[ysj sai]

                                               29-07-2017

Nurture the will to give, the will to renounce the little for the big and the momentary for the sake of the momentous! The Sevadal badge you wear is not a decoration item which can be secured without a price. It is a symbol of high character, generous feelings and steady and sincere endeavour. It is the external indicator of internal enthusiasm and strength, skill and faith. As iron is drawn by the magnet, and when you allow these qualities to shine through you, it will draw the dejected, the downcast and the distressed towards you. If you are proud and self-centred, blind to the kinship that binds all in fraternal love, the badge is a betrayal. Mere sentiment and empathy are of no use; they must be regulated by intelligence and skill. It is not the quantity of service you do that matters; nor is the variety. It is the inner joy, the love that you radiate that is important.  - Divine Discourse, May 19, 1969.

The best way to love God is to love all, serve all. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                        30-07-2017

Devotion should not be confined to the four walls of the shrine-room, or the few minutes you perform meditation (Dhyana). It is a full time spiritual practice (Sadhana). Your devotion has to be expressed as worship of every living being as a living embodiment of Divinity. See God in every one, even in persons whom you regard as your enemies. Practise that broad and inclusive type of Love. How can you derive happiness by showing love and reverence to a stone idol that does not respond or reflect the feelings? Living beings will return appreciation and gratitude and wish you well. You can see joy growing in their faces. That will confer satisfaction on you. If you cannot educate yourself to love your fellow man, how can you follow the path of dedication to God? - Divine Discourse, Mar 16, 1973.

Practice the vocabulary of love – unlearn the language of hate and contempt. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                             31-07-2017

The study of texts might remove some wrong notions and induce some right resolutions. But it cannot confer the vision of Reality. Meditation is key to the Atmic treasure which is your real wealth. Your ego always obstructs, even when you meditate. When Sister Nivedita asked for advice from Swami Vivekananda on how to gain one-pointedness during meditation, he said, "Do not allow Margaret Noble to come between you and God!" Margaret Noble was herself. Niveditameans ‘offering’. So Swami Vivekananda advised, "Offer yourself fully to God." This total offering cannot emerge from scholarship. The scholar is polluted by ego; he delights in tabulating pros and cons, raises doubts, disturbs faith and mixes secular and worldly matters with spiritual. Many worship God for worldly gains. Prayers to God must be for spiritual progress. Therefore, cultivate virtues without delay and be free from evil habits, thoughts, words and deeds. Grow in love. This is the way to Ananda (bliss). - Divine Discourse, Jul 27, 1980.

Remove the roots of the weed of egoism from the field of your heart - that is enough Sadhana. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                   01-08-2017

Find out the difficulties and troubles burdening others and help them to the extent you can to tide over them; and also to lead their lives such that they may not recur. Learn to live with others sharing your joys and sorrows; be forbearing, not overbearing. When you live together in amity, the village will be happy and safe; and when the villages are well-knit and strong, the nation too will be strong and impregnable. Jealousy, anger, hatred and greed will disintegrate a nation and make it fall into disorder and distress. Drive away the divisive forces that keep one away from another, and prevent hearty cooperation and mutual help. Inculcate discipline in the field of Sadhana also and insist on people performing their duty to themselves and to their destiny. Devotion is like the head, duty is the trunk and discipline is the feet. Let devotion be linked with duty and led by discipline; then, success is certain.

- Divine Discourse, Mar 16, 1973.

A nation's well-being or troubles are dependent on the actions of the people.  Actions are related to people's thoughts. - Baba

[ysj sai]

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A heart saturated with love of God can never entertain thoughts of violence. It is sheer hypocrisy to kneel before God and then force others to kneel before you. God is love, God is peace and God is strength. How can a person be in contact with God and yet be proud and acrimonious? Agitated and angry? Weak and vacillating? His claim to be in contact with God is only a laughable foible; it cannot be true. A tree is judged by its fruit. Leaders must develop universal love, not limited to political boundaries which change from decade to decade, or religious labels affixed and erased to suit temporary needs. The prayer that rose from millions in this country from all its temples, holy seafronts, shrines and altars for centuries is: Sarve janah sukhino bhavanthu - Let all the beings of the world be happy and prosperous, and Samastha lokaah sukhino bhavanthu - May all the worlds have peace and prosperity. - Divine Discourse, Apr 1973.
Selfless Love will be fostered only when non-violence is practised. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                            03-08-2017

Your life should not be a wasteful round of eating, drinking and sleeping; you have the Atma (soul) as your reality and so learn to become aware of that unfailing source of bliss. By properly using your intelligence, you can tap that spring and be supremely blissful. Happiness can be won only by proceeding towards God, not by following the urges of the senses. Of the twenty four hours that are available to you each day, let Me advise you to devote a small fraction to meditation or prayers or reading scriptures or listening to discourses on the divine sport (leelas) of the Lord. Think of God, and the gratitude you owe to Him for the human life He has gifted you and the various material, moral and intellectual talents He has endowed you with before you commence any task. You will certainly experience great benefit, and you will have peace, joy and success in your endeavours through Divine Grace.

- Divine Discourse, Mar 16, 1973.

Thursday Darshan Video - 160

Education must result in humility. Humility is the best credential for success in life.-Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                        04-08-2017

You have all the resources you need in yourself. You can tap them by identifying, manifesting and sharing them with others. You are Sath, Chithand Ananda (Being, Awareness, Bliss Absolute); You are Shiva-Shakti Swarupa (form of divine-energy). Do not cultivate the conviction that you are merely human; be assured that you are destined for Divinity. When Divinity takes on the human form as described in the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Bhagavatha, you must interpret the actions as providing examples and lessons, and not as human stories enacted for entertainment! The five Pandava brothers are five qualities in human character, all observing the norms set by the eldest, who is the noblest and the most righteous. In Ramayana, Lord Rama is a shining example of uncompromising adherence to the principle of righteousness, whatever be the temptation! Rama was charged with love that transcended caste, creed, and even extended to birds and animals. Love is the key to open the doors locked by egoism and greed.

- Divine Discourse, Apr 1973.

A peaceful mind is an abode of love. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                      05-08-2017

Ravana had vast knowledge of spiritual texts. His ten heads represent the learning he had earned from the six Shastras (scriptures) and the four Vedas. But he never put that knowledge to any use. He craved for the possession of Prakriti (material objects) alone; he wanted to master the world of matter, the objective world. But he was not tamed by the spirit. He discarded the Purusha, the Lord; he was content with the possession at Lanka, of Prakriti (Matter), represented by Mother Sita. That was why he fell. Like the monkey which could not pull its hand from out of the narrow-necked pot, because it first held in its grasp a handful of groundnuts which the pot contained, people too are suffering today, as they are unwilling to release their hold on the handful of pleasurable things they have grasped from the world. One is led into the wrong belief that the accumulation of material possessions will endow them with joy and calm. But Divine Love alone can give that everlasting joy. - Divine Discourse, Feb 28, 1964.
Contemplation on God is the only way to keep your senses pure. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                               06-08-2017 

A millionaire pays income-tax with tears in his eyes; a headmaster joyfully gives up the furniture and laboratory appliances of his school when he is transferred to some other place. Why? Because the headmaster knows that he is only the caretaker, not the owner. He is not attached to these articles; he knows that they belong to the government. So too, feel that your family, house, property, car, etc. are all the Lord's property and that you are only the trustee; be ready to give them up without a murmur at a moment's notice. Sacred scriptures contain the drugs to cure attachment and endow you with the strength of detachment. Sacrifice (Tyaga) does not mean that you should not value things; you may even care for them. But always remember that they are transient, that the joy they give is trivial and temporary. Know their real worth; do not over-estimate them. Do not develop attachment (moha) towards them. - Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1964.
Fire is seen when ash is blown away. Similarly, you can have the vision of the self when you give up body attachment. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                07-08-2017

[ysj sai]

                                                            08-08-2017

Dhana (Money) is the currency of the world; Sadhana (spiritual practices) is the currency of the spirit. When self-styled devotees come to you with their lists and books seeking donations, do not offer them any money. Why do you need a hall to meditate or repeat the Lord’s Name (dhyana or namasmarana)? The presence of others with unlike intentions will more often be a hindrance rather than help; instead make your home a temple, meditate in your own shrine room. Sing bhajans lovingly in your own home! Above all, be an example to others through your conduct - practice soft loving and truthful speech, be humble, and show reverence to elders. Live with faith, steadfastness and truthfulness. That way you will bring more people into the fold of theism than by establishing societies, collecting donations and running temples. Remember, the Lord really cares for sincerity, simplicity and steady joy in the contemplation of His name and form; nothing else!

- Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1964.

When you dedicate your every action to the Lord, you will receive enduring bliss as its reward. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                 09-08-2017

The conclusion of a Saptah (seven days long discourse) is called Samapti. But the term Samapti has a profound meaning for it too. It means, the attainment (Aapti) of Samam (Brahman or Divinity). That is the final fruit of listening, recapitulation and absorption (sravana, manana and nididhyasana) of spiritual lessons and discourses. In the worldly sense, it means the conclusion of a series of sessions; in the spiritual sense, it means transcending time! What is the sum and substance of all spiritual endeavour? It is that you must give up your pursuit of sensory objects in your seeking for lasting peace and joy. Material wealth brings along with it not only joy but grief as well. Accumulation of riches and multiplication of wants lead only to the alternation between joy and grief. Attachment is the root of both joy and grief; detachment is the Saviour.

- Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1964.

Practice detachment from now on; practice it little by little, for a day will come  sooner or later when you must give up all that you hold dear. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                 10-08-2017

If you go on a pilgrimage like a picnic, without the mental preparation necessary to receive God’s Grace, your travel is only for sight-seeing, not to strengthen your spiritual inclinations! Your journey is like that of a postal article, collecting impressions on the outer wrapper, not on the core of your inner being. A visually impaired person does not worry about day and night. So too, you cannot differentiate one place from another, if you do not allow the holiness to act on your mind. As a result of pilgrimages, your habits must change for the better; your outlook must widen; your inward look must become deeper and steadier. You must realise the omnipresence of God and the oneness of humanity. You must learn tolerance and patience, charity and service. After your pilgrimage, in your homes, ruminate over all the splendid experiences and be determined to strive for the higher and richer experience of God-realisation.

- Divine Discourse, Feb 28, 1964.

Thursday Darshan Video - 161

Every living being in this world is knowingly or unknowingly on a spiritual pilgrimage. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                         11-08-2017

If you keep awake throughout the twelve hours on Shivarathri due to illness, that vigil will not win His favour. If you quarrel with your spouse and desist from food for one full day, it will not be recorded in the book of God as a fast. If you lose yourself in the depths of unconsciousness after a bout of drinking, you will not be counted as a person who has achieved Samadhi (spiritual trance). No bhokta(enjoyer) can be a bhakta (devotee); that is to say, one who has an eye on the profit that can be derived from service to God cannot be a true devotee. Such people praise the Lord to the skies one day and decry Him the next when their fortune gets dry. Treasure in your hearts the Amrita Vakyas (immortality granting message) that you have heard in spiritual discourses; ponder over them in the silence of your meditation and endeavour to realise the precious goal of this invaluable human birth.

- Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1964.

The Lord looks for sincerity, simplicity and steady joy in the contemplation of His name and form. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                           12-08-2017

Life is a tree of delusion, with all its branches, leaves and flowers of maya. You can realise it as such when you do all acts as dedicated offerings to please God. Without knowing this secret of transmuting your every act into sacred worship, you suffer from disappointment and grief. See Him as the sap through every cell as the Sun warms and builds its every part. See Him in all, worship Him through all, for He is all! Engage in any righteous activity, and fill it with devotion: remember it is only devotion that sanctifies the activity! A piece of paper is almost trash but if a certificate is written on it, you value it and treasure it; it becomes a passport for promotion in life. It is the bhava (feeling behind) that matters, not the bahya (outward pomp); it is the feeling that is important, not the activity. - Divine Discourse, Jan 11, 1966.

Your vision becomes sanctified only when you develop the feeling that all are embodiments of God. - Bab

[ysj sai]

                                                             13-08-2017

Develop discrimination and evaluate even your own needs and wishes. Examine each on the touchstone of essentiality. When you pile up things in your apartments, you only promote darkness and dust; so also, do not collect and store too many materials in your mind. Travel light! Have just enough to sustain life and maintain health. The pappu (a lentils dish) must have only enough uppu (salt) to make the dish tasty. Do not spoil the dish by adding too much salt. Similarly, life becomes too difficult to bear if you put into it too much desire. Limit your desires to your capacity and even among them, have only those that will grant lasting joy. Do not run after fashion and public approval and strain your resources beyond repair. Also live in accordance with the code of rules that regulate life or the stage you have reached.

- Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1964.

Desires are born of greed. When greed is weakened more and more,  discontent declines in equal measure.

[ysj sai]

                                                       14-08-2017

What are the defining features of Indian culture? Bhagawan points out so that we may all live like true Bharatiyas.   Audio Special: 'Gratitude program presented by students of the Brindavan campus, SSSIHL on 22 Apr 2017' Listen Now   H2H Special: 'When God Breathed New Life Into Me - Ms Deepti Surya Pemmaraju' Read Now   Watch the Live Video Webcast of the Drama by Devotees from Visakhapatnam at around 4:50 p.m. (IST), Today on our website, www.radiosai.org.
From the most ancient times Bharatiyas (Indians) considered Truth as God, loved it, fostered it, protected it and thereby achieved Divinity. They were devoted to Truth, wedded to Dharma(Righteousness) and regarded morality in society as their foremost duty. Today because people have forgotten Truth and Righteousness they are unable to solve national problems or end communal differences. We have the Bay of Bengal in the east and the Arabian Sea in the west and both merge in the Indian Ocean. Likewise, Bharat exemplifies the combination of worldly prosperity and spiritual progress. Bharat is the country, where the unity of the Jiva (the individual Spirit) and the Brahman (the Cosmic Spirit) was established. Remember, the term Bharat does not relate to any particular individual or country. True Bharatiyas are those who take delight in Self-knowledge. Hence anyone who shines by their own self-luminous power is a Bharatiya. - Divine Discourse, Nov 23, 1990.
God’s (Avatar) descent is for the ascent of humanity. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                            15-08-2017

Today is Gokulashtami, Krishna's birthday. Celebrating it with special dishes is not that important. More important is adherence to Krishna's teachings. Where was Lord Krishna born? In a prison! What were his possessions? Nothing! Born in a prison, He was taken to the house of Nanda and then to Mathura. He owned nothing. But He became the greatest leader in the world. What does this show? Worldly possessions are not the secret of achieving greatness. Krishna's greatness was in his permanent state of bliss (Ananda). Lord Krishna gave a perennial message to the world - He sought and kept nothing for Himself, but gave away everything. He slayed his maternal uncle, Kamsa, but did not covet the kingdom; he installed on the throne Kamsa's father Ugrasena. He helped the Pandavas defeat Kauravas and crowned Dharmaja as the emperor. He was the king of kings who rules the hearts of millions! - Divine Discourse, Sep 4, 1996.

The quintessence of the teachings of the Upanishads, the Gita and Vedanta is control of the mind. - Ba

[ysj sai]

                                                                       17-08-2017

               

A thirsty passenger asked the water-carrier at an up-country railway station whether his leather bag was clean. The reply he got was, "As regards cleanliness, all I can say is that the bag which pours is cleaner than the bag which takes in (the body of the thirsty man)." You must care more for the cleanliness of your own mind and intellect. Instead of criticising others and finding faults with the actions of others, subject yourself to vigilant scrutiny, understand yourself well, and correct your own faults; do not be like the dancer who blamed the drummer for her wrong steps. This objective world is as ageless as God; we cannot determine when it came into being but we can determine when it will end, at least for each of us. When you look into the well, your reflection is always there; so far as you are concerned, your reflection can be removed from the well the moment you decide you will no more seek the well, or pay attention to it.

- Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1964.

Thursday Darshan Video - 162

Live without hating others, condemning others, and seeking faults in others. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                            18-08-2017

	The bee hovers around the lotus, then sits on it and enjoys the nectar; while drinking, it is silent, steadfast, focussed, and forgets the world. People too behave like that when they are in the presence of God. The hum of the bee stops and is silent as soon as it sips the nectar. People too, argue and assert their opinion, only until they discover the sweet Divine Essence (rasa). That rasa is prema-rasa (the essence of love). Where there is love, there can be no fear, no anxiety, no doubt, and no restlessness (ashanthi). When you are afflicted with ashanthi you can be sure that your love is tainted with selfishness and your love has some ego mixed in it. The one that experiences divine love is the inner ‘I’, which is the reflection of the real ‘I’, the Soul (Atma). Senses are your deadly foes. When your senses are out of action, then the ‘I’ will shine in its full glory. - Divine Discourse, Feb 26, 1968.
Under any circumstances do not let your speech be tainted by harshness. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                                                                   16-08-2017

The Gopis knew the secret of spiritual surrender. Their worship was not tainted by any bargaining spirit. For those who bargain and crave for profit, for whom reverence is equated with returns, ‘sell’ homage for a unit satisfactory response. They are like paid servants, bargaining salary, overtime, bonus, etc. They calculate how much they are able to extract for the service rendered. On the other hand, be like a member of the family, a kinsman, a friend. Feel that you are Lord's very own. Then work will not tire you, it will be done much better, and in fact will yield more satisfaction. And what about the wages? The master will maintain you in bliss. What more can you aspire for? Leave the rest to Him. He knows best; He is all. The joy of having Him is enough reward. Live your lives on these lines and you will never suffer grief. “Na me bhaktah pranashyati - My devotees never suffer,” says Krishna. - Divine Discourse, Aug 19, 1965.

Love sees all as one Divine Fami

[ysj sai]

                                                                     19-08-2017

Click Here to Download and Listen to the Various Segments of Radio Sai's Latest Thursday Live (17 Aug 2017)

Many people waste time discussing the superiority of one path over another, especially between karma, bhakti and jnana margas. These three paths - Work, Worship and Wisdom - are complementary, not contradictory. Work is like the feet, Worship, the hands, and Wisdom, the head. These three must co-operate. Bhakti marga is the name given to the path of surrender to the Lord's will (saranagathi), the merging of the individual will in the Divine Will. Lakshmana is the classic example of this spirit of surrender that saves. Once during his exile in the forest, Rama asked Lakshmana to put up a thatched-hut on a site of his choice. Lakshmana was shocked and was struck down with grief. He pleaded with Rama: "Why do you ask me to select the site? Don't you know that I have no will of my own. You decide and I obey; you command, I carry out the order." That is real surrender, acquired by constant practice of detachment.

- Divine Discourse, Jan 11, 1966.

Your life must be based on the principle of surrender to the Divine. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                             22-08-2017

Divine life is the very breath of all beings; it consists of truth, love, and nonviolence (Sathya, Prema and Ahimsa). How can anyone be false to another when there is no other at all? Falsehood comes out of fear. When there is no second, there is no fear at all. No one is loved more than the Self; so when all is the self-same Self, all is loved as the Self is loved. As for violence, who is to injure whom, when all are but one? You are all embodiments of Existence-Consciousness-Bliss (Sath-Chith-Ananda Swarupa), but you are unaware of it and imagine yourself to be subjected to this limitation or that! Explode this myth first so you can start leading a divine life. It is the Divine that inspires, activates, leads and fulfills the life of every being! From the atom to the Universe, every single entity is moving through the creeks only to merge in the sea of bliss. - Divine Discourse, Venkatagiri, April 1957.

You worship with faith and you experience grace. Faith results in grace,  without your being aware of it. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                          21-08-2017

The Lord is so full of Grace that He willingly guides and guards all who surrender to Him. When the battle with Ravana was over, one glance from Lord Rama’s merciful eye was enough to revive the monkeys who had fallen on the ground, and to heal the wounds they earned during the war. Some demons had penetrated into the monkey camp in disguise; they were brought before Rama for summary punishment! Lord Rama smiled and pardoned them, for they assumed the monkey form which was so dear to Him; He sent them away, unharmed! That was the measure of His mercy. To win the Lord’s bounteous grace, you must become permeated with righteousness (dharma) so that every act is God-worthy. With the sharp chisel of intellect (buddhi), shape the mind (manas) into a perfect image of Dharma-murthi, the idol (or embodiment) of righteousness. Then you will shine with the splendour of the Divine. That is the task you should dedicate yourself to today. - Divine Discourse, Jan 11,1966.

Win the Grace of the Lord Almighty. All your accumulated burden will be burnt into ashes in a moment! - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                              20-08-2017

How to lead a divine life? No special membership entitles you to it. Every struggle to realise the unity behind all the multiplicity is a step on the path of divine life. Divine life does not admit of the slightest dross in character or delusion in intellect. Wipe out the root causes of anxiety, fear and ignorance. Then only can your true personality shine forth. Anxiety is removed by faith in the Lord; the faith that tells you that whatever happens is for the best and that the Lord’s Will be done. Quiet acceptance is the best armour against anxiety. Sorrow springs from egoism, the feeling that you do not deserve to be treated so badly, that you are left helpless. When egoism goes, sorrow disappears. Ignorance is just a mistake, mistaken identity of the body as the Self! In fact, you must each one try to become egoless, and then the Lord will accept you as His flute.

- Divine Discourse, Venkatagiri, April 1957.

