Learning Through Reading

1313 · Mar 25, 2024

What should our attitude be toward this life given to us? Bhagavan lovingly explains it to us today through a memorable example.

You need to read a newspaper to understand how insane and foolish this world is; how futile heroism is, and how fleeting glory is; and after reading the newspaper carefully, for the information it conveys, you set it aside; now it is tasteless waste.
So too, live, but only once; live so that this birth of yours will be the only one. Do not fall so deeply in love with the world that your false enchantment brings you back again and again to this illusory mixture of joy and sorrow. If you do not detach yourself from the world somewhat and understand that all this is a spectacle directed by God, you risk becoming too involved.
Use the world as a training ground for sacrifice, service, expanding the heart, and purifying the emotions. This is the only value it has.
Do not waste time aimlessly; let every moment be a Bhajan. Know the purpose of Bhajan or Namasmarana and dedicate yourself to it wholeheartedly; derive the maximum benefit from the years allotted to you.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
— Divine Discourse, March 28, 1967

Rise every day with thoughts of God; spend each day with the name of God; go to sleep with thoughts of His glory embodied in His name.
— BABA

1313 · Mar 27, 2024

How can we keep our homes and hearts pure and sacred? Bhagavan lovingly gives us valuable advice through simple and memorable examples.

For righteous living, constant inner support from God is an immense help. This inspiration can be gained only by constantly repeating the Lord’s Name and calling upon the inner sources of Divinity.
The Name is such a precious instrument for winning His Grace, realizing His presence, envisioning His form, and remembering His glory that, if repeated wholeheartedly at least once in the morning and once in the evening, it will make a dwelling (griham) a home (griham), rather than a cave (guha)! When the lamp of the Name is lit, it will illuminate the dwelling and transform it into a home instead of a cave.
If a lamp is kept burning in a room, it may go out when wind blows in through the windows. The senses (indriyas) are the windows, and when they are open, the lamp of the Name will not burn steadily. Therefore, keep the outward-facing windows (sense organs) closed to enticing influences and concentrate on the Lord’s Name, its beauty and sweetness! — Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 6, Chapter 27.

All evil thoughts, wicked plans, and intrigues will disappear like fog beneath the rays of the sun if the Name of God is remembered sincerely.

— BABA

1313 · Mar 28, 2024

I gave many of you the advantage of an unhappy childhood, conflicts, and separation from your mothers and fathers.
I destroyed all your plans, your families, and separated you from your children, friends, acquaintances…
I surrounded you with a wall of hostility, misunderstanding, and duplicity from your fellow countrymen, especially those closest and dearest to your heart.
In fact, I turned you into an outcast in this unstable, unreliable, rapidly changing world, devoid of the warmth of compassion, decency, and basic common sense.
I rewarded you with poverty and bad luck.
I sent you the full measure of sorrow and suffering that you are capable of enduring.
Doing this only for the chosen, I removed from you temptations, attachments, and enticements—attachments to your parents or to particular family circumstances.
I sowed in you distrust of this illusory material world, as unstable as a mirage.
And all this placed you before the only possible choice: attachment to Me, to Your Creator, to your true and Only Father and Mother, to your Primordial Parent, to Almighty God.
But instead, again and again, you constantly and stubbornly seek relationships that give you neither satisfaction nor peace.
Again and again, you cling to the soggy and persistent illusion of earthly pseudo-prosperity, like swamp sludge.

— Sathya Sai Baba

1313 · Mar 29, 2024

What is the shortest path to achieving the goal? Today, Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of the four "F"s (Follow, Face, Fight, Finish) that we must always remember.

