Learning Through Reading

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OSHO says...
Thousands of people have told me their problems, and so far I have not encountered a single real one among them! All problems are false—you create them because without problems you feel empty. If there are no problems, there is nothing to do, no one to fight, nowhere to go. People go from one guru to another, from one master to another, from one psychotherapist to another, from one encounter group to another, because if they do not, they feel empty, and suddenly life seems meaningless to them. You create problems so that you can feel that life is enormous work, growth, and that you have to wage a difficult struggle.

Have you ever asked yourself the most important question: do problems really exist, or do you create them yourself and have become so accustomed to them that you simply cannot do without their company—you would feel lonely without them? You are willing to be unhappy, as long as you are not empty. People cling to their unhappiness just to avoid the emptiness within themselves.

You yourself nourish your unhappiness. Look. When one problem disappears, notice how the real problem immediately finds itself another place. The situation resembles a snake shedding its old skin while always remaining the same snake.

As soon as one problem is solved, another follows. And if you look more closely, you will notice that the second problem is exactly the same kind as the previous one. Deal with it, and a third is already waiting behind it, ready to emerge.

Please look at what you are doing and what nonsense you are engaged in. First you create a problem, then you set out to find its solution. Simply observe why you create the problem. The solution to the problem lies at its very beginning, when you are just creating it—do not create it! You have no problems at all; it is enough to understand just this.

If your own problems are not enough for you, you begin thinking about humanity, about the fate of the world...—socialism, communism, and other such nonsense. You begin thinking about the world as though the whole world depended on your advice.

I am not concerned with your problems. There are millions of them, and it is completely pointless to try to solve them—for you are their creator, while you yourself remain in the shadows. I will solve your problem, and you will create a dozen new ones.

I will set your problems aside and get to you. It is the creator who must be changed. And when he changes, the problems on the periphery will disappear.

Remember well: you yourself take pleasure in cherishing your problems, which is why you create them. There are many reasons why you derive pleasure from this.

All of humanity is sick. There are fundamental motives and underlying causes for this that we overlook. When a child falls ill, he receives attention; when he is healthy, no one takes any notice of him.

Attention is energy. When someone gives you a loving look, they are giving you nourishment—etheric nourishment. Every child needs attention, but you give it to him only when he is ill, when there is some problem. And so, when a child feels a lack of attention, he will invent a problem and create it himself.

Love is the fundamental need. Just as your body is nourished by food, your soul is nourished by love. But you can receive love only when you are ill, when something happens to you; otherwise no one even thinks of giving it to you. The child learns from you and later begins creating problems too. He understands that as soon as an illness or some other problem occurs, everyone will rush to him.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><b>OSHO </b><i>says...</i><br /> Thousands of people have told me their problems, and so far I have not encountered a single real one among them! All problems are false—you create them because without problems you feel empty. If there are no problems, there is nothing to do, no one to fight, nowhere to go. People go from one guru to another, from one master to another, from one psychotherapist to another, from one encounter group to another, because if they do not, they feel empty, and suddenly life seems meaningless to them. You create problems so that you can feel that life is enormous work, growth, and that you have to wage a difficult struggle.<br /> <br /> Have you ever asked yourself the most important question: do problems really exist, or do you create them yourself and have become so accustomed to them that you simply cannot do without their company—you would feel lonely without them? You are willing to be unhappy, as long as you are not empty. People cling to their unhappiness just to avoid the emptiness within themselves.<br /> <br /> You yourself nourish your unhappiness. Look. When one problem disappears, notice how the real problem immediately finds itself another place. The situation resembles a snake shedding its old skin while always remaining the same snake.<br /> <br /> As soon as one problem is solved, another follows. And if you look more closely, you will notice that the second problem is exactly the same kind as the previous one. Deal with it, and a third is already waiting behind it, ready to emerge.<br /> <br /> Please look at what you are doing and what nonsense you are engaged in. First you create a problem, then you set out to find its solution. Simply observe why you create the problem. The solution to the problem lies at its very beginning, when you are just creating it—do not create it! You have no problems at all; it is enough to understand just this.<br /> <br /> If your own problems are not enough for you, you begin thinking about humanity, about the fate of the world...—socialism, communism, and other such nonsense. You begin thinking about the world as though the whole world depended on your advice.<br /> <br /> I am not concerned with your problems. There are millions of them, and it is completely pointless to try to solve them—for you are their creator, while you yourself remain in the shadows. I will solve your problem, and you will create a dozen new ones.<br /> <br /> I will set your problems aside and get to you. It is the creator who must be changed. And when he changes, the problems on the periphery will disappear.<br /> <br /> Remember well: you yourself take pleasure in cherishing your problems, which is why you create them. There are many reasons why you derive pleasure from this.<br /> <br /> All of humanity is sick. There are fundamental motives and underlying causes for this that we overlook. When a child falls ill, he receives attention; when he is healthy, no one takes any notice of him.<br /> <br /> Attention is energy. When someone gives you a loving look, they are giving you nourishment—etheric nourishment. Every child needs attention, but you give it to him only when he is ill, when there is some problem. And so, when a child feels a lack of attention, he will invent a problem and create it himself.<br /> <br /> Love is the fundamental need. Just as your body is nourished by food, your soul is nourished by love. But you can receive love only when you are ill, when something happens to you; otherwise no one even thinks of giving it to you. The child learns from you and later begins creating problems too. He understands that as soon as an illness or some other problem occurs, everyone will rush to him.</div>

 

[1313]