Ego is very dangerous and powerful. It ruins your character. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                            22-08-2017

	The primary cause of sorrow for every person is birth itself. Ignorance (aavarana) covers or envelops the human body and creates the state of the mind in which the body, made up of the five elements and the senses of perception and action, is regarded as the real self. Because of this mental condition, people entertain delusions regarding the body which are false and unreal. Malameans impurities. As a state of mind mala refers to the condition in which one regards the impermanent, the false and the unsacred as permanent, true and holy. Past actions are the root cause of your birth. Desire is the root cause for all actions. Desire is prompted by attachment, which originates from lack of understanding. Ego is the cause of this ignorance. When ignorance is removed, ego subsides. Absence of egoism leads to right understanding, decline in desires and actions being sanctified. Then life becomes meaningful. - Divine Discourse, Oct 4, 1989.
Stay away from impure listening, impure actions, impure words and impure thoughts. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                 23-08-2017

	Today people are not making proper use of their mind (mati), effort (gati), position (stiti) and wealth (sampathi), and losing the sacred energy that God has gifted. Not merely this, they are subjected to misery and grief because of evil traits like desire, anger and greed (kama, krodha and lobha). People absolutely have no control over their desires. When one desire is fulfilled, they crave for another. Anger is another evil trait which ruins. Hatred is more dangerous than anger. These give rise to many evil qualities which obstruct you from experiencing Divinity. You will also be tormented by the reflection, reaction and resound of your own evil qualities. Desire, anger and hatred are not human qualities; they are bestial tendencies. You will become a beast if you allow these wicked qualities to overpower you. Hence, constantly remind yourself that you are a human being and not a beast, and subdue these tendencies and enjoy a happy life. - Divine Discourse, Sep 10, 2002
Thursday Darshan Video - 163
Anger breeds danger - Baba

[ysj sai]

         

                                                       25-08-2017

‘Vinayaka’ means the One who is the Master of Himself. The mouse is the vehicle of Vinayaka. What is the inner significance of the little mouse? The mouse symbolises your attachment to worldly tendencies (vasanas). The mouse moves quickly and can see well in the dark. As Vinayaka's vehicle, the mouse leads you from darkness to light. The Vinayaka principle thus means that which removes all the bad qualities, bad practices and bad thoughts in every person and inculcates good qualities, good conduct and good thoughts. Another name for Vinayaka is 'Vighneshwara'. Easwara is one who is endowed with every conceivable form of wealth - riches, knowledge, health, bliss, beauty, etc. Vighneswara nourishes all these forms of wealth and removes all obstacles to your righteous enjoyment. He confers all these forms of wealth on those who worship Him. Hence, Vinayaka is described as the first deity who should be worshipped (Prathama Vandana). Understand the inner meaning, and worship Him. - Divine Discourse, Sep 12, 1991.
Ignore the evil that others do to you and forget the good that you do to them. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                      26-08-2017

The six vices of lust, anger, greed, pride, delusion and envy have enveloped most people. Attachment and aversion have gripped them. Due of this most people have forgotten their real nature and are filled with pride of all sorts. Losing their power of discrimination (vichakshana-jnana), people indulge in all kinds of misbehavior towards others. The scriptures prescribe devotional worship (upasana) as a means of getting rid of these bad qualities. Upasana is the process of elimination of the accumulated impurities in the mind resulting from impure thoughts and actions in the past. As a lighted joss stick removes the bad odour around by its fragrance, devotional repetition of the name of God drives away the impurities of the mind. Remember, all actions done as an offering to God are pure actions (sat-karmas). Through such actions, the mind is purified.

- Divine Discourse, Oct 4, 1989.

Never try to control the mind. Follow the intellect, then, the mind will naturally submit itself.  The master of your mind should be your intellect. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                   27-08-2017

Those who are trying to build the human community on a foundation of wealth (dhana), are building on sand; those who seek to build it on the rock of righteousness (dharma) are the wise.Dharma moolam idham jagath: Righteousness and duty is the root of this world. Obey it and you are happy. The evil man is a coward, haunted by fear. He has no peace within him. Respect for the parents, who started you in life and brought you into this world to gather the vast and varied treasure of experience, is the first lesson that Dharma teaches. Gratitude is the spring which feeds that respect. It is a quality that is fast disappearing in the world today. Respect for parents, teachers, elders and the wise are all on the decline. People talk loud and long in all kinds of platforms about right conduct, love, peace, compassion, truth, etc. and these get published in the newspaper next day, and there their purpose ends. Put into practice at least a fraction of what you preach. - Divine Discourse, Feb 3, 1964.

Learn to respect all. Only then will you earn the grace of the Divine who is the dweller in all beings. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                               28-08-2017

Samskriti, the word for culture, is derived from the word,samskara. Samskara is the dual process of removing the dust and dirt of vices and the planting of virtues. Know that envy is the stickiest dirt! You must be happy when others are happy. Rama is said to have been happy when others were happy; the Ramayana says that He was then as happy as if the event that made the other person happy had happened to Him. That is the true test. Krishna speaks of Arjuna as envy-less (An-asuya). What a great compliment! Therefore, He proposed to teach him the mysteries of spiritual discipline. Sathyabama is infamous in many stories because of her jealousy; in every instance Krishna attempts to put down this vice and teach her humility. Have Love towards the Lord, but do not become depressed with envy when others also love Him or get attached to Him. - Divine Discourse, Oct 9, 1964

To resurrect love and compassion, you must kill jealousy and selfishness, and purify your hearts. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                 

                                                       29-08-2017

 

Just as the body is the house you live in, the world is the body of God. An ant biting the little finger of your foot is able to draw your full attention to the spot, and you react to that pain immediately. You must similarly feel the pain, misery, joy or elation, wherever it is present; you must make an effort to protect your countries and fellow countrymen, however remote may be the place where the suffering occurs. Be kind with all your kith and kin. Expand your empathy; serve others who are in need to the extent your skill and resources permit you. Do not fritter away your talents in profitless channels. Everyone consumes a large quantity of food, but never calculates what one does in return to the society that helped one to live! The food you eat must be transformed into service, either towards one's best interest, or for the interests of others. You should not be a burden on others or an enemy of yourself.

- Divine Discourse, Feb 3, 1964.

Whoever loves all and serves all, is loved and honoured by the Lord. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                 

                                                           30-08-2017

Your worldly intelligence cannot fathom the ways of God. God cannot be recognised by mere cleverness, which is what your intelligence is! You may benefit from God, but you cannot explain Him. You may benefit from electricity and use it in thousand ways, but you cannot explore and explain its mystery. At best, your explanations are merely guesses, attempts to clothe your ignorance in pompous expressions. The real mistake is, you give the brain more value than it deserves. The Supreme Truth (Para-tattva) is beyond your brain. Standing on a rock, can you lift it? Standing in ignorance (maya), you cannot discard it! Bring something into your daily practice as evidence of your having known the secret of the higher life from Me. Show that you have greater brotherliness, speak less, speak with more sweetness and self-control and demonstrate that you can bear defeat and victory with calm resignation. - Divine Discourse, Oct 9, 1964.

The spiritual path is the path of detachment, of sense control, of rigorous mind training. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                    31-08-2017

	Without giving up sloth, how can Truth be known? Without giving up passion, how can devotion take root? Be serene and calm in stress and storm - that is the Satwik or pious path to win the Lord, the Truth. The mind is a wonder, its antics are even more surprising. It has no distinct form or shape. It assumes the shape or form of what it is involved in. Wandering from wish to wish, flitting from one desire to another is its nature. It causes loss and grief, elation and depression. Its effects are both positive and negative. The mind will gather experiences and store them in the memory forever. It does not know the art of giving up! As a consequence, grief, anxiety and misery continue simmering in it. It is worthwhile to know the characteristics of your mind and the ways to master it, for you will ultimately benefit! Teach it sacrifice (tyaga), and you will become spiritually wise (yogi)!  - Divine Discourse, Jan 8, 1983
Thursday Darshan Video - 164
You must see that desire and hatred do not get lodged in the mind. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                             01-9-2017

Many of you have read many great books, including the Ramayana and the Bhagavata many times, for they are now easily available at a very low cost. But what proof can you give for having profited by the hours that you have spent with them? To digest the food you have taken, you have to engage in some physical activity. To digest the lessons that you imbue through holy company or through the study of great books, don’t you have to practice them in daily life? Manana (recapitulation) is a very important spiritual practice (Sadhana); dwell in silence on the implications of the lessons you have come across. Keep up the enthusiasm that has given you the patience to sit through many spiritual satsangs for several hours. Develop it, and seeking the company of pious men and women, strengthen yoursatwik (serene and pure) tendencies, and progress in the spiritual path. You have My blessings.

- Divine Discourse, Oct 9, 1964.

Knowledge that is not put into practice is like food that is not digested. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                       02-09-2017

02 Sep 2017   Featured on Radio Sai:   ShareFacebookTwitterEmail     How can we experience true and eternal peace? Bhagawan lovingly answers this important question for us today.   Audio Special: 'Talk by Sri Ruchir Desai during  Dasara celebrations 2016' Listen Now   H2H Special: 'Quiz on Divine Discourses Based on Money and Morality' Read Now   Watch the Live Video Webcast of the Onam Celebrations (Day One) from Sai Kulwant Hall, Prasanthi Nilayam at 4.50 pm today on www.radiosai.org.   Download and Listen to the Various Segments of Radio Sai's LatestThursday Live (31 Aug 2017)
People repose their faith in such a frail and impermanent physical body. This body is like a puppet with nine holes in it, and it may collapse at any time with a mere sneeze. Reposing their faith in such a perishable body, people forget the invaluable ornaments stored in it. That is the reason why you suffer mental agitation. You go to a millionaire and enquire, “Sir! You have everything in this world; but do you have peace?” He will immediately reply, “I have everything but not peace.” Wherever you see in this world today, there are only ‘pieces’, not ‘peace’. Peace is very much in your inner self. Hence search for it by means of an inward journey. That is your duty. Unfortunately you forget this sacred duty and desire for paltry and mean things. When you are able to manifest your own innate noble qualities, you can experience true and eternal peace. - Divine Discourse, Sep 5, 2006
I – want – peace. ‘I’ is ego, ‘want’ is desire. Remove ego and desire and you have peace. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                          03-9-2017

Emperor Bali was no doubt a great devotee with humility. However, there was an element of ego in him. God will tolerate anything but never tolerate anger and ego. God does not appreciate these qualities. What is this ego? What for is this ego? Is it for physical beauty or strength of the senses or intellectual acumen or wealth? None of these is permanent. Ego also breeds several other evil qualities! God has gifted every human being with sacred and noble qualities such as Truth (Satya), Righteousness (Dharma), Peace (Shanti), Love (Prema) and Non-violence (Ahimsa). Develop these qualities. These are the five vital airs (pancha-pranas) for a human being. Anger, jealousy, hatred, etc., are evil qualities befitting an animal. How can a person with such animal qualities be called a human being? A human being is one who has good qualities. Follow truth. Truth is God. Cultivate love. Love is God. Live in love.

- Divine Discourse, Sep 5, 2006

[ysj sai]

                                                        04-09-2017

The people of Kerala follow the commands of the noble Emperor Bali even today. That is why the state has developed in several ways. There is no dearth of food and amenities for a happy living in Kerala. Of course, changes in people’s aspirations and lifestyle are taking place in recent times due to the impact of the Kali Yuga (the present era). But the core of their hearts and feelings remains the same. They still follow the vedic injunctions “Speak truth and follow righteousness (Sathyam vada, dharmam chara).” They respect elders and serve them with love and affection. What could be the reason for this? Love for God! It is a land where love for God exists even today. Those who have love for God naturally develop fear of sin. Consequently, such people will have a high degree of morality in society, which is very important for its orderly functioning. It is not enough to celebrate the Onam festival with religious fervour and devotion. You have to live up to these expectations of the noble emperor Bali. - Divine Discourse, Sep 2, 2009.

Love seeks no reward; Love is its own reward. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                 06-09-2017

God is described in the scriptural texts as, Raso vai sah- "He is the sweet essence." How can sweetness ever become bitter? Godhead is a spotlessly clean mirror; you see in it your own reflection. When you have terror-striking propensities, the reflection you see will strike terror in you. When you have soft and harmless propensities, the reflection will be tender and soft. Do not lay the blame on God, as you are often prone to doing! When everything goes right, you say that God has come close to you; when something goes wrong, you say that God has deserted you and gone afar! He does not move far or near. The distance from Him to you is as much as the distance from you to Him. He is everywhere. He always is in your heart. Recognise Him there; realise Him as the closest and nearest to you. He is your own Self, neither terrible nor tender, but, simply is.  - Divine Discourse, May 30, 1974.

As close as you are to God, so close is God to you. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                        05-09-2017

There is a perennial bond of pure love between teachers and students. Students can win over any teacher’s heart, and a teacher can win over students’ hearts as well. To be loved, you must love others first. The basis of Indian culture is, “Speak truth, practice right conduct.” Be humble. You may not always oblige, but you can always speak obligingly! At times, teachers may need to be strict. Be so. Remember, God can be harder than a diamond when the situation demands. Otherwise, He is softer than butter. Teachers very well understand this Divine nature and must exemplify it in their behaviour too. To take students into their confidence, teachers must approach them with love and fearlessly point out their mistakes and lead them on the right path. Only then students will follow the righteous path and correct their mistakes. For the progress and prosperity of the nation, every teacher must love their students and mould their character. - Divine Discourse, Nov 21, 2001.

A good student is an offering that every good teacher makes to the nation. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                   07-09-2017

	Your mind will waver from right to wrong, from pain to joy, only when you urge it on and encourage it. Desist from winding the mind; it will cease its antics. Do not count your tears of pain or pour out your grief. Let them pass through your mind, as birds fly through the sky, leaving no trail behind; or as flames and floods appear on the screen in a movie theatre, without dampening the screen. Never lose heart when you are disappointed. Perhaps your wish itself was wrong, or its realisation may have landed you in worse situations. Anyway, it is the will of the Lord and He knows best. Disappointments and distress are like the skin of the plantain; they are meant to protect the taste and allow the sweetness to fill the fruit. In such dire straits, let your mind dwell on the splendour of the Divine Self (Atma) and its majesty; that will keep you alert and brave. - Divine Discourse, Jan 22, 1967.
Thursday Darshan Video - 165
The antics of the senses and the mind can be arrested by the  whip of Aatmajnana (wisdom of the true Self). - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                    08-09-2017

Rise everyday as if you are rising from death. Recite the prayer, “Thus am I born. Make me speak soft, sweet words, and make me behave coolly and comfortingly towards all; let me do deeds that shower happiness on all and form ideas in my mind which are beneficial to all. May this day be worthwhile by service to Thee". Pray in this manner sitting on your bed, before you start the day's schedule. Remember this pledge throughout the day. When you retire at night, sit up and examine quickly all the experiences of the day; see whether you have caused pain or displeasure to anyone by any word or deed. Then pray, "I am now ‘dying’ and falling into Your lap. Pardon me for any lapse; take me under Your loving shelter." After all, sleep is a short death and death a long sleep!

- Divine Discourse, Jan 22, 1967.

Start the day with Love, Spend the Day with Love, End the Day will Love – This is the way to God. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                  09-09-2017

	Intelligence is a double-edged sword. It can cut chains and liberate you; it can cause fatal wounds and kill. Hence the great Gayatri Mantra prays to God to preside over the intelligence and render it beneficial to individuals and society. The education of the emotions and the control of passions are both part of Yoga, the spiritual discipline that purifies the intelligence. To penetrate the thick fog that ignorance spreads over Reality, intelligence must be built on the basis of virtues. When action (Karma) is done as dedication and Upasana(worship) is done as essential for very life, the fog of intelligence melts and disappears revealing the truth. Karma, when engaged in as dedicated to God, loses its evil effects for the doer leaving the consequence to God! Moreover, as every act is considered as an act of worship, it is done to the best of one’s ability transmuting mundane Karma into worship. - Divine Discourse, Apr 3, 1967.
When you diligently offer every act of yours to God, it is transformed into worship. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                              10-09-2017

All who aspire to be devotees must eschew attachment and aversion. Do not be proud if you are able to sing better or if your worship room is better decorated. There must be a steady improvement in your habits and attitudes; otherwise, spiritual discipline is a vain pastime. Your homes must be immersed in the highest peace, undisturbed by any streak of hatred or malice, pride, or envy. The moment you decide that the orchard in your mind is His, all fruits will be sweet; your seeking for refuge and protection (Saranagathi) will render all fruits acceptable to the Lord, so they cannot be bitter. And, for water, what can be purer and more precious than your tears — shed not in grief, but in rapture at the chance to serve the Lord and to walk along the path that leads to Him! No worship or penance can equal the efficacy of obedience - obedience to the command given for your liberation! - Divine Discourse, Feb 08, 1963.
Surrendering the fruits of your action to the Lord is real sacrifice. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                     11-09-2017

Do not grieve that the Lord is testing you and putting you through the ordeal of undergoing the tests, for it is only when you are tested that you can assure yourself of success or become aware of your limitations. You can then concentrate on the subjects in which you are deficient and pay more intensive attention, so that you can pass in them too when you are tested again. Don’t study for the examination at the last moment; study well in advance and be ready with the needed knowledge as well as the courage and confidence born out of that knowledge and skill. What you have studied well in advance must be rolled over and over in the mind just before the examination; that is all that should be done. This is the pathway to victory.  – Divine Discourse, Shivaratri, Mar 1963.

Remove the roots of the weed of egoism from the field of your heart - that is enough Sadhana. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                      12-09-2017

Several malpractices have entered the field of education. Money is paid to gain admission into schools and colleges, and to acquire marks and degrees. The teacher does not transmit taste, style, attitude or outlook; it is all a matter of books and more books. The student is left to gather these from outside the educational institutions. More value is attached to information and its collection; no attempt is made to gain personal transformation and to correct one’s habits and characteristics! How did the great artists who drew the frescoes of Ajanta and carved the temples of Ellora learn their trade? Did they attend any school? They learnt from teachers, the master craftsmen who were inspired artists. Books cannot give guidance and inspiration for real good work. Worldly aspects must be harmonised with spiritual aspects to lead a full life. Only then can an individual have self-confidence and avoid the imitative path. – Divine Discourse, Jan 5, 1975.

Real peace of mind has no ups and downs; it cannot be partial in adversity and whole in prosperity. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                     13-09-2017

Consider this loudspeaker which has the power to broadcast sound. Someone must have produced it, isn’t it? Who could have created it? Someone with the knowledge and skill to produce such a device. They may not be visible to you, but they exist, perhaps in Germany or Switzerland or Japan. Similarly for everything you enjoy in daily life, be it the television or the watch or any other gadget, there is a creator. But we are also seeing objects which are beyond human capacity. The sky, the stars that twinkle, the Sun and the Moon which illumine the world! Can any ordinary person create these? The supreme power which has the capacity to create such marvellous things has been described by the Vedas as Aprameya, which means, One who is beyond all proofs and all limitations. God cannot be described in words. Your primary objective must be to seek to understand this Infinite Power. – Divine Discourse, Mar 1, 1981.

Prayer alone makes life happy, harmonious and worth living in this universe. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                        14-09-2017

Today's Thursday Live (14 Sep 2017) - Programme Schedule
	The Nature around us and with us is the vesture of God, presenting ample evidences of His beauty, goodness, wisdom and power, wherever we look. But the art of recognising Him is strange to us and so we deny Him and live in darkness. We have all around us in the atmosphere the music emanating from various broadcasting stations, but they do not assail your ear at any time. You are not aware of any station. But if you have a receiver, and if you tune it to the correct wavelength, you can hear the broadcast from any particular station; if you fail to tune it correctly, you will get only nuisance instead of news! Similarly the Lord is everywhere - above, around, below and beside you. For recognising Him, you require not a yantra (machine) but a mantra (mystical potent formula). Dhyana (meditation) is tuning to the exact location of the station, love is the tuning fork. Tune in, realise the Divine and enjoy the bliss He confers!  - Divine Discourse, Jan 1, 1971.
Thursday Darshan Video - 166
Your heart is like a musical chair with room for only one. Give place in your heart only for God. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                 15-09-2017

A man sees a ripe fruit on a tree. The mind craves for the fruit, but it cannot fulfil the craving by itself. The feet take him near the tree. The trunk stoops, the hand picks up a stone, the shoulders throw it at the fruit which then falls. The fruit has to be picked up by the fingers, transferred into the mouth, the teeth have to bite into it, masticate it well and the tongue has to take charge to make it reach the stomach. The eating part is thus over. But that does not end the story of the craving for the fruit. Since so many instruments cooperated in the fulfilment, gratitude has to be rendered to each of them. So the stomach sends strength and satisfaction to every limb that shared in the adventure. Every limb acts effectively, promptly and performs its entrusted duty, so your body may live in health and efficiency, alert with all its skills and potentialities. This is true also of the enterprises that you undertake with others. Everyone must resolve to use their full skill and intelligence to discharge their obligations. – Divine Discourse, Jan 1, 1971.

Be humble, be calm, be tolerant. Co-operate with all and treat everyone with courtesy and kindness. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                   

                                                       16-09-2017

Why must you compete and quarrel with one another? Nothing in this world can last as such for long. Lord Buddha diagnosed this correctly and declared, "All is sorrow, all is transient, all are but temporary phenomenon of ephemeral characteristics." Why should you be so animated by these finite objects and petty things? Strive to gain the eternal, the infinite, the universal. One day, you have to give up the body that you have so carefully fed and fostered. How long can you keep all that you have earned and possessed with pride? Trivial thoughts and desires award only sorrow; holy thoughts and desires reward you with divine peace. Therefore cultivate good and beneficial feelings and desires. Keep away from bad company and bad thoughts. Realise the holy purpose of life through pure thoughts and words, and selfless service to your fellow-beings. – Divine Discourse, May 1981.

When your heart is pure, the light of wisdom shines. - Baba

[ysj sai]

s

                                                              17-09-2017

Milk has butter in every drop; it makes it very nourishing. If you must see it as a separate concrete entity, you must boil the milk, cool it, add sour curd, wait for hours for it to curdle, then churn it, and roll the butter that floats into a ball. God is in every being, in fact in every atom of the Universe; it is because they exist, we can recognise and enjoy Him. To see God and experience Him, work in the spirit of love; this will lead you on to worship. Work without any regard to the proportion of benefit you derive from it, work since it is your duty, work since you love to work, work earnestly, strictly and sincerely since that is the way you can offer gratitude to God for the skills He has endowed upon you. Then you will certainly experience His Grace and Glory.

– Divine Discourse, Jan 1, 1971.

Wisdom is the recognition of the immanence of the Divine in every being. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                        18-09-2017

People try to obtain peace by accumulating authority and wealth, which gives them power over others and the ability to command conveniences and comforts which will confer peace. But they quickly realise that both these paths are beset with fear, and the peace that one secures is liable to quick and violent extinction. How then can you achieve peace? Only through Love! Peace is the fruit of the tree of life; without it, the tree is a barren stump with zero value. The fruit is encased within a bitter skin, so that the sweet juice may be preserved and guarded; you must remove the skin to taste its sweetness and to strengthen yourself. The thick rind is symbolic of the six evil passions that encase everyone’s loving heart: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and hate. Those who succeed in removing the rind and contact the sweetness within through hard and consistent discipline attain the peace that is everlasting and unchanging.

– Divine Discourse, Jan 1, 1971.

Remove the roots of the weed of egoism from the field of your heart

[ysj sai]

                                                           19-09-2017

God has no particular form. Brahma, Vishnu, Maheswara are not different from each other. God manifests in the form His devotees contemplate upon. If a woman considers her husband as God, she can realise God in him. God is present in every human being (Daivam manusha rupena). All are embodiments of the Divine. So to answer the question, “Where is God?”, “God is everywhere.” The Soul (Atma) that is present in you in the form of consciousness is present everywhere and in everyone. Hence do not search for the omnipresent God! Close your eyes and contemplate on the form of God that you like the most. God will manifest before you in that very form. Never think that God is present at one particular place or that distant place only! He is omnipresent everywhere, at all times, and permeates every atom of the universe. Make it your objective in this life to experience that Sweet Lord within yourself! – Divine Discourse, Mar 16, 2010.

God is all mercy; adore Him as long as you have breath, so long as you are conscious. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                      20-09-2017

Today it appears that unity has altogether disappeared everywhere and enmity is on the rise. Do not develop opposition or differences amongst you, wherever you are. It is not healthy. Even if somebody makes you angry, do not fight with them. Understand that by fighting with others, you actually harm yourself. Remember, jealousy gives rise to hatred and is harmful to your well-being. Hence achieve unity and practice to live with unity in all matters. Control your thoughts. This is the quality of a truly educated person. This is the true spirit of ‘Educare’. All are human beings. All are children of God. Therefore, live with unity without giving room to any differences. Everything will become good if you keep your heart pure constantly. The end of education is good character. With good character, you can achieve anything in life. Hence it is very essential for you to always safeguard your character. Such a person is a truly learned one! – Divine Discourse, Nov 22, 2010.

Sacred thoughts, virtuous qualities and noble-minded actions are basic  foundations of good character. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                     21-09-2017

	Thinking evil, speaking evil and seeing evil invariably leads to total ruin. For example, in Mahabharata, Duryodhana always had evil thoughts about the Pandavas and ultimately he brought destruction upon his entire family. The Ramayana had the story of Kaikeyi, who listened to the evil counsel of Manthara, and so lost not only her husband but the regard and love of her son Bharata. Learn to live in harmony and unity. Every organ in the body functions in cooperation with every other part. If your foot steps on a thorn, your eye feels the pain and sheds tears. If your eye notices a thorn or stone on the road, it warns the foot to avoid it. You must also develop the same sense of unity and share your joys and troubles as one family. There is nothing you cannot achieve with unity as your strength. With purity and unity, your genuine devotion to God will also grow. Make purity, unity, divinity your watchwords; they alone will ensure material and spiritual well-being. - Divine Discourse, May 22, 1986.
Thursday Darshan Video - 167
Conflict and discord in the world will cease when people learn to practice sense-control. - Baba

[ysj sai]

          

                                                      22-09-2017

Amongst all forms of spiritual practices, devotion or Bhakti is the easiest and holiest. Bhakti is derived from the root ‘Bhaj’, with the suffix ‘ti.’ It denotes a feeling of friendship coupled with awe. For someone who is a product of the attributes or gunas, to understand what transcends the gunas, an attitude of humility and reverence is required. Bhakti calls for utilising the mind, speech and body to worship the Lord. It represents total love. Devotion and love are inseparable and interdependent. Sage Narada declared that worshipping the Lord with boundless love is Bhakti. Vyasa held that it is performing worship with love and adoration. Sage Garga declared that it is serving the Lord with purity of mind, speech and body. Yajnavalkya held that true Bhakti consists in controlling the mind, turning it inwards and enjoying the bliss of communion with the Divine. Although many sages have expressed different views about the nature of Bhakti, the basic characteristic of devotion is Love. Bhakti is the path to salvation. – Divine Discourse, Oct 8, 1986.

True Devotion is concentration of the mind on God and experiencing oneness with the Divine. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                       23-09-2017 

Pray intensely and with faith. Then, Grace will be showered on you. When your heart is soaked in Love, it cannot be contaminated by egoism and its evil consequences. Just as you crave for physical health, which means health for the limbs of the body, you should strive for the health of humanity, which means peace and joy for all sections of society in all nations. If you dwell in that wider outlook, you will start feeling less and less for your own troubles and worrying more and more about the troubles of others. That is the initial offering of yourself in the great ‘yajna’ (ritual sacrifice) called ‘living.’ You should merge your welfare with the welfare of the world. How can you be happy when your neighbour is in misery? Therefore I call upon you to give up praying for your own advancement; pray for the peace, prosperity and happiness of all humanity, irrespective of clime or colour. – Divine Discourse, Dasara, Oct 7, 1970.

[ysj sai]

                   

                                                        24-09-2017

The word ‘yajna’ means sacrifice; that is the primary purpose of the yajna. You sacrifice riches, comfort, power (all that promotes the ego) and merge in the Infinite. That is the attainment and the end. Yajnas are useful because they support the ideal of sacrifice, and condemn acquisition. They emphasise discipline, rather than distraction. They insist on the concentration of the mind, the tongue and the hand on Godhead. Cynics count the bags of grain and the kilograms of ghee, and ask for more bags and kilograms of contentment and happiness in return! The effects of yajna on the character and the consciousness cannot be measured or weighed in metres or grams. It is immeasurable, though actual and experienceable. The grain and ghee offered in the sacred fire to the accompaniment of Vedic formulae give thousandfold returns; they will cleanse and strengthen the atmosphere all over the world.

– Divine Discourse, Dasara, Oct 7, 1970.

The spirit of sacrifice is the hallmark of true education. - Baba

[ysj sai]

s

                                                         25-09-2017

The supreme Shakti manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Durga grants us energy - physical, mental and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us wealth of many kinds, not just money but intellectual wealth, the wealth of character, the wealth of health and so on. She grants untold riches to us. And Saraswati bestows on us intelligence, the capacity for intellectual enquiry and the power of discrimination. Your own mother is the combination of all these Divine beings. The life of a person who cannot respect and love one’s own venerable mother is utterly useless. Your mother provides you with energy, wealth and intelligence. She constantly desires our advancement in life. So she represents all the three goddesses that we worship during the Navaratri festival. Recognising your mother as the very embodiment of all divine forces, show reverence to her and treat her with love. This is the true message of Navaratri. – Divine Discourse, Oct 14, 1988.

There is no higher God than the mother. - Baba

   

[ysj sai]

                                                          26-09-2017

Embodiments of Love! There is nothing bad in Creation. If some things appear so, it is entirely due to faulty vision. The latent bad feelings within create the impression that certain things are bad. Hence it is important to develop pure and loving feelings. Always be immersed in the thought of God and constantly chant His Name. Be ever saturated with the divine feeling. If dutifully followed, spiritual practices are guaranteed to remove all the contamination within you. Never indulge in bad actions, never criticise others, blame others, or accuse others. Bad thoughts pollute the air and also infect others; this is how bad vibrations spread. Hence scrupulously avoid bad company and inappropriate behaviour. Always avoid bad thoughts, inappropriate looks, feelings and actions. Instead, be ever sacred and do only good. Make every possible effort to venerate and revere the elements in a suitable manner. Your every breath must resonate the chant of God’s Name. Always sing His Glory. – Divine Discourse, May 15, 2000.

[ysj sai]

                                                          270902017

When the mirror of the mind is soiled, it cannot perceive anything in its true state. This is the reason why man is unable to recognise his own true nature. Hence it is necessary to cleanse the mirror of impurities on it. How is this to be done? By regulating one's food and recreational habits. It is important to ensure that the food that is eaten is obtained by righteous means. Many of the ills which people suffer today are due to the fact that the things they consume have been got by unrighteous means. So to purify your mind the first prerequisite is pure food. But it may not always be possible to ensure purity in every meal, in every respect and at all times. To overcome this difficulty, make an offering of your meal to God and accept it as a gift from God. Before eating, when food is offered to God, it becomes Prasada (gift from God). All impurities in the food are thereby removed. This helps the process of cleansing the mind. This practice must be kept up continuously. – Divine Discourse, May 25, 1990.

[ysj sai]

                                               

                                                       28-09-2017

	The command of the Vedas, "Matru devo bhava; Pitru devo bhava (May the mother be your God; may the father be your God)", is repeated ad nauseum today, but, there is no sign of reverence towards the parents anywhere. A generation that does not respect and foster its parents is bound to end in disaster. Parents suffer great hardships and deny various comforts for themselves in order to put their children through school and college, but the children are ungrateful; they taunt and tease, they cause mental pain and physical hunger to their parents by ridiculing their habits and attitudes, and dismissing their advice with neglect. When the creators of your physical equipment and mental make-up are thus treated with sacrilege, how can one expect you to adore the Creator of the Universe, the God who provides for all? Honour your parents, so that your children learn to honour you.  - Divine Discourse, Feb 15, 1969.
Thursday Darshan Video - 168
There is no God higher than your mother. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                           29-09-2017

‘Navaratri’ means nine nights. Darkness is associated with night. What is this darkness? It is the darkness of ignorance. The purpose of the Navaratri celebrations is to enable you to win over darkness which has enveloped you. When a reference is made to Devi, it signifies the unified form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswathi. Lakshmi, who is the embodiment of all prosperity, is represented by the heart. The mouth represents Saraswathi. Purity in action (Kriya Shuddhi) is represented by Durga. To secure the grace of the Lord, you must cultivate purity of the heart, purity in speech and purity in action. This triple purity is described in Vedantic parlance as ‘Tripurasundari’. Observe Navratri to get rid of the darkness within you, by cultivating the triple purity of thought, word and deed. On this sacred occasion of Navarathri, you must also revere Nature. Natural resources like water, air, power and minerals must be used economically, without misuse, abuse or waste. – Divine Discourse, Sep 27, 1992.

Worship God by offering your every act at His Lotus Feet. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                         30-09-2017

Swami frequently exhorts the devotees, “Lead your life’s journey with the help of human values.” Let your daily life be suffused with truth (Sathya), righteousness (Dharma), peace (Shanthi) and love (Prema). God is Truth (Atma). Dharma is the duty that every one of us must perform earnestly. Hence, discharge your dharma with truth. These two are in fact the only spiritual practice (Sadhana) you must undertake. These two alone will protect you in every way, all the time. They alleviate all sorrows and difficulties. No human being, during the course of his or her life’s sojourn in this physical world should give up truth and righteousness (Sathya and Dharma). Truth must be experienced in one’s heart, while righteousness has to be reflected in one’s deeds. Never forget, Love is God. Whatever activity you undertake with love, it becomes a success. – Divine Discourse, Vijayadashami, Oct 21, 2007.

Those who attach themselves to the eternal Divine alone can hope for enduring success in life. - Baba

[ysj sai]

s

                                                    01-10-2017

You can redeem your life only when you understand wherefrom you came, your role presently and your destination. To accomplish this, first learn the righteous usage of your sense organs (Indriyas). For instance, consider your nostrils. They are designed to be used to breathe and smell objects and discard that is foul-smelling. Did you ever realise that the respiratory process also conveys a significant spiritual message when you inhale and exhale air every second? It contains the precious mantra, ‘So-hum’, which is called Hamsa Gayatri and is the essence of non-dualism (Advaita). So-Ham should remind you the message of identity between God (So) and you (Aham). Why do you forget this and instead of using your nose for sacred goals, use it to take snuff? By abusing, you make it the root-cause of various respiratory diseases. Most ailments people suffer today are due to the use of sense organs for improper purposes. Hence, recognise the critical role of the senses and use them righteously. – Divine Discourse, Oct 6, 1997.

The spiritual path is the path of detachment, of sense control, of rigorous mind training. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                         02-10-2017

Putlibai, Gandhi mother observed a vow wherein she would not take food until she heard a cuckoo sing. One day, she waited long and the song of a cuckoo was not heard. Worried that his mother is sticking to her vow and not taking food, young Gandhi went behind the house and mimicked a cuckoo singing. He came inside and told his mother to have her food as the cuckoo sang. Mother Putlibai felt very sad as she knew her son was lying. She cried, “O God! What sin have I committed to give birth to a son who speaks untruth?” Realising the immense grief he caused to his mother by uttering a lie, Gandhi took a vow that he would never indulge in falsehood thenceforth. Mothers, train your children in moral values and do not overlook your children’s mistakes. You must reform them whenever they stray away from the right path and reward them for their good deeds. – Divine Discourse, May 6, 2001.

It is because of the feelings of a mother that children change, either for the good or the bad. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                03-10-2017

We worship God with flowers, offer ritual adoration (puja) and pay obeisance. There is something sacred and superior than this! It is to offer God a pure mind and good conduct. This is called Paraa Bhakti. By worshiping God with puja and flowers, the spiritual aspirant remains stationary in their journey to God; failing to rise to a higher position is unwise. The worldly flowers always fade, lose fragrance and develop unpleasant odours. Instead of worshipping with worldly, impermanent flowers and receiving transient rewards from God, worship Him with what is lasting to attain a much higher stage. The first flower to offer God is non-violence (ahimsa). The second is control of senses (dhama). The third is compassion to all living beings (daya). The fourth is forbearance (kshama). The fifth is peace (shanti). The sixth is tapas (penance). The seventh is meditation (Dhyana). And the eighth is the flower of Truth (Sathya). – Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

[ysj sai]

                                                 04-10-2017

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The world around is full of sorrow and strife; you are trying to avoid them and derive a little joy and peace somehow, overlooking the grief and disappointment. Your efforts are like digging a well in a sand heap. The deeper you dig, the faster it caves in, and then, you begin the whole process at a slightly different place! When piles of sensual desires overwhelm you and drag you down to grief, you think of a way out! The only way to get everlasting joy is through Bhakti (devotion); that is the best among the yuktis (the paths dictated by intelligence). That alone gives the shakti (the strength). The seed of devotion grows only in a well-prepared ground. The method of preparation is given in the Vedas. It clearly articulates the code of conduct, the method of living and the ideals to be followed. Adhere to the code of conduct. Even if you have not been able to study the Vedas, listen to the words of those who follow its teachings and have been overcome by the joy of that experience! – Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.

[ysj sai]

                                                          05-10-2017

	Are the flowers you offer in worship created by you? You bring flowers which were created by the Will (sankalpa) of God on some tree or garden and offer it back to the Creator Himself. What is the greatness in offering flowers created by God and giving them back to God Himself? Many people bathe in the Ganges, take the water from the Ganges into their palms and offer it back to the Ganges itself. Is there any merit in this? Let me suggest a better alternative to offer to God. From the tree of your life, select the fruits that you have carefully nurtured and grown, blossoming in the form of good qualities from within, and offer them to God! There is some distinctiveness in that! To promote these good qualities, you may have had to undergo several troubles. But remember, it is through troubles these good qualities have grown and your mind now naturally acquires divine concentration! - Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.
Thursday Darshan Video - 169
Removal of immorality is the only way to immortality. - Baba

[ysj sai]

 

                                                     06-10-2017

In temples or homes, you may have seen people breaking coconuts to offer to God. If you try to break the nut just as it fell from the tree, will it break? No! The fibrous outer cover must be removed to first expose the shell. The fibre protects the shell and lets it grow, preventing blows from the environment. Liberation results from breaking the mind filled with vagaries and wishes. But how can you break it when the fibrous armour of sensual desires encompasses it? So, carefully and persistently, remove them and dedicate your mind to God! Smash it open in His presence. At that very moment, you are set free! The toughest fibre is anger; it is indeed the stickiest dirt! When you get angry, you forget everything and quickly descend to the lowest depth. You lose all discrimination during the agitation. Be Aware! Cultivate virtues assiduously. Virtue is your life-breath, character is the backbone.

– Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.

When your heart is filled with good thoughts and feelings, all that comes out of senses  - your speech, your vision, your action - will all be pure. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                          07-10-2017

Offer the flower of non-violence (ahimsa) to God. We regard ahimsa to mean not to cause harm and hurt to other living beings. The true meaning of ‘Ahimsa’ is to not cause hurt and harm through thoughts, words or deeds. The control of your sense organs is another flower that must be offered to God. Our senses run without any control. If running horses are not controlled, they pose a danger. God has created each organ of the human body for a specific purpose. It is only when we use these sensory organs along the right path for which they have been created will we be entitled to God's grace. Our inner strength will decrease rapidly with agitation or unnecessary sorrow; body also suffers illness due to mental agitations and distractions. One ages very quickly through excitement and sorrow. The reason for your not preserving this sacred instrument in sound condition is lack of control over these sensory organs. Hence the second flower of sensory control should be used for worshipping God. – Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.
Your heart is like a big tank, senses are like taps. Fill your heart with the water of Love. Only then you can experience Love through all your senses. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                08-10-2017 

A fatal weakness that most people fall for is ‘dambha’ (conceit, egoism or pride), the desire to be talked about, to be praised! People take delight in tom-tomming their achievements and capabilities. They desire that their names and deeds are published in daily newspapers in big bold letters for all to see. Don’t fall for this clamour! This actually makes one ludicrous and pitiable. Do not strive to get attention in the newspapers. Instead, you must strive to earn status in the realm of God; earn fame in the company of the good and godly, progress in humility, and in reverence of elders and parents. If you are forever stuck in the primary class repeating the alphabets, when will you understand the teaching of the scholars from the scriptures? Spiritual subject is beyond the reach of your senses and you must garner strength to listen and cherish them dearly in your minds. I desire that you practice them and live in joy!

– Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.

[ysj sai]

          

                                                   09-10-2017

Broadening your heart and making it bigger and bigger, you should make it as big as God Himself. A balloon, in its initial stage, is tiny. If you go on blowing air into it, it becomes bigger and bigger and later explodes. Though beginning with the ideas of 'I' and 'mine', if you ultimately move on to the place that, "all are mine and all are one”, gradually you will become broader in your vision, and then you burst and merge into God who is omnipresent. You should recognise the truth that your life should consist of making the journey from the position of 'I' to the position of 'We'. If all the time you simply stay in the place of 'I', you will remain where you are. This creation is like the bridge which connects man with God. 'I' is one hill. 'God' is another hill. The bridge between the two is the aspect of creation. If you break and destroy the bridge, you can never reach the destination. I am hoping that you plunge into society and do service, and thereby use the bridge to reach God.

– Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

You are all caskets of Divine Love; share it with everyone! Express Divine love in kind words and acts of service done with compassion. - Baba

[ysj sai]

   

                                                     10-10-2017

When you go to a temple, you see the idol, and very soon, your thoughts are with your footwear you left outside at the gate! This simple thought reveals the depth of concentration you have achieved. Unless you take care of every single aspect, you cannot experience the benefits from your spiritual practices (sadhana)! A water-filled-pot with one, a few or many holes is useless for carrying or storing water, isn’t it? Hence, you cannot achieve liberation by merely going to sacred places, or seeing, touching and conversing with great souls. You must put in your full and complete effort to follow the instructions and their directions. Following the path of Radha, Meera, Gouranga and Thukaram, you must feel an inseparable affinity with the Lord, as inseparable as the sea and the wave. Remember, you are really of the same essence, the same taste, the same quality as the sea, though you have the name and form of the wave.

– Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.

[ysj sai]

                                                                    11-10-2017

The flower of ‘compassion to all living beings’ (Sarvabhute Daya Pushpam) is very dear to God. From the seed of Divinity grows the tree of creation. In this tree, the fruits are human beings who are Jeevatma. In each of these human fruits, Divinity is present as a seed. In Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna said, "Beejam Maam Sarva Bhutanam" (I am the seed in all living beings in the form of Atma, the soul). Recognising the truth that God is present in the form of Atma in all living beings, being compassionate to all is what God expects from you everyday. God loves the flower of forbearance (Kshama) very much. It is truly the highest quality of a human being. Often you develop narrow ideas, thinking of 'I', 'my family', and treat others as different from 'me'. When you truly love, you develop patience and forbearance. Expand your love to encompass all living beings, that will fructify as forbearance.

– Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

The truly human qualities are calmness, forbearance and compassion. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                  12-10-2017

	The eagle is pestered by crows so long as it has a fish in its beak. They swish past it to steal the fish out of its mouth. They pursue the bird wherever it sits for a little rest. At last, it gives up the attachment to the fish and drops it from its beak; the crows fly behind it and leave the eagle free. So leave off sense pleasures and the crows of pride, envy, malice, and hatred will fly away. Practise renunciation from now on so that you may set out on the journey when the call comes. No one knows when that will happen. Else, at that moment, you will be in tears, when you think of the house you have built, the property you have accumulated, the fame you have amassed, the trifles you have won, and so on. Know that all this is for the fleeting moment. Develop attachment for the Lord, who will be with you wherever you go. Only the years that you have lived with the Lord have to be counted as life, the rest are all out of count. - Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.
Thursday Darshan Video - 170
Good character is built up by constant practice of good actions.- Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                       13-10-2017

Imagine your son and servant is at home. If your son is pilfering some things or developing bad habits, you will try and control him by correcting, scolding, and persuading him to return to good ways but will never take him and hand him over to the police – will you? On the other hand, if your servant steals a small spoon, at once, you will consider handing him over to the police, isn’t it? What is the inner significance from this situation? The reason for the difference in behavior is the narrow idea 'this boy is my son’. Because the servant does not belong to you, there is no consideration for forbearance and patience! Cultivate the broad idea 'everyone is mine', then, love, patience and forbearance will grow abundantly.

– Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

Love, respect, tolerance, mutual co-operation, forbearance  – these must flow from your heart to all. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                               14-10-2017

Develop divine love (Prema) towards the Lord, the Embodiment of Supreme Divine Love. Never give room for doubts, hesitations and questions to test the Lord’s Love. “Why have my troubles not ended? How come this situation is happening to me?” Do not think that God does not care for you or He does not know you. You may not get what you want, when you want, but do not be under the impression that God does not love you or care for you. Do not get shaken in mind; never allow faith to decline. That will only add to the grief you already suffer from. Hold fast to your chosen deity – Shiva, Rama or Sai Baba. Do not lose the contact and company, for only when coal is in contact with the live embers, it can also become one. Cultivate nearness to Me in your heart and you will be rewarded with a fraction of Supreme Divine Love. – Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.

If you have no steadfastness and no depth of faith, you can have no Grace. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                               15-10-2017

God loves the flower of peace (Shanti). This flower of peace should not be interpreted to mean that you should be silent towards whoever is attacking you or blaming you. It is not that at all! If you are unmoved and unperturbed in spite of anyone finding faults in you, that is real Shanti. If you can fill your heart with love, you will always be peaceful. Through our own bad qualities, we lose peace. With truthful thoughts, you will have peace. With untruthful thoughts, you lose peace. It is only when you are free from all thoughts that you can have true peace. Your own bad thoughts are responsible for all your pain and sorrow. Through good thoughts and ideas, you will become a sadhu (saint). Sadhudoes not mean one who merely wears an orange robe, shaves the head and wears holy beads (Rudrakshas). Every person who has good thoughts and good ideas is a sadhu.

– Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

Peace is the best treasure, without which power, authority, fame and fortune are all dry and burdensome. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                            16-10-2017

Now, engage yourself in spiritual discipline, spiritual thoughts and spiritual company. Forget the past. At least from now on, seek to save yourself. Never yield to doubt or unsteadiness. That is a sign of ignorance. Have faith in any one Name and the Form indicated by that name. If you revere Shiva and hate Vishnu, the plus and the minus cancel out and the net result is zero. I will not tolerate the slightest hatred of any Name or Form. The wife has to revere the husband, but that does not mean that she has to hate his parents, brothers or sisters. You can never attain the Lord through hatred of one or more of His many Forms and Names. If you throw contempt at the God that another reveres, the contempt falls on your own God. Avoid factions, quarrelling, hating, scorning and fault-finding; they recoil on you. Remember everyone is a pilgrim towards the same goal; some travel by one road, some by another.

– Divine Discourse, Oct 10, 1964.

You are all caskets of Divine Love; share it with everyone! Express Divine love in kind

words and acts of service, full of compassion. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                         17-10-2017

     

When the qualities of an asura (demon) enter nara (man), he becomes Narakasura. In such a person, you find only bad qualities and evil feelings. Such a person does not join the company of the noble and does not make efforts to reach God, but makes friendship with only wicked people. Such a mentality is the consequence of evil deeds over a number of births. Ravana had acquired all types of knowledge like Rama. But unlike Rama, he joined bad company, entertained bad thoughts, and indulged in wicked deeds. Hence, people revere Rama and abhor Ravana. One is revered or ridiculed on the basis of one's conduct. Understand that none should lead a self-centred life. Wherever a good activity is taking place, wherever a prayer meeting is held, take part in them with enthusiasm. The scriptures guide us, “Give up bad company. Join the company of the noble. Perform meritorious deeds day and night.” – Divine Discourse, Nov 4, 2002.

You are shaped by the company you keep; a piece of iron turns into rust if it seeks the company of the soil. It glows and takes on useful shapes it if enjoys the company of fire. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                18-10-2017

Narakasura is present in everyone as lust, hate, greed and as fear and grief, which are against the very nature of humanity. Just as an umbrella with a silk cover cannot protect you from rain but the one with a waterproof cover can, so too in this storm-driven world incessantly flushed by torrential rain, an umbrella with desire-proof and anger-proof coating is very essential. There is great latent power inherent in every­one, and when that power is made explicit (vyakta), a human being deserves to be called individual (vyakti). When the latent qualities from within you manifest, the demons will automatically be destroyed. Your reality is Atma; your quality is bliss (ananda). Krishna is the Super or Omni Self (Paramatma) and Satyabhama (Krishna’s consort) represents the individual self (jiva). On this auspicious day, Paramatma destroys the evil propensities with the active collaboration of the individual self! Remember, the individual self can defeat evil with the active grace of the Lord. – Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol 3, Dec 1963.

God's grace is readily available through the sacred use of your senses. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                           19-10-2017

Do not be carried away by others’ opinions – either good or bad. Develop your own line of thinking, based on your conscience. Develop self confidence. Where there is self-confidence, there will be self-satisfaction. Where there is self-satisfaction, there will be self-sacrifice. And through self-sacrifice comes self-realisation. Self-confidence is the foundation for the building; it remains below the surface of the earth. Self-satisfaction represents the walls, self-sacrifice is the roof, and the life in this house is self-realisation. Without the foundation of self-confidence, self-realisation cannot be achieved. Therefore, build up your self-confidence slowly. In this process, start early, drive slowly and reach your goal of self-realisation safely. First and foremost, develop love. It is easier to cultivate love than all other qualities. There is nothing in this world which cannot be achieved with love. - Divine Discourse, Nov 4, 2002.

Thursday Darshan Video - 171

[ysj sai]

                                                                 20-10-2017

What exactly is the meaning of ‘Sai Baba’? Sai means Sahasrapadma (the thousand petalled lotus), it means Sakshatkara(realisation or direct experience of the Lord), Ayi means mother, and Baba means father. Thus, ‘Sai Baba’ means He who is both Father and Mother and the Goal of all yogic endeavour; the ever-merciful Mother, the All-wise Father, and the Goal of all spiritual efforts. My advent is to establish righteousness (dharma samsthapana). When you are groping in a dark room, you must seize the chance when someone brings a lamp into the room. You should hurriedly collect your belongings that are scattered there, or discover where they are located, or do whatever else you need to do with the light. Similarly make the best of the chance when the Lord descends in a human form and save yourself from disaster. The undue importance that you now attach to the satisfaction of sensual desires must diminish as a result of your association with sacred books and saintly personages. – Divine Discourse, Feb 26, 1961.

You worship with faith and you experience Grace. Faith results in Grace,  without your being aware of it. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                              21-10-2017

Do not run after all and sundry who repeat textbook materials and wear the cloak of fakir-hood (mendicancy). Examine their daily conduct, motives, their advice, and the relationship between what they say and do. Stick to your faith; do not change your loyalty as soon as something untoward happens or someone whispers about somebody else! Do not pull down Sai Baba’s picture from the wall and hang some other picture at your first disappointment. Leave all to Him; let His will be carried out — that should be your attitude. Unless you go through the rough and the smooth, how can you be hardened? Welcome the light and the shade, the sun and the rain. Do not think that only those who worship a picture or image with pompous paraphernalia are devotees. Whoever walks straight along the moral path, whoever acts as they speak and speaks as they have seen, whoever melts at another’s woe and exults at another’s joy — they are devotees, perhaps greater devotees.

– Divine Discourse, Feb 26, 1961.

You are all caskets of Divine Love; share it with everyone! Express Divine love in kind

words and acts of service filled with compassion. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                             22-10-2017

Human birth is most sacred and rare (Jantunam nara janma durlabham). The word manava (human being) also means one who is sacred. Why do we resort to debasing such a sacred human being? People advocate several good and sacred things, but when it comes to practice, they back out. When a conflict arises between precept and practice, you must have the courage to stand up to the situation and make every effort to tread the sacred path. You will, in your day-to-day life, encounter several people with bad qualities and wrong behaviour. Do not join their company. Offer them a salutation (namaskar) and move away. You may ask, why we should offer salutations to evil people. We salute good people, so as to not lose their company. We also salute the evil people requesting they move away from us. We must join the company of good people, cultivate good qualities, and lead a good life, thus sanctifying this precious life. – Divine Discourse, Nov 4, 2002.

[ysj sai]

                                                                     23-10-2017

The flower of penance (Tapas pushpam) is very dear to God. Penance does not require you to give up your wife and children, go to a forest, and put your head up and feet down - that is not tapas! To practice real tapas, we should abandon bad thoughts from our minds as soon as they occur! The co-ordination of thought, word and deed is tapas. Whatever thoughts sprout in your mind, to utter them as words and to put them in practice as your work is true tapas. It is in this context that scriptures reveal, “Manas Ekam, Vachas Ekam, Karmanyekam Mahatmanam - the person who can coordinate their thoughts with their words and their words with their deeds is indeed a great soul (Mahatma)." Give up bad thoughts from your mind – that is sacrifice! That sacrifice will become yoga(spiritual path). Remember, giving up one's property and one's wife and going to the forest is not yoga!

– Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

Offering jewels to God is a narrow-minded idea. Charity is the true ornament for the hand. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                          24-10-2017

To sit in lotus posture (padmasana) and make the Kundalini shakti(spiritual energy) rise from the Mooladhara (basal plexus) to the Sahasrara (the node in the crown of the head) is not dhyana(meditation). True Meditation consists in recognising the presence of God in all types of work you do in your daily life. God is the indweller of all. To attempt to confine God to one place you choose is not meditation! According to our culture, we first pay obeisance to the work we have to do. Before we undertake any work, we should regard that work as God. That is what the Upanishads teach us, “Tasmai Namaha Karmane - I salute the work I have to do and adore God in that form". Have you seen a person who plays on the tabla or the harmonium? Before they begin to play on it, they pay obeisance to the instrument. To regard the entire creation as the form of God and to perform your duty in that spirit, is true meditation.