Be devoted and disciplined like Arjuna. Be intelligent and strong like Bhima. Be steadfast and sincere like Dharmaraja. Then no troubles will frighten you, and you will achieve victory in all your endeavors. There are four "F"s to which you must pay attention. (1) Follow—the Teacher, (2) Face—meet the devil face to face, (3) Fight—fight to the end, and (4) Finish—achieve the Goal. "Following the Teacher" means observing Dharma. "Meeting the devil face to face" means overcoming the temptations that arise when you try to earn artha (wealth). "Fighting to the end" means fighting tirelessly; waging war against the six enemies led by kama (desire). And finally, "Achieving the Goal" means not stopping until the Goal—Moksha (liberation from ignorance and delusion)—has been attained. These "F"s are the keys to achieving the four purusharthas (goals of life)—dharma, artha, kama, and moksha. I will always be with you, wherever you may be, protecting and guiding you. Go forward, and fear nothing.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
— Divine Discourse, July 6, 1975

There is no power more effective than Purity, no bliss more satisfying than Love, no joy more renewing than Bhakti, no triumph more praiseworthy than surrendering oneself to the Lord.
— BABA

1313 · Mar 31, 2024

Why is training our mind important for crossing the ocean of worldly life? Bhagavan lovingly explains the reason and also tells us how to do it.

You do not need to renounce your household and run away to the forest. There is no guarantee that your household will not follow you into the silence and solitude of the forest! After all, if your mind clings to worldly desires, you will not be able to escape them simply by creating some distance between yourself and them! You may be in the jungle, but your mind may be wandering through the marketplace! Likewise, you may be in the marketplace, yet through Sadhana you can find an island of peace in your heart, even in the middle of the busiest highway.
The mind can build a quiet refuge or entangle you in complicated knots. It binds; it loosens the bonds.
You can sail safely across the sea of worldly life if your boat has no leaks. But because of leaks in the form of Kama, Krodha, Lobha, Moha, Mada or Matsarya (lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride and jealousy), the waters of the world will enter the boat, and it will sink, drowning you beyond rescue. Do not allow water to enter the boat; eliminate all the leaks. Then you need not fear the world—you will be able to make use of all the opportunities it provides to train the senses, expand love, deepen experience and strengthen detachment!
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine Discourse, March 28, 1967

The root of all troubles is an uncontrolled, misdirected mind.
– BABA

1313 · Apr 2, 2024

What simple yet supremely powerful “tool” will help us realise the Divine? Today, Bhagavan gives us valuable advice with the greatest compassion.

When an airplane flies across the sky, it leaves no traces behind: neither streaks that remain for a long time nor furrows or potholes that would impede further movement. So too, allow all sensations and emotions to flash through your mind, but do not let them leave an impression. This is achieved much better through inquiry and calm inner reflection than by listening to lectures or studying books.
Small children are taught to walk with the help of a three-wheeled instrument, a device that they hold and push forward.
“Pranava” is such a device, with three wheels—A, U and M, the Omkara tricycle! Holding it, a person can learn to use two legs—Bhakti and Vairagya. If he abandons Omkara, he will helplessly fall to the ground! But if he continues walking with the help of Pranava-japa, he will undoubtedly be able to realise the glory of the Divine (Brahman), the very essence of the Universe.
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 6, Chapter 27.

Every being must reach the Goal, however slowly it may proceed and however winding its path may be.
— BABA

1313 · Apr 4, 2024

Which door leads to absolute freedom? Why is this extremely important? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us today.

The Lord does not insist that everyone follow the same path and adopt the same discipline. Many doors lead to His palace. However, the main entrance is moha-kshaya (the removal of attachments). It was toward achieving this that Krishna urged Arjuna. Arjuna lost heart and allowed the bow to slip from his hands because he was overcome by delusory attachment. Krishna had to show him that the relatives he feared killing, the teachers whose lives he wished to spare, and those he loved and hated were all merely instruments of His will, puppets guided by His hand. This destroyed Arjuna’s attachment, and he returned to carrying out his task without the slightest attachment to the results. Thus, he received the greatest lesson in history.
This lesson is valuable for both believers and atheists, since both are attached to the consequences of their work, an attachment that affects their enthusiasm and doubles their suffering in moments of disappointment! Moha-kshaya is necessary for both believers and atheists to ensure lasting joy. Neither can take even the smallest part of their acquisitions with them from here; both can earn people’s gratitude only through self-sacrifice and love!
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine Discourse, March 28, 1967

The “unattached” experience genuine love for everyone. Their love is not only pure but also Divine.
- Baba

1313 · Apr 7, 2024

What awareness must be developed in order to remain on the right path? Today, Bhagavan lovingly and clearly guides us!

Through constant and consistent Sadhana (spiritual discipline), a person can control the whims of the mind, which, through their variety and vanity, cause disappointment and suffering. It is necessary to recognize the harmful nature of the game the mind plays. It opens one source of temporary pleasure after another before your eyes, giving you not the slightest chance to weigh all the pros and cons. When hunger is satisfied, it presents an attractive film before your eyes, reminds the ear of the delight of music, and makes the tongue anticipate the pleasant taste of whatever it craves. Desire soon turns into an impulse to act; the impulse gathers strength, and the urge becomes uncontrollable. The burden of desires gradually becomes too heavy, and a person falls into gloom and sorrow. Train the mind to turn to the intellect for stimulation and guidance, rather than to the senses for excitement and acquisitions. This will make it an instrument that helps reduce the number of whims and save time and energy for more important tasks.
- Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, April 1, 1975

When one tries to satisfy the hunger of the senses, the mind becomes wavering and wayward.
- BABA

1313 · Apr 9, 2024

What is the best way to convey the essence of the Bhagavad Gita? Bhagavan lovingly reminds us of this and guides us today.

You should go beyond the ordinary view of the Gita as merely a dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna, elevating it to what it truly is—a divine dialogue between Ishvara and Jiva (God and the individual). Reciting the Gita is now encouraged as an end in itself. It is merely a way to spend time profitably! The Gita is the path, the goal, and the attainment. Its goal is achieved through practice and experience. The voice of God addressed to humanity is a gift of grace for all people. Unfortunately, people interpret it according to their character and temperament. Thus, the pure and clear message becomes contaminated. Subsequently, when the message is presented in different formulations, it leads to confusion and contradictions. Those who follow the teaching and preach religion must avoid such consequences and focus on awakening spiritual hunger and satisfying it. Many try to cater to people's preferences by telling irrelevant stories that drown out the central spiritual theme. The message can successfully win people's hearts only when it has been experienced by the speaker himself and when his aim is to inspire others to share his delight!
Sri Sathya Sai Baba
- Divine Discourse, January 4, 1987

Let the message of the Gita enter your heart; put it into practice and taste the joy that flows from it. This is the way to honor the Gita.
- BABA

1313 · Apr 10, 2024

Swami! Many people feel too busy even to rest. How, then, should a person rest?

Bhagavan: Changing activities is rest. You should never be idle. You should not be lazy. Laziness is dust and rust that ultimately lead to ruin. But work is the best rest. If you are tired of one kind of activity, switch to another. Changing activities is rest.

From the book: Anil Kumar Kamaraju – "Vedas in Questions and Answers" (Book 1)

1313 · Apr 12, 2024

What is the principle of Shiva, whom we worship and before whom we bow?

Shivaratri enables us to realise that the same Divinity is all-pervasive and omnipresent. In our daily experience, there are many examples that testify to the existence of Divinity in every person. Take cinema, for example: on the screen, we see that when a river overflows, its waters engulf the nearby lands. Despite the scene being flooded, there is not a single drop of water on the screen. At another moment, on that same screen, we see volcanoes spewing flames, but the screen does not burn. The screen, which serves as the basis for all these images, is not affected by any of them. Similarly, in human life, good or bad, joy or sorrow, birth or death come and go, but they do not affect the Atma! In the cinema of life, the screen is the Atma; it is Shiva, it is Shankara, it is Divinity. When a person understands this principle, they can understand, enjoy and find fulfilment in life!
- Divine Discourse, February 17, 1985

Ultimately, all forms merge into the Formless. Shiva is the principle that destroys all names and forms, all entities and personalities.

- BABA

1313 · Apr 14, 2024

How should we choose our friends? Today, Bhagawan gives us all an important teaching.

There is no harm in taking the time to examine whether the person you want to befriend is good or bad. When you hold a high status and a good position in society, everyone will run after you saying, "Hello, hello"! But when you lose your position and hard times come, everyone will run away from you. This is not true friendship. What, then, is true friendship? A true friend is one who follows you like a shadow, both in joy and pain, in success and loss. When a pond is full, thousands of frogs come to it. But when it dries up, not a single frog will be there. Similarly, when you have a good position and a high rank, everyone will follow you. But in difficult times, you will find no one. Such friendship is not true friendship. Befriend only those people whom you have chosen with sufficient discernment. Do not make friends with everyone who says, "Hello, hello" to you. This is a grave mistake. You should know about the background, habits, behaviour, discipline and other qualities of the person with whom you are going to make friends. You should also try to find out whom they associate with and what kind of company they keep.
- Divine Discourse, July 8, 1996

You need not hate anyone. But choose your friends at your own discretion.

- BABA

1313 · Apr 16, 2024

What do the Upanishads reveal to us about the nature of the Atma? Bhagavan, Himself the source of wisdom, reveals it through His commentary on the "Isavasya Upanishad."

The Atma never undergoes change, yet it is faster than the mind! This is its mystery and wonder! It seems to experience all states, but it has neither growth, decline, nor change. Although it is everywhere, it is not perceived by the sense organs. It is precisely through its fundamental existence and eternally present immanence that all growth, all activity, and all change take place. Cause and effect, action and reaction are based on the fundamental level of Atmic reality! This is why the very word "Isa, or Lord" carries this meaning. The Atma is near and far, within and without; it is still and moving. One who knows this truth deserves to be called a jnani (spiritually wise). The ignorant will never be able to comprehend the fact of the Atma’s immanence. Those who are aware can see things and feel their presence. Those who have lost awareness will search for lost jewels even when they are actually wearing them at that very moment! Although a person may know everything, they imagine that the Atma is somewhere inaccessible and unattainable! But the wise, aware person sees the Atma in all beings and sees all beings as the Atma! — Ch. 2, Isavasya Upanishad, Upanishad Vahini.

As long as you think that God is present somewhere else, you will not be able to find Him. He is present within you. Make an effort to realize the Divinity inherent in you.

— BABA

1313 · Apr 18, 2024

Sai Baba Speaks to the West.

My radiance is love. My life is love. My work is love.
If you cannot see this, the reason is that you need to open your heart.
Love recognizes love. Difficulties open the heart. I am always your mirror. I change the expression on My face every moment—according to the face I see.
However, I do not see a single face. I see only hearts. Your face is a mirror of your heart. My face is a mirror for you, so that you may see your heart.
Open your heart. Be grateful for difficulties, pain, and illness, and open your heart even more.
And you will see that My face is full of love, light, and grace—because it is yours.
Baba.

1313 · Apr 21, 2024

While our Muslim brothers and sisters celebrate Eid al-Fitr, Bhagawan lovingly explains to us the significance of the month of Ramadan.

The month of Ramadan is set aside for the sacred task of remembering and putting into practice the teachings conveyed by Hazrat Muhammad, and attaining that stage of unity and purity which is truly Divine. The Ramadan fast begins with the sighting of the new moon and ends with the following new moon. Fasting is not simply abstaining from food and drink. The fast begins at sunrise and ends only after sunset, and is observed in the strictest manner. Upon waking at three or four in the morning, during brahma-muhurta, one begins to pray and throughout the day strives to experience the constant presence of God. This is the meaning of Upavasa (fasting). In addition, during the month of Ramadan, rivalry is avoided and enmity is put to an end. Husband and wife live separately, although in the same house; mother and children follow the same spiritual discipline; and an atmosphere of brotherhood is maintained. The body, senses and mind are subjected to strict discipline. All religions prescribe periods of fasting lasting a month.
- Divine Discourse, July 12, 1983.

Islam is a word denoting not a specific religion, but a state of mind, a state of complete surrender to the Will of God.

- BABA

1313 · Apr 22, 2024

What is the best way to make use of this priceless life? Bhagawan lovingly reminds us today of a path worthy of emulation—the path of love.

Do not waste your energies in the foolish game of wins and losses, accumulation and spending, gaining temporary fame, fortune and happiness. Walk straight along the royal road of self-realisation and do not lose your way in the darkness of false bliss. This does not mean that you must abandon all your relatives and loved ones and walk the path alone. The society in which you find yourself is the arena in which you can achieve victory; it is the gymnasium that helps you develop the skills necessary for victory. The spiritual path proceeds through compassion, empathy, mutual assistance and service, and these are cultivated in society and should be used for its needs. If you love a person, you will not desire power over them, covet their possessions, envy their successes or rejoice in their suffering. Love is the most powerful antidote to selfishness. Therefore, the primary spiritual discipline is to give love and receive love.
- Divine Discourse, March 6, 1970.

Love lives by giving and forgiving; the ego lives by getting and forgetting.

- BABA

1313 · Apr 24, 2024

On the sacred festival of Gudi Padwa, Ugadi, or the New Year celebrated by many, what teaching does Bhagavan give us all?

Turn your gaze inward and feel God present in your heart. This is the true Ugadi. Realize that God is present everywhere. God is one, although people worship Him by different names. There may be many sweets—gulab jamun, Mysore pak, jalebi—but the sugar in them is the same. People’s names and appearances may differ, but the Divinity present in all is the same. Truth is one, but sages call it by different names (Ekam sat viprah bahudha vadanti). You see an image of Krishna wearing a crown with a peacock feather, or an image of Shiva with a third eye. These are merely images of God. But God has no form. He is beyond all names and forms. Therefore, do not limit God by any names or forms. Do not hold the false notion that God is present only in a particular place. Contemplate God in your heart and earn His grace. Beginning on this sacred day of Ugadi, recognize God in everyone. Whoever you meet, greet each person, considering them an embodiment of God.
- Divine Discourse, March 16, 2010

Realize that you are all reflections of Divinity. Then you will have hatred or jealousy toward no one; you will be free from selfishness.

- BABA

1313 · Apr 27, 2024

"The human body is not you at all; it is simply the house in which the Atman, or spark of inner Divinity, dwells, for God dwells in the heart of every person. And it is the Divine spark dwelling there that is your true self. Everything else is illusion."

Sai Baba

1313 · Apr 30, 2024

According to one of Shri Anandamayi Ma’s closest Western devotees, she was asked for many years: “Who is Sai Baba, whom we
keep hearing about?” But for many years she never answered this question. However, in the last year of her life, when she was asked this question again, she
replied: “This body will answer this question only once; do not ask again. Sai Baba is the most powerful embodiment of God ever to come to Earth. And there will be no incarnation of His level for the next sixty
centuries.”

1313 · May 3, 2024

The world can be saved only by the power of the Atma inherent in everyone; it must be activated through individual sadhana, as well as by the grace of God, which can be attained only through love, purity and service. If these two components are absent, devastation is inevitable; it cannot be avoided. Love is the rarest value today! There is no love at home, between father and son, husband and wife, or among brothers. You must prove through your conduct and attitude that love, founded on the awareness of the One Atma in all, can solve all the world’s problems. Life has become artificial. People wander in blind fear, not knowing what the next step will bring. Prepare to be lamps guiding them onto the right path. Be lamps of Love. Everything is contained in it. Then there is no need for japa or tapas. Love and loving service to others (who are forms assumed by God) will ensure His grace. Therefore, today resolve to root love in your heart, cultivate it, make it universal and free from selfish desires. Become Premaswarupas—the embodiments of Love.
Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Divine Discourse, 20 November 1970

Om Sri Sai Ram