1.Do not strive for physical comforts ignoring the permanent joy of inner calm and contentment, for nothing is more valuable than this. Contentment is the result of attaining peace of mind, joy and discrimination; it is a treasure richer than the three worlds. A contented person can experience indescribable divine glory and can even attain Sakshathkara (vision of the Lord) directly. But to achieve this, namasmarana (remembrance of the Lord’s Name) and dhyana (meditation) are the only means; these alone can give you that ability.
2.Some people focus on spiritual knowledge alone, ignoring the secular branches of learning. This is not desirable because they tend to miss both and wander aimlessly between the two. Secular learning should not be neglected. One should acquire spiritual awareness, while seeking mastery over secular subjects. So even as you acquire secular knowledge, do spend some time everyday meditating on God.
3.Do not get attached to this evanescent body; utilise it as an instrument instead. Consider yourself as separate from this destructible body; know yourself as the indestructible Atma. Just as the house in which you dwell is separate from you, so is this body which surrounds you for a short while, different to you. This body is the root cause of all grief and calamity. Understand this well and make the body obey your will without bowing down to its whims. Keep it under strict control and be prepared to cast it away any moment. You must train your body with great attention. Consider it as a boat that is meant to take you across this stream of life. Until the other bank is reached, or in other words, until the ultimate truth is attained you must ensure that this boat is not leaky or damaged. You must safeguard your body by taking moderate quantities of pure (sat hwic) food at appropriate times, and by keeping up disciplined physical activities.
4.It is often thought that charitable and philanthropic acts make for sacrifice. But there is a vast difference between charity and sacrifice. Charitable people give only a fraction of their wealth to others. Gifts of land, distribution of food, contribution of physical labour and the spreading of education and knowledge belong to this category. Through acts of charity no man ever gives up all that he has. Going a step higher some retain for themselves what is just and essential, and give away all the rest to society. Such people win the highest acclaim in the world. Our sacred texts prescribed that a portion of one’s possessions must be offered to the poor and needy.
Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba
2.Some people focus on spiritual knowledge alone, ignoring the secular branches of learning. This is not desirable because they tend to miss both and wander aimlessly between the two. Secular learning should not be neglected. One should acquire spiritual awareness, while seeking mastery over secular subjects. So even as you acquire secular knowledge, do spend some time everyday meditating on God.
3.Do not get attached to this evanescent body; utilise it as an instrument instead. Consider yourself as separate from this destructible body; know yourself as the indestructible Atma. Just as the house in which you dwell is separate from you, so is this body which surrounds you for a short while, different to you. This body is the root cause of all grief and calamity. Understand this well and make the body obey your will without bowing down to its whims. Keep it under strict control and be prepared to cast it away any moment. You must train your body with great attention. Consider it as a boat that is meant to take you across this stream of life. Until the other bank is reached, or in other words, until the ultimate truth is attained you must ensure that this boat is not leaky or damaged. You must safeguard your body by taking moderate quantities of pure (sat hwic) food at appropriate times, and by keeping up disciplined physical activities.
4.It is often thought that charitable and philanthropic acts make for sacrifice. But there is a vast difference between charity and sacrifice. Charitable people give only a fraction of their wealth to others. Gifts of land, distribution of food, contribution of physical labour and the spreading of education and knowledge belong to this category. Through acts of charity no man ever gives up all that he has. Going a step higher some retain for themselves what is just and essential, and give away all the rest to society. Such people win the highest acclaim in the world. Our sacred texts prescribed that a portion of one’s possessions must be offered to the poor and needy.
Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba
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