Thought for the Day

1.The genuine characteristics, the Swaroopa Lakshana, never undergoes change. It abides in all. The form, name, time or space may suffer change; but the core of truth (the Swaroopa Lakshana) will not alter. That core is denoted as Asthi (existence), Bhathi (luminescence) and Priyam (attractiveness) in Vedantic texts. Existence is the unchanging truth; it may change its form and name, in time and space, but the ‘is-ness’ is genuine. It makes itself known as existing, through the native characteristic of Prakasha (luminosity) or capacity to attract our awareness and confer knowledge. We can know it because it has luminescence; all things we are aware of have this innate characteristic. Each thing also has the nature of likeability, the capacity to invoke attachment and love as a result of usability. The above three together are the nature of God.

2.The Gita warns that any insult or injury or even neglect directed against any living being is an act that ridicules or hurts the Divine (“Sarva Jeeva Thiraskaaram Keshavam Prathigachchathi”) The Gita also clearly says, “Sunee chaiva svapaakecha, pandithaah sama darshinah”, that is, the learned man who has acquired humility through Vidya (knowledge) must deal with equal compassion and consideration for all living beings. Uniform kindness shown in this manner transforms itself into homogenous welfare for the recipients. Wishing well for all is the sign of one who has earned Vidya. The narrow vision that is limited to one community must be given up. Bhaarathiya culture thus emphasises the highest truth, the broadest vision.

3.The hearts of the great will be so full of divine content and equanimity, that they will not be affected by the ups and downs of fortune. A fragrant flower will please one with its captivating scent, whether it is held in the left hand or in the right. So too, whether in the sky or in the forest, village or city, on the heights or the valley, the great will be equally happy. They know no change as demonstrated by the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharatha. Even though they were in the jungle, they were able to spend their days happily by the grace of Lord Krishna.

4.Brahman (Divinity) is the source of all the Holy Texts and is therefore all-knowing. Brahman is the very source of illumination. Only the Omniscient One can be the source of the Vedas. Only the scriptures can liberate people through that illumination named knowledge. They regulate one's life and foster it, guarding it from grief. The Vedas offer comforting counsel; they deal with people affectionately and lead them forward, for they are received through venerable personages who attained the highest knowledge, Brahman.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba