Learning Through Reading

[1313]

THE SYMBOLISM OF SHIVA’S FORM

The secret of creation is revealed through a description of Shiva’s form.
The crescent moon on Shiva’s head symbolizes human consciousness, Ganga—the life force, and the snakes on His body—the myriad living beings. He sits upon a silver mountain. His closest friend is Kubera, the Lord of wealth. So why, possessing all this power, is He compelled to hold a begging bowl? Shiva renounced everything to show the world that wealth of any kind is an obstacle on the spiritual path. Through renunciation, Shiva became the eternal embodiment of supreme bliss...

Shiva’s three eyes symbolize the three worlds, lokas. Shiva’s trident represents the three aspects of time—the past, present, and future. The three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas) correspond to the aspects of the triune God—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Thus, the three worlds, three times, and three qualities (gunas) are manifestations of the principle of Ishvara...

For the well-being of the entire world, Shiva swallowed the Halahala poison. With His matted hair, He subdued Ganga. The moon rests on Shiva’s head, thanks to which people can attain peace of mind...
Legend has it that after drinking the halahala to save the world, Shiva lost consciousness and fell. As a result, the world became too hot. To cool the world, Shiva created the Himalayas. Then He placed the Himalayas on His abdomen; the Himalayas absorbed all the heat emanating from Shiva’s body, after which He rose. People commemorate this event as Shivaratri. But this is only a worldly interpretation. In truth, the Himalayas are within you. In fact, the entire world is within you...

When a person transforms themselves by following Ishvara’s example, they will be able to get rid of all harmful tendencies and offer their piety to the world. This is the meaning of worshipping Shiva.

— Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.

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<div class="bbWrapper">THE SYMBOLISM OF SHIVA’S FORM<br /> <br /> The secret of creation is revealed through a description of Shiva’s form.<br /> The crescent moon on Shiva’s head symbolizes human consciousness, Ganga—the life force, and the snakes on His body—the myriad living beings. He sits upon a silver mountain. His closest friend is Kubera, the Lord of wealth. So why, possessing all this power, is He compelled to hold a begging bowl? Shiva renounced everything to show the world that wealth of any kind is an obstacle on the spiritual path. Through renunciation, Shiva became the eternal embodiment of supreme bliss...<br /> <br /> Shiva’s three eyes symbolize the three worlds, lokas. Shiva’s trident represents the three aspects of time—the past, present, and future. The three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas) correspond to the aspects of the triune God—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva. Thus, the three worlds, three times, and three qualities (gunas) are manifestations of the principle of Ishvara...<br /> <br /> For the well-being of the entire world, Shiva swallowed the Halahala poison. With His matted hair, He subdued Ganga. The moon rests on Shiva’s head, thanks to which people can attain peace of mind...<br /> Legend has it that after drinking the halahala to save the world, Shiva lost consciousness and fell. As a result, the world became too hot. To cool the world, Shiva created the Himalayas. Then He placed the Himalayas on His abdomen; the Himalayas absorbed all the heat emanating from Shiva’s body, after which He rose. People commemorate this event as Shivaratri. But this is only a worldly interpretation. In truth, the Himalayas are within you. In fact, the entire world is within you...<br /> <br /> When a person transforms themselves by following Ishvara’s example, they will be able to get rid of all harmful tendencies and offer their piety to the world. This is the meaning of worshipping Shiva.<br /> <br /> — Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.</div>

 

[1313]

God is immanently present in every person.
God is everywhere. There is a saying: “The same Atman dwells in all beings.” The same Atmic principle is inherent in all people.
You may doubt this and think: “If that is so, why can’t I be friends with such-and-such a person?”
If a person’s age, behavior, and thoughts do not contribute to your spiritual development, you should not be friends with them. If you befriend such a person, you will become like them. Tell me who your friend is, and I will tell you who you are. We should be friends with good people…
You should associate with good people, speak good words, and see good things. You will become a good person only when you see good, have good thoughts, and perform good actions.

An address by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Dasara, September 29, 2006.

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<div class="bbWrapper">God is immanently present in every person.<br /> God is everywhere. There is a saying: “The same Atman dwells in all beings.” The same Atmic principle is inherent in all people.<br /> You may doubt this and think: “If that is so, why can’t I be friends with such-and-such a person?”<br /> If a person’s age, behavior, and thoughts do not contribute to your spiritual development, you should not be friends with them. If you befriend such a person, you will become like them. Tell me who your friend is, and I will tell you who you are. We should be friends with good people…<br /> You should associate with good people, speak good words, and see good things. You will become a good person only when you see good, have good thoughts, and perform good actions.<br /> <br /> An address by Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, Dasara, September 29, 2006.</div>

 

[1313]

Do not distance yourselves from Me

Someone advises you to observe every movement of the mind, noting all its antics and evil intentions. This is a vicious practice. Pay no attention to its vile actions; strive for what is desirable, rather than for what you would like to avoid! One who counts mistakes will always repeat them. Resolve to walk the straight path, and you will not have to slip or fall…

Wherever you may be, create Prashanti Nilayam around you! Do not distance yourselves from Me; become participants in My Story!
Closeness to Me is the result of the accumulated good of many births.
If you suddenly break this connection and move away, someday you will have to weep behind locked gates, begging to be let in here once more! Free yourselves from foolish illusions and doubts; be free from all idle desires—and I will let you come to Me!

Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume II, St. Petersburg, 2000, p. 165

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<div class="bbWrapper">Do not distance yourselves from Me <br /> <br /> Someone advises you to observe every movement of the mind, noting all its antics and evil intentions. This is a vicious practice. Pay no attention to its vile actions; strive for what is desirable, rather than for what you would like to avoid! One who counts mistakes will always repeat them. Resolve to walk the straight path, and you will not have to slip or fall… <br /> <br /> Wherever you may be, create Prashanti Nilayam around you! Do not distance yourselves from Me; become participants in My Story!<br /> Closeness to Me is the result of the accumulated good of many births.<br /> If you suddenly break this connection and move away, someday you will have to weep behind locked gates, begging to be let in here once more! Free yourselves from foolish illusions and doubts; be free from all idle desires—and I will let you come to Me!<br /> <br /> Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.<br /> Sathya Sai Speaks. Volume II, St. Petersburg, 2000, p. 165</div>

 

[1313]

BE IMMOVABLE

In this world, good and evil, wealth and poverty, praise and blame coexist.
You cannot attain happiness through happiness (Na sukhat labhate sukham).
Happiness comes only from sorrow.
A rich person today may become poor tomorrow. Likewise, a poor person may one day become rich.
Today you are praised, but tomorrow you may be criticized.
An equal attitude toward praise and blame, happiness and sorrow, prosperity and the vicissitudes of fate is the distinguishing mark of a True Human Being.
The Bhagavad Gita says: “Regard happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike (Sukha dukhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau).
You can truly enjoy life as human beings only when you accept sorrow and joy, losses and gains, with equanimity.
Sorrow gives value to happiness.
Therefore, welcome sorrow if you wish to experience True Happiness.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, July 9, 1996

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<div class="bbWrapper">BE IMMOVABLE<br /> <br /> In this world, good and evil, wealth and poverty, praise and blame coexist. <br /> You cannot attain happiness through happiness (Na sukhat labhate sukham). <br /> Happiness comes only from sorrow. <br /> A rich person today may become poor tomorrow. Likewise, a poor person may one day become rich. <br /> Today you are praised, but tomorrow you may be criticized. <br /> An equal attitude toward praise and blame, happiness and sorrow, prosperity and the vicissitudes of fate is the distinguishing mark of a True Human Being. <br /> The Bhagavad Gita says: “Regard happiness and sorrow, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike (Sukha dukhe same kritva labhalabhau jayajayau). <br /> You can truly enjoy life as human beings only when you accept sorrow and joy, losses and gains, with equanimity. <br /> Sorrow gives value to happiness. <br /> Therefore, welcome sorrow if you wish to experience True Happiness. <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba <br /> Divine Discourse, July 9, 1996</div>

 

[1313]

Many of you are following a meaningless path and living a meaningless life. You cry when you are born, and you cry when you die. And between these milestones, you continue to cry, demanding useless things. Do you cry when you see the decline of Dharma? This is what you should cry about; this is what you should use your strength and abilities for: to stop the decline of Dharma and help heal the wounds resulting from it. What is Dharma? Dharma means constantly remembering and ceaselessly contemplating the Lord. It means performing your daily duties while thinking of the Lord. The Gita does not teach that you should leave your family, abandon your possessions and property, and go into the forest. No! Take care of your family. Do your duty. But remain constantly focused on God. Whatever you do, do not forget your goal. If you abandon it, you will lose your way and take the wrong path. Hold the Divine goal firmly in your mind. Perform your daily duties while keeping this goal firmly in view.

Sathya Sai Gita

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<div class="bbWrapper">Many of you are following a meaningless path and living a meaningless life. You cry when you are born, and you cry when you die. And between these milestones, you continue to cry, demanding useless things. Do you cry when you see the decline of Dharma? This is what you should cry about; this is what you should use your strength and abilities for: to stop the decline of Dharma and help heal the wounds resulting from it. What is Dharma? Dharma means constantly remembering and ceaselessly contemplating the Lord. It means performing your daily duties while thinking of the Lord. The Gita does not teach that you should leave your family, abandon your possessions and property, and go into the forest. No! Take care of your family. Do your duty. But remain constantly focused on God. Whatever you do, do not forget your goal. If you abandon it, you will lose your way and take the wrong path. Hold the Divine goal firmly in your mind. Perform your daily duties while keeping this goal firmly in view. <br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Gita</div>

