Thought for the Day

1.The word karma (action) is short and crisp. But the idea and ideals it conveys are of great significance to mankind. It is of two kinds: material and spiritual, that is, loukik (connected with this world) and vaidik (drawn from the Vedas or scriptural injunctions). Karma that merely sustains life is material. The vaidik actions elevate the human to the Divine and are based on the scriptures. Karma is not simply physical, it is also mental and verbal; it subsumes every activity of man—worldly, scriptural and spiritual. All the three strands are truly intertwined. Worldly actions entail merit or demerit. Scripturally based actions are saturated with the experience of generations of seekers of goodness. The spiritually-focused will devote themselves to cleansing their hearts so that the indwelling God may be reflected therein.

2.Its animal nature to get attracted to the exterior; the Lord is pleased only by internal charm that arises from good character. Do not be driven by the low tastes of the world and the cheap regard that people bestow. Strive for the grace and love of the Lord. The affection that people shower is not constant, for it depends on their likes and dislikes. But the love that the Lord bears for you depends on your good qualities alone; it gives you permanent joy. True beauty lies in character, not in anything else. There is nothing more charming than this.

3.The lives of individuals are determined by the actions performed by them in previous lives and the present one. The entire load of accumulated karma that is slowly being worked out over many life times by the individual is called sanchitha karma. That karma which directly influences the current life is called praarabdha karma. The actions being performed, which is bound to affect the future is called aagaami karma. While the actions one is engaging in is referred to as karma, being inactive is called akarma! If you are not attached to the fruits of your actions, but carry it out as your duty and as your way of worship; then you can practice akarma even though physically engaged in Karma. This is the highest sadhana.

4.The good should never even discuss the evil that others do, for that will contaminate them. The stories of child devotees like Dhruva and Prahlada will, if listened to, grant merit and show the path; and the stories of great women like Savithri and Anasuya will destroy the roots of evil and strengthen character. How will this happen? They are all holy and their lives are without a blemish; therefore to discuss them and their lives is worthwhile and beneficial. Always discuss the good in others and never about their faults. If you can, try constantly to offer them good advice and turn them to noble ways. You should cultivate peace of mind, charitableness and eagerness to promote the welfare of all. These can come only through repetition of the Divine Name and meditation.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba