (Divine Love). The Gopis prayed to Krishna that He would never leave their hearts, where they had enshrined Him.

— Divine Discourse, 14 August 1990

It is precisely to teach humanity the path of love that Avatars come into the world.

— Baba

1313 · Dec 23, 2023

Earth’s gravitational force has existed since time immemorial. It appeared together with the Creation of the Earth. The Earth and the force of gravity are inseparable and indistinguishable. It would be foolish to deny it simply because some people do not acknowledge it because they cannot see it. Yet no one previously knew of the existence of this universal force, although it appeared together with the Earth! This force was active even when human beings knew nothing about it. Eventually, after closely studying the structure of the Earth and conducting lengthy experiments, the Western physicist Newton announced that the Earth possesses gravitational force. The world accepted his statement as true. But this force had been active all along, even before Newton’s announcement. It did not begin its work at the moment when the demonstration experiments were conducted.

The Vedas are Eternal Truth; they existed even before people discovered them and began working with them. Just as Western scientists announced the existence of gravity after their experiments, the ancients of this land demonstrated the validity of the Vedas through their own experience. The Veda existed long before its discovery and practical application. Newton’s law of gravitation benefited the entire world; it expressed a universal truth applicable to everything at all times. It was not valid only for Western countries. The Veda is likewise truth not only for Bharata, but for all people on Earth.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

From the book: "SATHYA SAI VAHINI"

1313 · Dec 24, 2023

What is the meaning of the name "Krishna"? Bhagavan reveals the nature of the Lord through this nectarean divine name as we celebrate the festival of Janmashtami.

Behind the letters that make up the name Krishna—Ka, ra, sha, na and a—lie Krishna’s greatest qualities. The letter "Ka" means "Kamala Kanta"—the Divine Consort of Lakshmi.

Other meanings attributed to this letter are Kamaleshvara and Kamala-garbha (various names of the Lord referring to the Kamala flower, or lotus). He is also known as Kamala-bandhavudu—the relative of the Lotus.

The inner meaning of these symbols is that when Divinity awakens within us, the heart blossoms, just as the lotus opens before the sun. Thus, "Ka" symbolizes the principle of the Sun. "Ra" represents the principle of delight. "Sha" represents Vishnu, the source of wealth and prosperity. "Na" signifies the avatar Narasimha, the inseparable unity of human and animal. "A" reveals the Lord’s Akshara-svarupa, His imperishable and eternal nature. From the letters alone in the name, the sages derived Krishna’s divine attributes as an Avatar, as the very embodiment of bliss (Ananda)!

—Divine Discourse, August 27, 1986

A devotee should develop yearning for God in order to melt His heart. Even soft butter melts under the influence of heat.

—Baba

1313 · Dec 27, 2023

On the auspicious occasion of Raksha Bandhan, when we celebrate the love and unity between brother, sister, and family, Bhagavan lovingly calls upon our higher Self to rise, awaken, and act from this very moment.

Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna felt great love for one another. In complete unity, they ruled Ayodhya. Rama did not govern the kingdom alone; all the brothers helped Him conduct its affairs. The Ramayana teaches us many lessons in morality and ethics. All the characters in this great epic set high ideals for humanity to follow. Rama’s name is sweeter than sugar, tastier than curd, and truly sweeter than honey. Is there anything more magnificent than Rama Nama (the Name of Rama)? We should assimilate this truth and contemplate Rama’s name day after day. The great epics, the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, teach us many moral and ethical values. Truth is the highest of them. “There is no righteousness higher than adherence to truth (Sathyannasti Paro Dharmah).” Dharma is born of truth, peace arises from dharma, and love arises from peace. Where there is love, there is no place for hatred. One who is filled with love will adhere to nonviolence. Truth, righteousness, peace, love, and nonviolence are the five fundamental human values. One who practices these values deserves to be called a human being!
- Divine Discourse, April 3, 2009.

One who truly wishes to promote universal brotherhood must develop within oneself awareness of the one Spirit dwelling in all beings.
- BABA

1313 · Dec 29, 2023

"Every ascent or elevation of the spirit is followed by an opposing reaction, which must be endured without yielding to its influence. What is needed is to hold on to the gains.
It is easier to attain than to retain. Be prepared, in moments of spiritual exaltation, to encounter an opposing wave that may sweep away the achievement if one does not withstand it.
Let the goal be not only to attain, but, above all, to remain at the level reached, to preserve the achievement by firmly consolidating it through a series of appropriate actions."

Facets of Agni Yoga