 

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OSHO says...
*If you sit somewhere in the Himalayas and silence surrounds you, it is the silence of the Himalayas, but not your own. You must find your own Himalayas within yourself.
*It does not matter what you do. What matters is how you do it—in harmony with yourself, with your own vision, putting your soul into it.
*You are guided by a mind bound by fear. Do not think about what will come of it all. Simply be here and act totally. Do not calculate. A person enveloped in fear is always calculating, planning, arranging, and taking precautions. And their entire life is squandered on this.
*True Happiness is here and now. It has nothing to do with the Past or the Future.
*A person must remain natural, fluid, and be in the moment. As soon as you begin thinking about the future, ambitions, and desires, you miss this moment.
*God can never be found somewhere out there; God is always here. God is your very existence.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><b>OSHO</b> says...<br /> *If you sit somewhere in the Himalayas and silence surrounds you, it is the silence of the Himalayas, but not your own. You must find your own Himalayas within yourself.<br /> *It does not matter what you do. What matters is how you do it—in harmony with yourself, with your own vision, putting your soul into it.<br /> *You are guided by a mind bound by fear. Do not think about what will come of it all. Simply be here and act totally. Do not calculate. A person enveloped in fear is always calculating, planning, arranging, and taking precautions. And their entire life is squandered on this.<br /> *True Happiness is here and now. It has nothing to do with the Past or the Future.<br /> *A person must remain natural, fluid, and be in the moment. As soon as you begin thinking about the future, ambitions, and desires, you miss this moment.<br /> *God can never be found somewhere out there; God is always here. God is your very existence.</div>

 

[1313]

Shivaratri helps us understand that God is omnipresent and can be found everywhere. Our everyday experience offers several examples revealing the existence of Divinity in every person. Let us take a cinema, for example: on the screen, we see a flood engulfing everything around it. Despite the scene being filled with floodwaters, the screen does not get wet at all. At another time, on the same screen, we see volcanoes erupting with tongues of flame, but the screen does not burn. Nothing shown on the screen, which is the basis for all these images, affects it. In the same way, in human life, good and bad, joy and sorrow, birth and death will 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 you understand this principle, you will be able to understand life, enjoy it, and fulfill yourself in life!

(Divine Discourse, February 17, 1985)

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<div class="bbWrapper">Shivaratri helps us understand that God is omnipresent and can be found everywhere. Our everyday experience offers several examples revealing the existence of Divinity in every person. Let us take a cinema, for example: on the screen, we see a flood engulfing everything around it. Despite the scene being filled with floodwaters, the screen does not get wet at all. At another time, on the same screen, we see volcanoes erupting with tongues of flame, but the screen does not burn. Nothing shown on the screen, which is the basis for all these images, affects it. In the same way, in human life, good and bad, joy and sorrow, birth and death will 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 you understand this principle, you will be able to understand life, enjoy it, and fulfill yourself in life!<br /> <br /> (Divine Discourse, February 17, 1985)</div>

 

[1313]

The mantra “So-ham” (I am He) proclaims the identity of man and God, but this cannot be realized as long as a person remains entangled in the tentacles of the material world. Such is the truth about God. If someone asks, “Where is this God?”, the answer is given in Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, verse 61. Krishna declared there: “Ishvarah Sarvabhutanam hriddeshe” (The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings). We study the Gita, we love it very much, and read it daily, but in practice we do not apply what we have learned in everyday life. One who realizes their unity with God will harm no one. Service to society is true worship of God. Divine power permeates all existence. We move from the individual to the Universal, from “svam” (mine) to “So-ham” (unity with God), from “I” to “we”.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, February 11, 1983

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<div class="bbWrapper">The mantra “So-ham” (I am He) proclaims the identity of man and God, but this cannot be realized as long as a person remains entangled in the tentacles of the material world. Such is the truth about God. If someone asks, “Where is this God?”, the answer is given in Chapter 18 of the Bhagavad Gita, verse 61. Krishna declared there: “Ishvarah Sarvabhutanam hriddeshe” (The Lord dwells in the hearts of all beings). We study the Gita, we love it very much, and read it daily, but in practice we do not apply what we have learned in everyday life. One who realizes their unity with God will harm no one. Service to society is true worship of God. Divine power permeates all existence. We move from the individual to the Universal, from “svam” (mine) to “So-ham” (unity with God), from “I” to “we”.<br /> <br /> Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, February 11, 1983</div>

 

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OSHO says...
I love you as you are, because that is the only way to love. And I accept you as you are, because I know that this is the only way you can be. The Whole wants you to be this way. The Whole has told you to be this way. Relax, accept yourself, and rejoice—and this is transformation. It does not come through effort; it comes through accepting yourself with such deep love and ecstasy that there are no “buts,” no conditions—conscious or unconscious, known or unknown. Love is alchemy. If you love yourself, your ugly parts disappear, melt away, and are transformed. Energy is released from this form. There is energy in everything. There is much energy in your irritation, and much energy in your fear too, distorted and suffocating within it. If fear disappears, the form falls away and the energy is released. Irritation disappears—there is even more energy. Everything we call sins simply disappears. I am not saying that you must change them; you must love your being, and they will change. Change is a by-product, a consequence. Such immense energy is released that you begin to flow: upward, upward—you grow wings. Love yourself. This must become the primary commandment. Love yourself. Everything else will follow, but this is the foundation.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><b>OSHO</b> says...<br /> I love you as you are, because that is the only way to love. And I accept you as you are, because I know that this is the only way you can be. The Whole wants you to be this way. The Whole has told you to be this way. Relax, accept yourself, and rejoice—and this is transformation. It does not come through effort; it comes through accepting yourself with such deep love and ecstasy that there are no “buts,” no conditions—conscious or unconscious, known or unknown. Love is alchemy. If you love yourself, your ugly parts disappear, melt away, and are transformed. Energy is released from this form. There is energy in everything. There is much energy in your irritation, and much energy in your fear too, distorted and suffocating within it. If fear disappears, the form falls away and the energy is released. Irritation disappears—there is even more energy. Everything we call sins simply disappears. I am not saying that you must change them; you must love your being, and they will change. Change is a by-product, a consequence. Such immense energy is released that you begin to flow: upward, upward—you grow wings. Love yourself. This must become the primary commandment. Love yourself. Everything else will follow, but this is the foundation.</div>

 

[1313]

All the good and evil you encounter in the outside world are merely reflections of yourselves.
Therefore, do not point your finger at others.
The whole world depends on human behavior. If a person is good, the whole world will be good as well.
You think that everything around you is vulgar and defiled. This is a mistaken opinion. In reality, it is a reflection of the vulgarity and impurity within you.
If your feelings are demonic, you will see the same thing 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 your finger at others.<br /> The whole world depends on human behavior. If a person is good, the whole world will be good as well. <br /> You think that everything around you is vulgar and defiled. This is a mistaken opinion. In reality, it is a reflection of the vulgarity and impurity within you.<br /> If your feelings are demonic, you will see the same thing 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>

 

[1313]

Who are you?

In reality, “I” is only Atman, or Brahman. A sincere attempt to comprehend this truth is called KNOWLEDGE. Self-knowledge is extremely necessary on the spiritual path. Puja, namasmarana, dhyana, tapas, yajna, yagya (worship, remembrance of the Name, meditation, asceticism, sacrifices, offerings), and similar rituals are not spiritual in the true sense. These actions are good for attaining purity of heart. True spirituality is self-knowledge. I do not mean that you should stop all rituals and sacred practices. From my point of view, self-knowledge is the most important thing. Since there are no people near you with genuine experience in this field of knowledge who could guide you, it is difficult for you to move in the right direction.
If you ask a group of people the question “Who are you?”, you will receive different answers...

All of these are answers referring to the attributes of the body. This is wrong: you are not the body; it is merely an instrument, because when you are in deep sleep, your body is motionless and passive, and you are not aware of its existence.
You are not your mind either. Those who identify themselves with the mind are full of pride and lead selfish lives. In deep sleep, sushupti, even the mind does not exist.

You are not the intellect either. You may be intelligent, but you are not the intellect. The intellect is a gift given to you by God so that you can discern, judge, make decisions, and thus maintain good sense. But when the intellect inclines toward egoism, the power of discrimination becomes based on personal, individual interests. What is required of you, however, is fundamental discrimination that is universal in nature and benefits everyone. Know that “buddhi,” the intellect, also does not exist during deep sleep. Therefore, it is obvious that you are not the intellect, which, like the body and mind, is also an instrument.
So, what is the correct answer to the question “Who are you?” The answer is: “I am Atman.”

This Atman is the eternal witness, the one who experiences everything. It exists in all three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.

Whatever your name, nationality, age, profession, and so on may be, in essence you are Atman, and no one else.
You receive this correct answer on the path of self-knowledge.
This is true spirituality.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
/Anil Kumar Kamaraju.
Sathyopanishad, Book 1.
Moscow, Amrita-Rus, 2004
Pages 179–180/

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<div class="bbWrapper">Who are you?<br /> <br /> In reality, “I” is only Atman, or Brahman. A sincere attempt to comprehend this truth is called KNOWLEDGE. Self-knowledge is extremely necessary on the spiritual path. Puja, namasmarana, dhyana, tapas, yajna, yagya (worship, remembrance of the Name, meditation, asceticism, sacrifices, offerings), and similar rituals are not spiritual in the true sense. These actions are good for attaining purity of heart. True spirituality is self-knowledge. I do not mean that you should stop all rituals and sacred practices. From my point of view, self-knowledge is the most important thing. Since there are no people near you with genuine experience in this field of knowledge who could guide you, it is difficult for you to move in the right direction.<br /> If you ask a group of people the question “Who are you?”, you will receive different answers...<br /> <br /> All of these are answers referring to the attributes of the body. This is wrong: you are not the body; it is merely an instrument, because when you are in deep sleep, your body is motionless and passive, and you are not aware of its existence.<br /> You are not your mind either. Those who identify themselves with the mind are full of pride and lead selfish lives. In deep sleep, sushupti, even the mind does not exist.<br /> <br /> You are not the intellect either. You may be intelligent, but you are not the intellect. The intellect is a gift given to you by God so that you can discern, judge, make decisions, and thus maintain good sense. But when the intellect inclines toward egoism, the power of discrimination becomes based on personal, individual interests. What is required of you, however, is fundamental discrimination that is universal in nature and benefits everyone. Know that “buddhi,” the intellect, also does not exist during deep sleep. Therefore, it is obvious that you are not the intellect, which, like the body and mind, is also an instrument.<br /> So, what is the correct answer to the question “Who are you?” The answer is: “I am Atman.”<br /> <br /> This Atman is the eternal witness, the one who experiences everything. It exists in all three states of consciousness: waking, dreaming, and deep sleep.<br /> <br /> Whatever your name, nationality, age, profession, and so on may be, in essence you are Atman, and no one else.<br /> You receive this correct answer on the path of self-knowledge.<br /> This is true spirituality.<br /> <br /> Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.<br /> /Anil Kumar Kamaraju.<br /> Sathyopanishad, Book 1.<br /> Moscow, Amrita-Rus, 2004<br /> Pages 179–180/</div>

 

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DIVINE ENERGY IN THE HUMAN BEING.

Hislop: Swami, it takes a great deal of energy to cope with all these tasks. Human energy is limited, and Swami says that we need to invoke Divine energy. How?
Sai: Yes, human energy is limited, while Divine energy is infinite! You are God!
Hislop: Does Swami mean that when you feel the limits of human energy, you should reject it as false and instead identify yourself with God, with the One whose energy is unlimited?
Sai: Yes. Reject it! Look at your shadow: you are sitting, and your shadow is beside you. When you stand up, the shadow grows. Your shadow is human energy. You yourself are Divine energy. When you rise and also do Divine work, your energy grows.

John S. Hislop, Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, p. 253.

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<div class="bbWrapper">DIVINE ENERGY IN THE HUMAN BEING.<br /> <br /> Hislop: Swami, it takes a great deal of energy to cope with all these tasks. Human energy is limited, and Swami says that we need to invoke Divine energy. How?<br /> Sai: Yes, human energy is limited, while Divine energy is infinite! You are God!<br /> Hislop: Does Swami mean that when you feel the limits of human energy, you should reject it as false and instead identify yourself with God, with the One whose energy is unlimited?<br /> Sai: Yes. Reject it! Look at your shadow: you are sitting, and your shadow is beside you. When you stand up, the shadow grows. Your shadow is human energy. You yourself are Divine energy. When you rise and also do Divine work, your energy grows.<br /> <br /> John S. Hislop, Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, p. 253.</div>

 

[Удалённый пользователь 458]

DIVINE ENERGY IN THE HUMAN BEING.

Hislop: Swami, it takes a great deal of energy to cope with all these tasks. Human energy is limited, and Swami says that we need to invoke Divine energy. How?
Sai: Yes, human energy is limited, while Divine energy is infinite! You are God!
Hislop: Does Swami mean that when you feel the limits of human energy, you should reject it as false and instead identify yourself with God, with the One whose energy is unlimited?
Sai: Yes. Reject it! Look at your shadow: you are sitting, and your shadow is beside you. When you stand up, the shadow grows. Your shadow is human energy. You yourself are Divine energy. When you rise and also do Divine work, your energy grows.

John S. Hislop, Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, p. 253.

Thank you for posting these insightful conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba.
I feel more affinity with Osho, but I am trying to experience Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s words with great attention.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><blockquote class="bbCodeBlock bbCodeBlock--expandable bbCodeBlock--quote"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-title"> <a href="/school/en/goto/post?id=9957" class="bbCodeBlock-sourceJump" data-xf-click="attribution" data-content-selector="#post-9957">1313 said:</a> </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-content"> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandContent "> DIVINE ENERGY IN THE HUMAN BEING.<br /> <br /> Hislop: Swami, it takes a great deal of energy to cope with all these tasks. Human energy is limited, and Swami says that we need to invoke Divine energy. How?<br /> Sai: Yes, human energy is limited, while Divine energy is infinite! You are God!<br /> Hislop: Does Swami mean that when you feel the limits of human energy, you should reject it as false and instead identify yourself with God, with the One whose energy is unlimited?<br /> Sai: Yes. Reject it! Look at your shadow: you are sitting, and your shadow is beside you. When you stand up, the shadow grows. Your shadow is human energy. You yourself are Divine energy. When you rise and also do Divine work, your energy grows.<br /> <br /> John S. Hislop, Conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, p. 253. </div> <div class="bbCodeBlock-expandLink"><a>Click to expand...</a></div> </div> </blockquote>Thank you for posting these insightful conversations with Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. <img class="smilie smilie--emoji" alt="🙏" title="Folded hands :pray:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/joypixels/emoji-assets@5.0/png/64/1f64f.png" data-shortname=":pray:" /><br /> I feel more affinity with Osho, but I am trying to experience Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s words with great attention.</div>

 

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“The state of your mind depends on food. If unkind thoughts overwhelm you while eating, these thoughts will affect the food you eat, which, in turn, will affect the state of your mind. The mind is built from food. As the food, so is the mind. Therefore, our ancients advised us to consume only sattvic food.

The gross part of the food we eat becomes feces, the subtle part nourishes and renews muscle tissue, and the subtlest part of the food is transformed into the mind. Similarly, the gross part of water is excreted as urine, the subtle part enters the blood, and the subtlest part becomes prana. That water contains prana is an indisputable fact. This is precisely why beads of sweat appear on the face of a person who has lost consciousness. Water helps a person regain consciousness because it contains prana.”
Summer Rains in Brindavan

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<div class="bbWrapper">“The state of your mind depends on food. If unkind thoughts overwhelm you while eating, these thoughts will affect the food you eat, which, in turn, will affect the state of your mind. The mind is built from food. As the food, so is the mind. Therefore, our ancients advised us to consume only sattvic food.<br /> <br /> The gross part of the food we eat becomes feces, the subtle part nourishes and renews muscle tissue, and the subtlest part of the food is transformed into the mind. Similarly, the gross part of water is excreted as urine, the subtle part enters the blood, and the subtlest part becomes prana. That water contains prana is an indisputable fact. This is precisely why beads of sweat appear on the face of a person who has lost consciousness. Water helps a person regain consciousness because it contains prana.”<br /> Summer Rains in Brindavan</div>

 

[216]

Удалённый пользователь 458 , and 1 1313 , and I, in turn, would like to thank both of you for posting excerpts from the books. I enjoy both authors. I read them with great pleasure, and very often a deep understanding of what is written comes to me.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><style> .avatar--xss { width: 21px; height: 21px; line-height: 21px !important; margin-right: 2px; } </style> <span> <a href="/school/en/members/udaljonnyj-polzovatel-458.458/" class="avatar avatar--xss" data-user-id="458" data-xf-init="member-tooltip"> <img src="/school/data/avatars/s/0/458.jpg?1702007967" alt="Удалённый пользователь 458" class="avatar-u458-s" /> </a> <a href="https://www.youryoga.ru/school/en/members/458/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="458" data-username="@Удалённый пользователь 458">Удалённый пользователь 458</a> </span>, and <style> .avatar--xss { width: 21px; height: 21px; line-height: 21px !important; margin-right: 2px; } </style> <span> <a href="/school/en/members/1313.183/" class="avatar avatar--xss avatar--default avatar--default--dynamic" data-user-id="183" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" style="background-color: #ebadad; color: #b82e2e"> <span class="avatar-u183-s">1</span> </a> <a href="https://www.youryoga.ru/school/en/members/183/" class="username" data-xf-init="member-tooltip" data-user-id="183" data-username="@1313">1313</a> </span>, and I, in turn, would like to thank both of you for posting excerpts from the books. I enjoy both authors. I read them with great pleasure, and very often a deep understanding of what is written comes to me. <img class="smilie smilie--emoji" alt="🙏" title="Folded hands :pray:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/joypixels/emoji-assets@5.0/png/64/1f64f.png" data-shortname=":pray:" /> <img class="smilie smilie--emoji" alt="🙏" title="Folded hands :pray:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/joypixels/emoji-assets@5.0/png/64/1f64f.png" data-shortname=":pray:" /> <img class="smilie smilie--emoji" alt="🙏" title="Folded hands :pray:" src="https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/joypixels/emoji-assets@5.0/png/64/1f64f.png" data-shortname=":pray:" /></div>

 

[1313]

The mind must be trained so that it is always content. The waters of a river rush down from the mountains, plunge into valleys, and speed through gorges; tributaries merge into the main stream, and the waters become murky and dirty. In the same way, the speed and force of the stream of human life increase and decrease. These ups and downs can happen at any point in life. No one can avoid them. They may come at the beginning of life, at the end, or perhaps in the middle. Thus, a person must firmly convince themselves that life is inevitably full of ups and downs, and that they should neither fear nor worry about them, but understand that everything that happens serves to accumulate experience. One must not merely adopt this attitude but also rejoice in everything that happens! Then all troubles, whatever their nature, will pass easily and quickly. The right frame of mind is necessary for this.

Sathya Sai Baba
Jñāna Vāhini, Chapter 3

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<div class="bbWrapper">The mind must be trained so that it is always content. The waters of a river rush down from the mountains, plunge into valleys, and speed through gorges; tributaries merge into the main stream, and the waters become murky and dirty. In the same way, the speed and force of the stream of human life increase and decrease. These ups and downs can happen at any point in life. No one can avoid them. They may come at the beginning of life, at the end, or perhaps in the middle. Thus, a person must firmly convince themselves that life is inevitably full of ups and downs, and that they should neither fear nor worry about them, but understand that everything that happens serves to accumulate experience. One must not merely adopt this attitude but also rejoice in everything that happens! Then all troubles, whatever their nature, will pass easily and quickly. The right frame of mind is necessary for this.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Jñāna Vāhini, Chapter 3</div>

 

[1313]

Embodiments of Love! In this infinite universe, among myriads of living beings, humanity occupies a prominent place. Among human beings, being born a woman is a privilege. There are many examples demonstrating women's greatness. Was Rama not born as a Divine incarnation in the womb of Kausalya? Did Lava and Kusha (twins) not become great because they were born to Sita? Was it not Jijabai's loving care that made Shivaji great? Was it not Putlibai's piety that made Gandhi a Mahatma? All great sages, saints, heroes, and warriors were born to women “who made them great.” Woman is the Goddess of Nature. Clearly, being born a woman deserves respect, admiration, and exalted reverence. The Veda also describes the worship of the Feminine Principle in various ways.

Sathya Sai Baba
Divine Discourse, November 19, 1995

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<div class="bbWrapper">Embodiments of Love! In this infinite universe, among myriads of living beings, humanity occupies a prominent place. Among human beings, being born a woman is a privilege. There are many examples demonstrating women's greatness. Was Rama not born as a Divine incarnation in the womb of Kausalya? Did Lava and Kusha (twins) not become great because they were born to Sita? Was it not Jijabai's loving care that made Shivaji great? Was it not Putlibai's piety that made Gandhi a Mahatma? All great sages, saints, heroes, and warriors were born to women “who made them great.” Woman is the Goddess of Nature. Clearly, being born a woman deserves respect, admiration, and exalted reverence. The Veda also describes the worship of the Feminine Principle in various ways.<br /> <br /> Sathya Sai Baba<br /> Divine Discourse, November 19, 1995</div>

 

[Удалённый пользователь 458]

OSHO says...
There are moments when God comes and knocks at your door. That is love—God knocking at your door. Through a woman, through a man, through a child, through love, through a flower, through a sunset or sunrise… God may knock in millions of different ways.

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<div class="bbWrapper"><b>OSHO </b>says...<br /> There are moments when God comes and knocks at your door. That is love—God knocking at your door. Through a woman, through a man, through a child, through love, through a flower, through a sunset or sunrise… God may knock in millions of different ways.</div>

 

[1313]

The world is connected by desha, kala, and paristhiti (time, place, and circumstances). It is a reflection, a reaction, an echo. Whatever you do, a reaction will follow in the world. Every thought of yours will receive a reflection, and every word of yours will receive an echo. If you utter the word “love,” love will return to you. If you say “peace,” peace will return to you. Therefore, the world is nothing other than a reflection, a reaction, and an echo of your thoughts, actions, and words.
Whatever you do, at a certain point you will have to face the consequences. These consequences may be immediate or may take a long time to unfold. For example, if you strike a table, it will reflect the blow with equal force, and your hand will feel it. This is an immediate reaction. When you plant a tree, several years may pass before it bears fruit. In this case, the reaction is greatly delayed. But every action has a corresponding reaction. Why does this happen? It happens as a result of the law of karma.
What you did in the past will definitely return to you. Cruelty consists not only in causing physical harm. Even harming someone in your thoughts or through harsh words is also cruelty—and you never know how it will return to you.
Most of the countries where you observe the highest levels of violence are those that have caused the greatest harm to living beings, not necessarily to human beings.
So what is your role? What should you do?
First, learn from this that you must not harm anyone, because one day harm will be inflicted upon you in return.
Second, you cannot play a role in the lives of those who have suffered—pray for peace.
But prayer alone is not enough. Along with prayer, you must act.
The violence that occurred in the past remains in the past, but it must not be repeated in the future.
What actions should you take, and how can you prevent such acts of cruelty from happening again?
This is the question you must ask yourself.
It is auspicious to pray, “Samasta loka sukhino bhavantu”—“May all beings in all worlds be happy.”
This is the minimum you can do.
But simply repeating the word “cake” will not make a piece of cake appear in your stomach by itself.
You must buy it, cut it into pieces, eat it, and digest it.
Thus, prayers will be of little use if no action follows them.
You do not need to worry about what happened in the past. Yes, it happened in accordance with the law of karma.
But it must not happen again.
You need to do something about it—this is much more important.
And instead of simply praying, you should begin to act—you must bring love into the world.
You cannot dispel all the darkness in this world, but you can certainly carry a lamp in your hands; and wherever you go, there will be light.
So, at the very least, you should continue doing what you are doing here—share love, share peace, be kind, and be compassionate. Also teach others to do the same.
Help people become more loving so that such things do not happen again in the future.

Sai Baba

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<div class="bbWrapper">The world is connected by desha, kala, and paristhiti (time, place, and circumstances). It is a reflection, a reaction, an echo. Whatever you do, a reaction will follow in the world. Every thought of yours will receive a reflection, and every word of yours will receive an echo. If you utter the word “love,” love will return to you. If you say “peace,” peace will return to you. Therefore, the world is nothing other than a reflection, a reaction, and an echo of your thoughts, actions, and words.<br /> Whatever you do, at a certain point you will have to face the consequences. These consequences may be immediate or may take a long time to unfold. For example, if you strike a table, it will reflect the blow with equal force, and your hand will feel it. This is an immediate reaction. When you plant a tree, several years may pass before it bears fruit. In this case, the reaction is greatly delayed. But every action has a corresponding reaction. Why does this happen? It happens as a result of the law of karma.<br /> What you did in the past will definitely return to you. Cruelty consists not only in causing physical harm. Even harming someone in your thoughts or through harsh words is also cruelty—and you never know how it will return to you.<br /> Most of the countries where you observe the highest levels of violence are those that have caused the greatest harm to living beings, not necessarily to human beings.<br /> So what is your role? What should you do?<br /> First, learn from this that you must not harm anyone, because one day harm will be inflicted upon you in return.<br /> Second, you cannot play a role in the lives of those who have suffered—pray for peace.<br /> But prayer alone is not enough. Along with prayer, you must act.<br /> The violence that occurred in the past remains in the past, but it must not be repeated in the future.<br /> What actions should you take, and how can you prevent such acts of cruelty from happening again?<br /> This is the question you must ask yourself.<br /> It is auspicious to pray, “Samasta loka sukhino bhavantu”—“May all beings in all worlds be happy.”<br /> This is the minimum you can do.<br /> But simply repeating the word “cake” will not make a piece of cake appear in your stomach by itself.<br /> You must buy it, cut it into pieces, eat it, and digest it.<br /> Thus, prayers will be of little use if no action follows them.<br /> You do not need to worry about what happened in the past. Yes, it happened in accordance with the law of karma.<br /> But it must not happen again.<br /> You need to do something about it—this is much more important.<br /> And instead of simply praying, you should begin to act—you must bring love into the world.<br /> You cannot dispel all the darkness in this world, but you can certainly carry a lamp in your hands; and wherever you go, there will be light.<br /> So, at the very least, you should continue doing what you are doing here—share love, share peace, be kind, and be compassionate. Also teach others to do the same.<br /> Help people become more loving so that such things do not happen again in the future.<br /> <br /> Sai Baba</div>

 

[1313]

The fundamental condition for achieving the four goals of human life—Righteousness (Dharma), Prosperity (Artha), Fulfillment of desires (Kama), and Liberation (Moksha)—is physical and mental health. Illness leads to feelings of heaviness and unease caused by a disturbance of mood or balance, affecting both physical and mental well-being. This disturbance may be caused by two factors: improper nutrition (ahara) and improper actions (vikara).
It is always wiser to prevent illness in advance than to seek remedies once it has begun and gotten out of control.
People will be able to live long and healthy lives only if they eat in moderation. Regular prayers, twice a day, will provide enough strength and courage to withstand illness. When someone hands you a glass of water, you immediately say “thank you.” How much more gratitude should you express to God, who cares for you and dispels every threat hanging over you. All activity should be dedicated to the Supreme God; then the body and mind will be healthy.

Sri Sathya Sai Baba Sadhana

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<div class="bbWrapper">The fundamental condition for achieving the four goals of human life—Righteousness (Dharma), Prosperity (Artha), Fulfillment of desires (Kama), and Liberation (Moksha)—is physical and mental health. Illness leads to feelings of heaviness and unease caused by a disturbance of mood or balance, affecting both physical and mental well-being. This disturbance may be caused by two factors: improper nutrition (ahara) and improper actions (vikara).<br /> It is always wiser to prevent illness in advance than to seek remedies once it has begun and gotten out of control.<br /> People will be able to live long and healthy lives only if they eat in moderation. Regular prayers, twice a day, will provide enough strength and courage to withstand illness. When someone hands you a glass of water, you immediately say “thank you.” How much more gratitude should you express to God, who cares for you and dispels every threat hanging over you. All activity should be dedicated to the Supreme God; then the body and mind will be healthy.<br /> <br /> Sri Sathya Sai Baba Sadhana</div>