All the good and evil you encounter in the outside world are merely reflections of yourselves.
Therefore, do not point fingers at others.
The whole world depends on a person's behavior. If a person is good, then the whole world will be good.
You think that everything around you has been vulgarized and defiled. This is a mistaken view. In reality, it is a reflection of the vulgarity and impurity within you.
If your feelings are demonic, you will see the same around you.
If your feelings are divine, you will see divinity everywhere.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
The Mother Is Your First God. Chapter 10

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<div class="bbWrapper">All the good and evil you encounter in the outside world are merely reflections of yourselves.<br /> Therefore, do not point fingers at others.<br /> The whole world depends on a person's behavior. If a person is good, then the whole world will be good.<br /> You think that everything around you has been vulgarized and defiled. This is a mistaken view. In reality, it is a reflection of the vulgarity and impurity within you.<br /> If your feelings are demonic, you will see the same around you.<br /> If your feelings are divine, you will see divinity everywhere.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba.<br /> The Mother Is Your First God. Chapter 10</div>

 

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Inspiring Sayings of Amu Mom
• Having traveled a long path of self-discovery, you will suddenly realize that your essence has always been and remains perfect. And every piece of knowledge, like ancient writing on the papyrus that you are, has long been preserved by you.
• Observe your thoughts. What you think about takes shape.
• Avoid extremes if you want to maintain balance.
• The ability to remain calm within gives birth to a harmonious world without.
• Fuss creates foolishness. Do not rush; let what is happening reveal its wisdom to you.
• Ask yourself: “Does what I am doing bring joy and lightness to my soul?”
If not, then look for the mistake.
• Your life is your own thinking reflected outward. Just as a weed, even after being pulled out, continues to grow if its root has not been destroyed, so suffering will be born again and again if your thinking is not changed.
• When condemning something, know that condemnation is equivalent to asking the universe: “How can this be?”… And you will inevitably receive an answer that will become your experience.
• A minute of reconciliation is worth more than a thousand years of fighting for the truth.
• What you “look at” the longest is what you gradually become.
• It is never too late to take a step in another direction.
"Amu Mom (birth name Alena Kravchenko) was born in 1977 in Ukraine. Her work is devoted to human self-development, the growth of consciousness, and being in everyday life. In her work, she draws on various spiritual traditions, including ancient Slavic knowledge, Sufism, Zen Buddhism, and other ideas from Eastern teachings, which she adapts to the European mentality."

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<div class="bbWrapper"><b>Inspiring Sayings of Amu Mom</b><br /> • Having traveled a long path of self-discovery, you will suddenly realize that your essence has always been and remains perfect. And every piece of knowledge, like ancient writing on the papyrus that you are, has long been preserved by you.<br /> • Observe your thoughts. What you think about takes shape.<br /> • Avoid extremes if you want to maintain balance.<br /> • The ability to remain calm within gives birth to a harmonious world without.<br /> • Fuss creates foolishness. Do not rush; let what is happening reveal its wisdom to you.<br /> • Ask yourself: “Does what I am doing bring joy and lightness to my soul?”<br /> If not, then look for the mistake.<br /> • Your life is your own thinking reflected outward. Just as a weed, even after being pulled out, continues to grow if its root has not been destroyed, so suffering will be born again and again if your thinking is not changed.<br /> • When condemning something, know that condemnation is equivalent to asking the universe: “How can this be?”… And you will inevitably receive an answer that will become your experience.<br /> • A minute of reconciliation is worth more than a thousand years of fighting for the truth.<br /> • What you “look at” the longest is what you gradually become.<br /> • It is never too late to take a step in another direction.<br /> "Amu Mom (birth name Alena Kravchenko) was born in 1977 in Ukraine. Her work is devoted to human self-development, the growth of consciousness, and being in everyday life. In her work, she draws on various spiritual traditions, including ancient Slavic knowledge, Sufism, Zen Buddhism, and other ideas from Eastern teachings, which she adapts to the European mentality."</div>

 

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Why We Do Not Hear God Within Us – Conversations with Students

Question: “Swami, today, when God is present in the form of an Avatar, the Incarnation of God, why are we unable to realize ourselves and work toward liberation? Why? We are contemporaries of the Avatar, but are not liberated? Why? Liberation is not granted to everyone. Why?”

Swami gave the example of a running competition and answered:
“Many people take part in a running competition, but only one participant wins. In the same way, you may be My contemporaries, but only one may attain liberation, not everyone, just as in a running competition. This is what is said in the Bhagavad Gita:
‘Out of millions, millions or billions of people, only a few are interested in God. Of these few, only some aspire to liberation. And of this very small number who aspire to liberation, only a handful will be able to attain it.’

Similarly, although we are happy to be contemporaries of the Avatar, we must also know whether or not we deserve liberation. I want to give you an example given by Shirdi Sai.

‘A mango tree has many blossoms. But not every blossom will become a fruit; many blossoms fall from the tree, and only a few develop into fruit. In the same way, many of you may come here, but only a few will attain liberation.’

Swami spoke about this in greater detail in a discourse on June 22, 1996:
Once, Shirdi Sai Baba was sitting at the entrance to the Dwarkamai mosque, gazing intently at the copper coins lying in His palm. Many devotees were waiting for Him, but He did not look at anyone. He continued moving the coins from one hand to the other. For a long time, He neither looked at anyone nor spoke to anyone. Meanwhile, Shama arrived. He was one of those who were always with Baba. He asked, “Baba! So many devotees are waiting for You, yet You are playing with coins. What is the secret of Your actions?” Baba replied, “Dear son, look here! None of these coins is of any use (They are all worthless). The letters have been rubbed off some coins, while others have lost their numerals. Some are deformed, and others are broken. I am looking to see whether there are any usable coins among them.”

Shama said, “Baba! Throw away these worthless coins. Why are You looking at them?” Then Baba said, “Oh, dear son! Try to understand. So many devotees have come here. But they are like these rubbed-off and worthless coins. I cannot find a true devotee among them. They have all come so that their worldly desires may be fulfilled. Students have come to pass their examinations successfully. Some people come to Me to marry successfully, others to obtain a job, and still others to receive a promotion. In the same way, everyone comes to fulfill some desire. I do not see anyone who has come to attain knowledge of the true Self. I am trying to see whether there is a true devotee among these people. There is not a single person who follows My teaching. They want Baba to fulfill their desires, but do they follow My instructions? How can they call themselves devotees if they do not put My teachings into practice?” Then Baba asked Shama to come closer and look at the mango tree. He said, “Look, this mango tree is flowering. It has so many blossoms that even the leaves cannot be seen. But how many of these blossoms will first become unripe fruit and then ripened fruit? Some blossoms will wither when the weather becomes cold. Others will be blown away by the wind. Only some will set fruit. Some of the young fruits will also wither, and only some will grow into unripe mangoes. Then some of the unripe mangoes will fall when birds begin pecking at them and squirrels nibbling them. If fruit grew from all these blossoms, would the tree be able to hold all the fruit?”

Similarly, not everyone who comes to Prashanti Nilayam is a true devotee. True devotees are those who follow Sai’s teachings.

Satsang with Anil Kumar
May 2001

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<div class="bbWrapper">Why We Do Not Hear God Within Us – Conversations with Students <br /> <br /> Question: “Swami, today, when God is present in the form of an Avatar, the Incarnation of God, why are we unable to realize ourselves and work toward liberation? Why? We are contemporaries of the Avatar, but are not liberated? Why? Liberation is not granted to everyone. Why?” <br /> <br /> Swami gave the example of a running competition and answered:<br /> “Many people take part in a running competition, but only one participant wins. In the same way, you may be My contemporaries, but only one may attain liberation, not everyone, just as in a running competition. This is what is said in the Bhagavad Gita:<br /> ‘Out of millions, millions or billions of people, only a few are interested in God. Of these few, only some aspire to liberation. And of this very small number who aspire to liberation, only a handful will be able to attain it.’<br /> <br /> Similarly, although we are happy to be contemporaries of the Avatar, we must also know whether or not we deserve liberation. I want to give you an example given by Shirdi Sai.<br /> <br /> ‘A mango tree has many blossoms. But not every blossom will become a fruit; many blossoms fall from the tree, and only a few develop into fruit. In the same way, many of you may come here, but only a few will attain liberation.’<br /> <br /> Swami spoke about this in greater detail in a discourse on June 22, 1996:<br /> Once, Shirdi Sai Baba was sitting at the entrance to the Dwarkamai mosque, gazing intently at the copper coins lying in His palm. Many devotees were waiting for Him, but He did not look at anyone. He continued moving the coins from one hand to the other. For a long time, He neither looked at anyone nor spoke to anyone. Meanwhile, Shama arrived. He was one of those who were always with Baba. He asked, “Baba! So many devotees are waiting for You, yet You are playing with coins. What is the secret of Your actions?” Baba replied, “Dear son, look here! None of these coins is of any use (They are all worthless). The letters have been rubbed off some coins, while others have lost their numerals. Some are deformed, and others are broken. I am looking to see whether there are any usable coins among them.”<br /> <br /> Shama said, “Baba! Throw away these worthless coins. Why are You looking at them?” Then Baba said, “Oh, dear son! Try to understand. So many devotees have come here. But they are like these rubbed-off and worthless coins. I cannot find a true devotee among them. They have all come so that their worldly desires may be fulfilled. Students have come to pass their examinations successfully. Some people come to Me to marry successfully, others to obtain a job, and still others to receive a promotion. In the same way, everyone comes to fulfill some desire. I do not see anyone who has come to attain knowledge of the true Self. I am trying to see whether there is a true devotee among these people. There is not a single person who follows My teaching. They want Baba to fulfill their desires, but do they follow My instructions? How can they call themselves devotees if they do not put My teachings into practice?” Then Baba asked Shama to come closer and look at the mango tree. He said, “Look, this mango tree is flowering. It has so many blossoms that even the leaves cannot be seen. But how many of these blossoms will first become unripe fruit and then ripened fruit? Some blossoms will wither when the weather becomes cold. Others will be blown away by the wind. Only some will set fruit. Some of the young fruits will also wither, and only some will grow into unripe mangoes. Then some of the unripe mangoes will fall when birds begin pecking at them and squirrels nibbling them. If fruit grew from all these blossoms, would the tree be able to hold all the fruit?”<br /> <br /> Similarly, not everyone who comes to Prashanti Nilayam is a true devotee. True devotees are those who follow Sai’s teachings.<br /> <br /> Satsang with Anil Kumar<br /> May 2001</div>

 

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A person is always tormented by another kind of thirst—to drink the poisonous water of sensual pleasure. Each of you has the right to a crown—after the complete surrender of the six enemies that threaten you: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya (lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride and envy). A person puts on a crown while these terrible enemies are still within him, and therefore carries not precious stones on his forehead, but cobblestones! The true coronation is Vibhishana’s coronation, earned through renunciation and self-sacrifice and performed under Rama’s patronage. A bicycle tire’s inner tube can be punctured by nails on the road. “I” and “mine” are the two nails that puncture the path of human progress. Viveka and vairagya (discrimination and renunciation, or detachment) are a person’s two helpers. Sustain their strength and give them your full support, for they help you live happily and unharmed!

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, January 14, 1967

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<div class="bbWrapper">A person is always tormented by another kind of thirst—to drink the poisonous water of sensual pleasure. Each of you has the right to a crown—after the complete surrender of the six enemies that threaten you: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada and matsarya (lust, anger, greed, delusion, pride and envy). A person puts on a crown while these terrible enemies are still within him, and therefore carries not precious stones on his forehead, but cobblestones! The true coronation is Vibhishana’s coronation, earned through renunciation and self-sacrifice and performed under Rama’s patronage. A bicycle tire’s inner tube can be punctured by nails on the road. “I” and “mine” are the two nails that puncture the path of human progress. Viveka and vairagya (discrimination and renunciation, or detachment) are a person’s two helpers. Sustain their strength and give them your full support, for they help you live happily and unharmed!<br /> <br /> Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, January 14, 1967</div>

 

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“If you put bread into the mouth of a hungry person, they will never learn to earn it themselves.
No one can devise an algorithm for their entire future life. Therefore, in life you are given a choice.
I test you and observe which choice you will make. Whether you pass the test depends on this.
If there were no choice, you would become slaves, and I do not need slaves.
You must find the spiritual path yourself.
It all depends on you.
Do not expect any gratitude for what you give to others.”

Sathya Sai Baba. The Yoga of Detachment.
Discourses 1981–1982. Chapter 31

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<div class="bbWrapper">“If you put bread into the mouth of a hungry person, they will never learn to earn it themselves.<br /> No one can devise an algorithm for their entire future life. Therefore, in life you are given a choice.<br /> I test you and observe which choice you will make. Whether you pass the test depends on this.<br /> If there were no choice, you would become slaves, and I do not need slaves.<br /> You must find the spiritual path yourself.<br /> It all depends on you.<br /> Do not expect any gratitude for what you give to others.”<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba. The Yoga of Detachment.<br /> Discourses 1981–1982. Chapter 31</div>

 

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OSHO
I say: “Try, search, but begin somehow.” You will fail. You will walk all around the room, trying everywhere, feeling out every corner. You will be disappointed because you cannot pass through walls. But there is a door somewhere, and you may suddenly stumble upon it. This is the only way: start with the wall, because it is the only possible starting point. Start with the wall, and you will stumble upon the door. You know the fact that there is a door, that the door is different from the wall, and that you cannot pass through the wall—you must go through the door. Knowing this fact makes finding the door easier. Essentially, the stronger your disappointment with the wall, the more likely, the more possible, the existence of the door becomes. As a result, your search will grow deeper.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><b>OSHO</b><br /> I say: “Try, search, but begin somehow.” You will fail. You will walk all around the room, trying everywhere, feeling out every corner. You will be disappointed because you cannot pass through walls. But there is a door somewhere, and you may suddenly stumble upon it. This is the only way: start with the wall, because it is the only possible starting point. Start with the wall, and you will stumble upon the door. You know the fact that there is a door, that the door is different from the wall, and that you cannot pass through the wall—you must go through the door. Knowing this fact makes finding the door easier. Essentially, the stronger your disappointment with the wall, the more likely, the more possible, the existence of the door becomes. As a result, your search will grow deeper.</div>

 

[1313]

The purpose of repeating the Name (japa) and meditation must be clearly understood. Without this understanding, people regard them as connected with the objective world, capable of fulfilling worldly desires, and hope to demonstrate their importance through sensual achievements! This is a serious mistake. Repeating God’s name and meditation are intended to achieve one-pointed attention on the Lord, cast off sensual attachments, and attain the joy that comes from That which is the basis of all sense objects. The mind must not wander in all directions indiscriminately, like a fly. A fly lives in a confectionery shop, but flies out and chases a garbage cart. A mind like this fly must be taught to understand the sweetness of the former and the filth of the latter, so that it does not leave the sweet shop and chase the garbage cart. When such teaching is imparted to the mind, that is meditation!

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Dhyana Vahini, Chapter 2.

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<div class="bbWrapper">The purpose of repeating the Name (japa) and meditation must be clearly understood. Without this understanding, people regard them as connected with the objective world, capable of fulfilling worldly desires, and hope to demonstrate their importance through sensual achievements! This is a serious mistake. Repeating God’s name and meditation are intended to achieve one-pointed attention on the Lord, cast off sensual attachments, and attain the joy that comes from That which is the basis of all sense objects. The mind must not wander in all directions indiscriminately, like a fly. A fly lives in a confectionery shop, but flies out and chases a garbage cart. A mind like this fly must be taught to understand the sweetness of the former and the filth of the latter, so that it does not leave the sweet shop and chase the garbage cart. When such teaching is imparted to the mind, that is meditation!<br /> <br /> Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Dhyana Vahini, Chapter 2.</div>

 

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The name Vishnu means “pervading everywhere,” that is, “the Omnipresent One.” When people are told about worshipping an image of Vishnu, they laugh and call it foolish. But when we wish to drink the Divine nectar that is this Omnipresent Vishnu, we ask for a spoon, a cup, or any other vessel. An image is merely a device through which one can taste supernal bliss. The bliss lies in the nectar itself, and it does not matter what shape or design the vessel has, as long as a person tormented by thirst can drink from it. Raso vai sah, that is, God is the Divine drink—supremely sweet, nourishing, and strengthening. You may taste it using a cup in the form of Nataraja, Durga, Krishna, a lingam, Ganesha, or Christ. You may use any other form, any appearance capable of comforting and inspiring you

Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume XVII, Chapter 18

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<div class="bbWrapper">The name Vishnu means “pervading everywhere,” that is, “the Omnipresent One.” When people are told about worshipping an image of Vishnu, they laugh and call it foolish. But when we wish to drink the Divine nectar that is this Omnipresent Vishnu, we ask for a spoon, a cup, or any other vessel. An image is merely a device through which one can taste supernal bliss. The bliss lies in the nectar itself, and it does not matter what shape or design the vessel has, as long as a person tormented by thirst can drink from it. Raso vai sah, that is, God is the Divine drink—supremely sweet, nourishing, and strengthening. You may taste it using a cup in the form of Nataraja, Durga, Krishna, a lingam, Ganesha, or Christ. You may use any other form, any appearance capable of comforting and inspiring you<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume XVII, Chapter 18</div>

 

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Through sincere repentance, all sins can be washed away!
God’s Grace is responsive!
If He wishes to forgive, nothing can stand in the way! Despite past transgressions, if there is deep repentance
and Love for God, sins are washed away and a person’s nature is purified! To fear that this will not happen is weakness!
God has Infinite Compassion; seek His Love — and you
will receive forgiveness!

The teachings of Sathya Sai Baba,
"The Classics of Spiritual Philosophy and Modernity".

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<div class="bbWrapper">Through sincere repentance, all sins can be washed away!<br /> God’s Grace is responsive!<br /> If He wishes to forgive, nothing can stand in the way! Despite past transgressions, if there is deep repentance<br /> and Love for God, sins are washed away and a person’s nature is purified! To fear that this will not happen is weakness!<br /> God has Infinite Compassion; seek His Love — and you<br /> will receive forgiveness!<br /> <br /> The teachings of Sathya Sai Baba,<br /> "The Classics of Spiritual Philosophy and Modernity".</div>

 

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Man is a seeker of happiness. In essence, he himself is a repository of happiness. But, not understanding this, man seeks happiness everywhere in the world.
He studies in the hope that learning will bring him happiness. But happiness eludes him.
He tries to find happiness in work, but does not find it.
Seeking happiness in family life, he encounters disappointment.
He does not receive happiness from his children either.
Then he devotes himself entirely to accumulating wealth, believing that wealth will provide him with the means to attain happiness.
In the end, he finds himself a pitiful creature whose wealth has either been stolen or squandered by his immoral offspring.
Then he realizes that all his previous efforts and searches for happiness brought him temporary satisfaction, but not lasting happiness.
A rich man behaves like a dog in the manger. He neither enjoys his wealth himself nor uses it for good purposes. A wealthy person should understand that self-sacrifice should be the distinguishing mark of prosperity and that true happiness can be attained through self-sacrifice.

Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume XXV, Discourses, 1992, Chapter 6.

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<div class="bbWrapper">Man is a seeker of happiness. In essence, he himself is a repository of happiness. But, not understanding this, man seeks happiness everywhere in the world.<br /> He studies in the hope that learning will bring him happiness. But happiness eludes him.<br /> He tries to find happiness in work, but does not find it.<br /> Seeking happiness in family life, he encounters disappointment.<br /> He does not receive happiness from his children either.<br /> Then he devotes himself entirely to accumulating wealth, believing that wealth will provide him with the means to attain happiness.<br /> In the end, he finds himself a pitiful creature whose wealth has either been stolen or squandered by his immoral offspring.<br /> Then he realizes that all his previous efforts and searches for happiness brought him temporary satisfaction, but not lasting happiness.<br /> A rich man behaves like a dog in the manger. He neither enjoys his wealth himself nor uses it for good purposes. A wealthy person should understand that self-sacrifice should be the distinguishing mark of prosperity and that true happiness can be attained through self-sacrifice.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume XXV, Discourses, 1992, Chapter 6.</div>

 

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A person’s thoughts are filled with various attachments and aversions (raga and dvesha). Attachment and aversion are the predominant qualities in a human being. They are evil planets that bring suffering into a person’s life. Once, Totaka, a disciple of Sri Shankaracharya, asked his guru: "Master, whom in this world can be considered the greatest victor?" Sri Shankaracharya replied: "Only one who has mastered his senses is the greatest victor, not one who can conquer kingdoms, climb the Himalayas, or master all knowledge." Prahlada said to his father Hiranyakashipu: "You want to conquer the three worlds, but you cannot master your senses." How can one who has not overcome inner enemies such as anger, hatred, and so on hope to defeat external enemies? Inner enemies can be conquered in only one way—through love. The most important thing is to fill our lives with meaning through love, subduing the six inner enemies and dedicating all our actions to God.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, November 23, 1986

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<div class="bbWrapper">A person’s thoughts are filled with various attachments and aversions (raga and dvesha). Attachment and aversion are the predominant qualities in a human being. They are evil planets that bring suffering into a person’s life. Once, Totaka, a disciple of Sri Shankaracharya, asked his guru: "Master, whom in this world can be considered the greatest victor?" Sri Shankaracharya replied: "Only one who has mastered his senses is the greatest victor, not one who can conquer kingdoms, climb the Himalayas, or master all knowledge." Prahlada said to his father Hiranyakashipu: "You want to conquer the three worlds, but you cannot master your senses." How can one who has not overcome inner enemies such as anger, hatred, and so on hope to defeat external enemies? Inner enemies can be conquered in only one way—through love. The most important thing is to fill our lives with meaning through love, subduing the six inner enemies and dedicating all our actions to God.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, November 23, 1986</div>

 

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Kama (desire) is the cause of birth; kala (time) is the cause of death. Rama is the protector of life. Birth takes place because of desires. Time, indifferent and relentlessly moving forward, severs the thread of life. Only chanting the name of God will make your life not be in vain. Life is a battle; in battle, one fights until victory. The goal of this victory is to win the “crown” of the Atma and become the rightful ruler in the kingdom of Liberation. This victory and its fruits are possible if one follows the path indicated by Vedanta.

Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume VI

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<div class="bbWrapper">Kama (desire) is the cause of birth; kala (time) is the cause of death. Rama is the protector of life. Birth takes place because of desires. Time, indifferent and relentlessly moving forward, severs the thread of life. Only chanting the name of God will make your life not be in vain. Life is a battle; in battle, one fights until victory. The goal of this victory is to win the “crown” of the Atma and become the rightful ruler in the kingdom of Liberation. This victory and its fruits are possible if one follows the path indicated by Vedanta.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume VI</div>

 

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You were not born into this world to torment yourselves with hunger and relieve that torment for a while. In fact, you were given the feeling of hunger so that you could develop your mental abilities and discover the highest purpose for yourself. Education is for life, not for survival! Life is merely an opportunity for you to see your beginning and your end. Every clock has a master—the one who made it and knows the secret of winding it. You, too, have a Master, the One who holds the key to wind you up. Find Him! Clocks show the time to everyone who needs it. They do not expect a reward for this. They do not care why you are so eager to know the time. They go on ceaselessly, day and night, in good weather and bad. Be like a clock.

Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume VI

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<div class="bbWrapper">You were not born into this world to torment yourselves with hunger and relieve that torment for a while. In fact, you were given the feeling of hunger so that you could develop your mental abilities and discover the highest purpose for yourself. Education is for life, not for survival! Life is merely an opportunity for you to see your beginning and your end. Every clock has a master—the one who made it and knows the secret of winding it. You, too, have a Master, the One who holds the key to wind you up. Find Him! Clocks show the time to everyone who needs it. They do not expect a reward for this. They do not care why you are so eager to know the time. They go on ceaselessly, day and night, in good weather and bad. Be like a clock.<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-2-1792913349" data-lb-id="_xfUid-2-1792913349"> <div class="lbContainer-zoomer js-lbImage-_xfUid-2-1792913349" 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> Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume VI</div>

 

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The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer found in the most ancient sacred scriptures of humanity—the Vedas. The Gayatri Mantra is usually repeated at dawn, noon, and sunset. However, remember that God is beyond time; but because human thinking is limited, people use expressions such as “dawn” and “sunset.” When, seeking refuge from the bright sunlight, we move into the shade, it can be said that twilight has arrived; and when we step back into the sunlight, it can be said that dawn has come again. Therefore, in order to chant the Gayatri Mantra, you do not need to be bound by these three periods of time (dawn, noon, and sunset). It can be sung anywhere, at any time and in any place, provided that your mind is pure. I would advise young people to repeat the Gayatri Mantra while taking a bath. And instead of humming cheap, unspiritual film songs, it is better to sing the Gayatri Mantra. When you bathe, your body is cleansed. So let your mind and intellect be cleansed as well. Also make it a rule to sing the Gayatri Mantra when you wash your hands, wash your face, before every meal, in the morning after waking up, and in the evening before going to sleep. After singing the Gayatri Mantra, chant the “Shanti (Peace)” mantra three times. This will grant Peace to your body, mind, and soul.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, June 20, 1977

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<div class="bbWrapper">The Gayatri Mantra is a universal prayer found in the most ancient sacred scriptures of humanity—the Vedas. The Gayatri Mantra is usually repeated at dawn, noon, and sunset. However, remember that God is beyond time; but because human thinking is limited, people use expressions such as “dawn” and “sunset.” When, seeking refuge from the bright sunlight, we move into the shade, it can be said that twilight has arrived; and when we step back into the sunlight, it can be said that dawn has come again. Therefore, in order to chant the Gayatri Mantra, you do not need to be bound by these three periods of time (dawn, noon, and sunset). It can be sung anywhere, at any time and in any place, provided that your mind is pure. I would advise young people to repeat the Gayatri Mantra while taking a bath. And instead of humming cheap, unspiritual film songs, it is better to sing the Gayatri Mantra. When you bathe, your body is cleansed. So let your mind and intellect be cleansed as well. Also make it a rule to sing the Gayatri Mantra when you wash your hands, wash your face, before every meal, in the morning after waking up, and in the evening before going to sleep. After singing the Gayatri Mantra, chant the “Shanti (Peace)” mantra three times. This will grant Peace to your body, mind, and soul.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, June 20, 1977</div>

 

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There are three paths by which seekers try to embark on the path of meditation. On the pure and serene sattvic path, a person regards repetition of the Name and meditation as their duty and endures any number of hardships to attain the goal. The person is fully convinced that everything they endure is merely an illusion, so they do only good under all circumstances and at all times. They wish only good for everyone and always love everyone. Such a person spends all their time in remembrance and meditation on the Lord. Such a person does not even long for the fruit of repetition of the Name and meditation; they leave it to the Lord! On the passionate, restless rajasic path, a person longs for the fruits of their actions at every step. If the fruit is not attained, gradually lethargy and aversion take hold of the spiritual seeker, and repetition of the Name and meditation gradually fade away. The ignorant tamasic path is even worse. The Lord is remembered only in times of danger or intense suffering, or when a person becomes a victim of loss!

Sathya Sai Baba
Dhyana Vahini, Chapter 2

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<div class="bbWrapper">There are three paths by which seekers try to embark on the path of meditation. On the pure and serene sattvic path, a person regards repetition of the Name and meditation as their duty and endures any number of hardships to attain the goal. The person is fully convinced that everything they endure is merely an illusion, so they do only good under all circumstances and at all times. They wish only good for everyone and always love everyone. Such a person spends all their time in remembrance and meditation on the Lord. Such a person does not even long for the fruit of repetition of the Name and meditation; they leave it to the Lord! On the passionate, restless rajasic path, a person longs for the fruits of their actions at every step. If the fruit is not attained, gradually lethargy and aversion take hold of the spiritual seeker, and repetition of the Name and meditation gradually fade away. The ignorant tamasic path is even worse. The Lord is remembered only in times of danger or intense suffering, or when a person becomes a victim of loss!<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Dhyana Vahini, Chapter 2</div>

 

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In this world there is That, by knowing which you would know everything. If That is not known, there is no point in knowing anything else. This is knowledge of the true Self. Zero acquires value when the number one is placed before it. The greater the number of zeros, the greater the value. If the one is removed, all the zeros lose their value.
Love for the true Self can be compared to the number one. Human life acquires value only when a person loves the true Self.

Sathya Sai Baba
24 02 2002, Prashanti Nilayam

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<div class="bbWrapper">In this world there is That, by knowing which you would know everything. If That is not known, there is no point in knowing anything else. This is knowledge of the true Self. Zero acquires value when the number one is placed before it. The greater the number of zeros, the greater the value. If the one is removed, all the zeros lose their value.<br /> Love for the true Self can be compared to the number one. Human life acquires value only when a person loves the true Self.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> 24 02 2002, Prashanti Nilayam</div>

 

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Two things are necessary to achieve anything in life: firm Faith and pure Love.
To experience pure Divine Love, you must be ready to renounce selfishness and personal gain. You must develop purity and steadfastness. With firm Faith, constantly develop Love for God, regardless of any obstacles and trials!
You should never think that pleasure and pain arise as a result of the influence of external forces. They are the result of your own thoughts. There is no point in blaming others.
If you develop Love for God, this Love will dispel all sorrows and such bad tendencies as attachment, anger, and envy.
A person needs both spiritual and secular education.
You must realize that Nature is also a manifestation of God. Therefore, Nature should not be treated with disregard. Nature is the effect, while God is the Cause.
Thus, you must recognize the Omnipresence of God throughout the Universe.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, June 20, 1996

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<div class="bbWrapper">Two things are necessary to achieve anything in life: firm Faith and pure Love.<br /> To experience pure Divine Love, you must be ready to renounce selfishness and personal gain. You must develop purity and steadfastness. With firm Faith, constantly develop Love for God, regardless of any obstacles and trials!<br /> You should never think that pleasure and pain arise as a result of the influence of external forces. They are the result of your own thoughts. There is no point in blaming others.<br /> If you develop Love for God, this Love will dispel all sorrows and such bad tendencies as attachment, anger, and envy.<br /> A person needs both spiritual and secular education.<br /> You must realize that Nature is also a manifestation of God. Therefore, Nature should not be treated with disregard. Nature is the effect, while God is the Cause.<br /> Thus, you must recognize the Omnipresence of God throughout the Universe.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, June 20, 1996</div>

 

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Good night and blessed dreams!

“The mind is so susceptible to the influence of passion for pleasures and the delusion of ignorance that it pursues the fleeting objects of the external world with astonishing speed; therefore, it must be brought back again and again to higher ideals. Of course, this is difficult at first, but through constant practice the mind can be trained to remain focused for a long time on the eternal bliss of the Sacred Syllable, Pranava, OM.

The mind can be trained by following methods of calm persuasion and by promising attractive incentives; by practicing restraint of the senses from the external world; by enduring pain and hard work; by cultivating sincerity and constancy; by training the mind to remain in equilibrium—or, more precisely, by applying the methods of control of the senses, compassion, tolerance, steadfast faith, and equanimity: sama, dana, uparati, titiksha, shraddha, and samadhana.

The mind can be turned toward Brahman and constant contemplation of Brahman through the study of the Upanishads, regular prayer, and adherence to Truth; one should also share with others the bliss of chanting the Names of God through bhajans. Very often, along with success in meditation, new desires and resolutions arise in the mind. But one should not despair: the mind can be conquered only if one takes as one’sthe rule of approaching regular practice with complete seriousness. The final result of such practice is Nirvikalpa Samadhi, or boundless and unchanging consciousness—bliss.”

Sathya Sai Baba
“Jnana Vahini”

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<div class="bbWrapper"><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-7-1792913349" data-lb-id="_xfUid-7-1792913349"> <div class="lbContainer-zoomer js-lbImage-_xfUid-7-1792913349" data-src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/e2ad90_2x.png" aria-label="Zoom"></div> <img src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/e2ad90_2x.png" data-url="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/e2ad90_2x.png" class="bbImage" data-zoom-target="1" alt="⭐" style="" /> </div> <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-8-1792913349" data-lb-id="_xfUid-8-1792913349"> <div class="lbContainer-zoomer js-lbImage-_xfUid-8-1792913349" data-src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f8c9b_2x.png" aria-label="Zoom"></div> <img src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f8c9b_2x.png" data-url="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f8c9b_2x.png" class="bbImage" data-zoom-target="1" alt="🌛" style="" /> </div> <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-9-1792913349" data-lb-id="_xfUid-9-1792913349"> <div class="lbContainer-zoomer js-lbImage-_xfUid-9-1792913349" data-src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f998ff09f8fbb_2x.png" aria-label="Zoom"></div> <img src="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f998ff09f8fbb_2x.png" data-url="https://m.vk.com/emoji/e/f09f998ff09f8fbb_2x.png" class="bbImage" data-zoom-target="1" alt="🙏🏻" style="" /> </div> Good night and blessed dreams!<br /> <br /> “The mind is so susceptible to the influence of passion for pleasures and the delusion of ignorance that it pursues the fleeting objects of the external world with astonishing speed; therefore, it must be brought back again and again to higher ideals. Of course, this is difficult at first, but through constant practice the mind can be trained to remain focused for a long time on the eternal bliss of the Sacred Syllable, Pranava, OM.<br /> <br /> The mind can be trained by following methods of calm persuasion and by promising attractive incentives; by practicing restraint of the senses from the external world; by enduring pain and hard work; by cultivating sincerity and constancy; by training the mind to remain in equilibrium—or, more precisely, by applying the methods of control of the senses, compassion, tolerance, steadfast faith, and equanimity: sama, dana, uparati, titiksha, shraddha, and samadhana.<br /> <br /> The mind can be turned toward Brahman and constant contemplation of Brahman through the study of the Upanishads, regular prayer, and adherence to Truth; one should also share with others the bliss of chanting the Names of God through bhajans. Very often, along with success in meditation, new desires and resolutions arise in the mind. But one should not despair: the mind can be conquered only if one takes as one’sthe rule of approaching regular practice with complete seriousness. The final result of such practice is Nirvikalpa Samadhi, or boundless and unchanging consciousness—bliss.”<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-10-1792913349" data-lb-id="_xfUid-10-1792913349"> <div class="lbContainer-zoomer js-lbImage-_xfUid-10-1792913349" 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> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> “Jnana Vahini”</div>

 

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FILL YOUR HEART WITH LOVE

You should feel compassion and love in your heart. When it rains heavily, you can collect as much water as you want if you place your pitcher outside. But if you hold the pitcher upside down, you will not be able to collect even a drop of water, although it may be pouring with rain. In the same way, people listen to Swami’s discourses but hold the vessel of their hearts upside down. That is why they do not develop even an iota of love in their hearts. Why do you all come here? What is the benefit of living here? Do you have nowhere else to go? What is the use of your stay? What have you achieved? What do you gain, what do you experience? Do you experience bliss? Not at all. You are simply wasting your time. Understand this truth and, at least from today onward, begin speaking lovingly with everyone who comes to you for help.

There are many places, such as the office, accommodation registration, the information department, the canteen, the hospital and the bookshop, where you have to deal with visitors. Some people behave like attack dogs or German shepherds when dealing with others. I find no kind-hearted people anywhere. What is the use of such a life? We spend millions of rupees on hospitals. Why do you not treat patients with love? There are some doctors who treat patients with love. When they speak to patients gently and softly, half of their illnesses go away. But there are others who send patients away, saying, “There is no time now.” They do not merely say, “Go away”; they say much more! Such people cannot be called doctors or devotees of Mine. In fact, they are not even human beings. If you have truly come for Swami’s sake, you must cultivate love within yourselves. Swami is the embodiment of Love from head to toe. I give only love. You receive My love, but you do not derive any benefit from it.

From Bhagavan’s discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam, July 3, 1996

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<div class="bbWrapper">FILL YOUR HEART WITH LOVE<br /> <br /> You should feel compassion and love in your heart. When it rains heavily, you can collect as much water as you want if you place your pitcher outside. But if you hold the pitcher upside down, you will not be able to collect even a drop of water, although it may be pouring with rain. In the same way, people listen to Swami’s discourses but hold the vessel of their hearts upside down. That is why they do not develop even an iota of love in their hearts. Why do you all come here? What is the benefit of living here? Do you have nowhere else to go? What is the use of your stay? What have you achieved? What do you gain, what do you experience? Do you experience bliss? Not at all. You are simply wasting your time. Understand this truth and, at least from today onward, begin speaking lovingly with everyone who comes to you for help.<br /> <br /> There are many places, such as the office, accommodation registration, the information department, the canteen, the hospital and the bookshop, where you have to deal with visitors. Some people behave like attack dogs or German shepherds when dealing with others. I find no kind-hearted people anywhere. What is the use of such a life? We spend millions of rupees on hospitals. Why do you not treat patients with love? There are some doctors who treat patients with love. When they speak to patients gently and softly, half of their illnesses go away. But there are others who send patients away, saying, “There is no time now.” They do not merely say, “Go away”; they say much more! Such people cannot be called doctors or devotees of Mine. In fact, they are not even human beings. If you have truly come for Swami’s sake, you must cultivate love within yourselves. Swami is the embodiment of Love from head to toe. I give only love. You receive My love, but you do not derive any benefit from it.<br /> <br /> From Bhagavan’s discourse in Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam, July 3, 1996</div>