– Divine Discourse, May 12, 1981.

Whenever and wherever you put yourself in touch with God, it is the state of meditation. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                             25-10-2017

There are two qualities in every person. One is the animal nature; the other is humanness. Unfortunately people are forgetting their humanness by falling prey to the six enemies of lust, anger, greed, envy, attachment and pride, and misusing God-given talents. They are thereby degrading themselves to the level of an animal. On the other hand, one should use one’s mind, status, and talents to become virtuous, pursue the path of righteousness and strive to raise oneself from the human to the Divine. All things in the world should be used properly, and not misused. A knife can be used for cutting vegetables or another's throat. How a knife is used depends on the one using it. The person’s mental state should be in proper condition. A person’s conduct is related to one’s thoughts and feelings. The heart is inherently pure. But one's thoughts can maintain that purity or pollute it. One can make or mar one’s destiny by one’s thoughts and actions. – Divine Discourse, Jul 16, 1997.

True devotion lies in accepting both pleasure and pain with equal-mindedness. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                             26-10-2017

The Lord will manifest Himself when the pillar is split with the sword of yearning. Hiranyakashipu did it and immediately the Lord appeared from within that pillar. The Lord did not hide in the pillar anticipating the contingency. He is everywhere; and so, He was there too. The lesson Hiranyakashipu learnt was that the deha-tatwa must be split if the dehi-tatwa must reveal itself. That is to say, the ‘I-am-body' consciousness must go, if the ‘I-am-embodied’ consciousness, must emerge. So long as you are in the dehi (I-am-embodied) consciousness, no pain or grief, pride or egoism can tarnish you. A small quantity of seawater kept separately in a bottle will smell foul in a few days. As long as it is in the sea, nothing affects it. Be in the sea, as part of it; do not individualise and separate yourself. Do not feel that you are the body (deha), separate from the Indweller (dehi). - Divine Discourse, Jan 29, 1965.
Thursday Darshan Video - 172
A good student is an offering that every good teacher makes to the nation. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                               27-10-2017

Everyone has Divinity embedded in them, as well as Truth and sweetness. The only issue is one does not know how to manifest that Divinity, how to realise that Truth, and taste that sweetness. So, one carries the twin burdens of joy and grief tied to the ends of a single pole slung across his shoulders. Courage is the tonic for getting both physical as well as mental health and strength. Give up doubt, hesitation, and fear. Do not give any chance for these to strike root in your mind. By means of their inner divine strength, people can achieve anything; they can even become God. To help you give up fear and doubt, keep the Name of the Lord always on your tongue and in your mind, and dwell on the endless forms of the Lord and His limitless glory. Attach yourself to Him; then your attachment for these temporary objects will fall off; or at least, you will start seeing them in their proper proportion as having only relative reality. – Divine Discourse, Sep 02, 1958.

Your thoughts play a vital role in shaping your life. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                    28-10-2017

The deha, the body is but an instrument to realise the Dehi or the Indweller. Realising your oneness with the Dehi must be your deeksha or steady pursuit. And this pursuit must express itself in actual practice as discipline and training of the senses (Nishtha and Sikshana). Water and fire individually cannot move a train; they must both cooperate to produce a third thing - steam. The steam moves the engine forward. Kerosene and air must both unite to form the gas which ignites in the petromax lamp to give light. Yoga is explained as chitta vritti nirodha - the curbing of mental agitations. It also means the Union which is possible when mental agitations are curbed and equanimity is achieved. Devotion, wisdom or action (Bhakti, Jnana or Karma), must all lead to the achievement of equanimity; otherwise, they are simply a sham. The curbing of the mind will take you to the winning post. – Divine Discourse, Jan 29, 1965.

The primary goal of every human being is to realise their inherent divinity and  redeem their life by that realisation. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                         29-10-2017

Atma-Rama, the Rama who confers eternal joy, is present in your heart. So repeat His name, it is the Sun that can make the lotus in your heart bloom. Rama is not the son of Emperor Dasaratha but of the ruler of your ten senses (dasendriyas). The recital of Rama’s name must become as automatic, frequent and essential as breathing. The seed letters of Rama are from the Shiva and Narayana mantra, for it is composed of the second letters of both: Na-ra-yana and Na-mah-sivaya.The name Rama endows you with power and all the spiritual capital you need. It has a form too, and you should picture the form when you repeat the name; then the name becomes concrete and its remembrance is easier. Live always in the presence of that form-filled name. Then life becomes one continuous worship of the Lord.

– Divine Discourse, Sep 02, 1958.

Select one Name and one Form for smarana and manana, but do not talk ill of other names and forms. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                                  30-10-2017

Worry and grief of one sort or another will always be there, in the past, present, and future, while walking, dreaming, and sleeping. But place faith in the Lord and do your tasks as dedication to Him and they will definitely vanish! Remember the Lord with thankfulness at least thrice or even twice a day; that will give you great peace. Do not give up your worldly duties, but do them with the name of God on your lips. Do not involve yourselves in the affairs of others to the extent that you get so entangled that you cannot extricate yourselves. Spend your time in the contemplation of the beauties of nature, which are spread out before you in earth and sky - lovely green expanses, soothing and joyful cool breezes, the panorama of coloured clouds and the music of the birds. Sing the glories of God as you walk along. Do not talk hatefully, do not get angry, do not disturb the sky with your shouts and curses, and do not pollute the air with vengeful boasts. – Divine Discourse, Sep 2, 1958.

Talk little, talk sweetly, talk only when there is pressing need, talk only to those whom you must and do not shout or raise your voice in anger or excitement. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                   

                                                       31-10-2017

You are judged by your spiritual discipline not by the number of temples you go to or the quantity and the cost of the offerings you have made there. Do not calculate the length of time you have spent in the company of the Lord's Name and exult! Calculate rather the length of time you wasted, away from that contact and repent. Have Lord’s Name ever in your thoughts and you can brave any calamity! Remember how Mother Sita braved the taunts, insults and tortures of the aggressors in Lanka; what gave her the mental stamina? It was the Lord’s name (Rama nama) and nothing else. Desire and anger (Kama and krodha) cannot co-exist with true devotion to God. Your devotion to God must be sincere and steady. Bhakti is not a matter of beads and beards nor does worship consist of flowers and camphor! The seedling of devotion must be carefully watered, weeded, manured, and dusted with pesticides, to yield a harvest of love, peace and joy. – Divine Discourse, Jan 29 1965.

Offer God the fragrance of your virtues. - Baba

[ysj sai]

 

                                                                 01-11-2017

Do not yield to the snares of friends or society or miscalled social conventions and become prey to smoking and other such bad habits. They destroy health, happiness, energy and even charm. Smoke disfigures your face and denigrates your lungs. It debilitates you and makes you diseased. The body is the temple of the Lord; keep it in good and strong condition. This skeletal cage or body is the Hasthinapuram, where we have the blind king, Dhritarashtra, the symbol of ignorance, as well as Yudhistira, the symbol of wisdom. Let the forces of Yudhistira win with the help of Sri Krishna. Let the tongue, accustomed to the bitterness of the margosa fruit of worldly triumphs and disasters, taste the sweet honey of remembering the Lord’s name. Experiment with this and you will be surprised at the result. You can feel the vast improvement in peace and stability in you and around you. Learn this easy lesson, get immersed in joy, and let others also share that joy with you.

– Divine Discourse, Sep 2, 1958.

Anger breeds danger. Remove the roots of the weed of egoism from the field of your heart, that is true Sadhna - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                             02-11-2017

In all countries the emphasis is on the standard of life, not on the quality of living. Once you turn towards the path of worldly happiness, you will be led on and on to greater and greater discontent, competition, pride and jealousy. Just stop for a moment and examine your own experience; whether you are happier when you grow richer, and whether you get more peace as and when your wants are satisfied. Then you will bear witness to the truth that an improved standard of living is no guarantee of happiness. Neither do education, the mastery of information or the acquisition of skills guarantee mental equanimity. As a matter of fact, everywhere you find the educated man more discontented and more competitive than the uneducated. So the re-establishment of righteousness (dharma), is the urgent need in all parts of the world today. - Divine Discourse, Apr 23, 1961.
Thursday Darshan Video - 173
If there is righteousness in the heart, there will be beauty in character. If there is beauty in character, there will be harmony in the home. - Baba

[ysj sai]

 

                                                                   03-11-2017

God has endowed you with a body and so every limb and sense-organ is worthy of reverent attention. Each must be used for His glory. The ear must exult when it gets a chance to hear the wonderful tales of God. The tongue must exult when it can praise Him. Else, your tongue is as effective as that of frogs on the marshy bank which croak day and night! An animal (pasu) fears; a beast (mriga) terrifies! Being afraid of someone or something is an animal tendency and bullying others is a demonic tendency. You should have neither! Your human body is gifted to you for a grand purpose – to realise the Lord within. If you own a fully loaded car in good running condition, would you keep it in the garage? Would you not drive it to where you need to go? So too, learn to use the faculties of body, senses, intellect, and mind, and achieve your goal!

– Divine Discourse, Sep 2, 1958.

[ysj sai]

04-11-2017
	The root-cause of all troubles is the uncontrolled and ill-directed mind. Like the river Godavari in floods, the mind rolls along, causing slips and slides and devastating vast areas on both banks. Discrimination and non-attachment are the two banks that tame the mad energy of the flood (your mind) and lead the raging waters into the sea (Divinity), which is really the destination they seek. None of you should make any attempt to run away from the duties of your station and status. Instead, remember to do those duties as worship, as offerings of your intelligence, skill, qualities, and thoughts and feelings to the feet of the Lord in a spirit of thankfulness for the chance given, without any trace of egoism or a sense of attachment to the fruits of the actions. Obligatory actions must be carried out, wherever you are, with care and sincerity. When you do so, they bestow upon you with the much-needed discrimination and non-attachment. – Divine Discourse, Apr 23, 1961.
The one who discriminates well before engaging in any activity will naturally be righteous in conduct and behaviour. - Baba

[ysj sai]

                                                               05-11-2017

Meeting with fellow-pilgrims and kindred aspirants is a piece of rare good fortune. Every one of you is a temple, with the Lord installed in your heart, whether you are aware of it or not. The Lord is described in the Purusha Sukta scripture as ‘thousand headed’. It does not mean that He has just thousand heads and no more, no less. It means that the Lord is present in thousands of heads as just one loving heart, and gives life and energy to all! None of you must consider yourself separate from others; all of you are bound by the one same life-force, the same blood that flows through countless bodies. This is a precious message, a very special teaching of the Eternal Religion (Sanatana Dharma), which most of you have unfortunately forgotten. This is what the world needs today! Attach yourself to God fervently. Then all people on all days will be holy and special to you! – Divine Discourse, Feb 18, 1966.

All are one, Be alike to everyone. - Baba