Thought for the Day

1.The Atma (Divine Self) has no entry or exit, no form or imperfection. It is subtler than the subtlest, greater than the greatest. Like space, it is all pervasive - and being ‘everything’ it is free from the feelings, ‘I and mine’. Just as fire is heat, Atma is consciousness. As it is beyond distress or delusion, it is Paramananda – supreme, everlasting ecstasy. The Buddhi (intellect), like the moon, has no light in itself; it only reflects the brilliance of the Atma which is like the sun. The Sun by its very presence dispels darkness and so is called the Enlightener; but it is neither doing this consciously nor is it duty bound. The Atma too, has no obligation, or duty. If asked how the Atma becomes a ‘doer’, the reply is: ‘Is the magnet acting, simply because the needle nearb y moves? The Atma therefore is the core of all beings; the awareness in all.

2.The world is a nest of crows; some caw in praise, others in derision. But you should be above the reach of both. Make light of praise and treat it as something unworthy of your attention, only then can you enjoy real happiness and be free. Even Avatars like Rama, Krishna and Baba have not escaped blame; will normal men be spared? People are fond of themselves, their own religions, customs and homelands. This affection makes one criticise other’s faiths and beliefs. Though related to religion and ones' relationship to God, such impulses are impure. Recognize this fact and remove these tendencies by repetition of God's name and meditation, that fill the heart with the universal wisdom of the Atma. These tendencies will be transformed and transmuted into sacred impulses, and will eventually vanish.

3.At first, the child is led into the world of knowledge when he is accepted by a Guru, whom he has to serve and obey without feeling burdened. Later, the young person should share with society the means and measures for its progress and security. In this stage one should start earning his income and learn to spend it wisely. The youth has to, by example, guide younger ones in the right direction and at the same time learn from elders, lessons for ones' own progress. He must do good deeds simply for the elation they confer. Understand that practice advances wisdom, just as reading enhances knowledge. The young person must cultivate humility, reverence, devotion to God and steadfast faith. Along with earning money and serving society, attention has to be paid to virtues and morality through righteous behaviour and sadhana (spiritual practices). One’s whol e being must be purified and then directed along the path of sacred work.

4.When in adulthood, one must foster not only one’s family, but also the progress of people in general. Besides this, during middle age, one must also live an exemplary life, inspiring one’s children and holding forth elevating ideals. Acts that benefit one's family at the cost of the society should be avoided; for, a selfish attitude is bound to lead one to failure. The Divine Principle can be realised only by purifying one’s activities and serving the Self in all. One must have a wide vision of the peace and prosperity of all humanity, and try to contribute to both. Old age is the final stage of life. By the time this stage arrives, one must have discovered that worldly pleasures are trivial and be equipped with spiritual joy, gained through delving into the inner spring of bliss. One must also be eager to share with others the accumulated knowledge and wisdom. Through the experience of life, one’s heart, by this time must be soft, and one should promote the progress of one and all without any distinction.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.Enormous quantities of water are evaporated from the surface of the Earth by the Sun. This then transforms into clouds, and finally return to the Earth as rain. The wonder is that, in spite of this tremendous vaporisation, the level of the ocean does not go down even by an inch. Furthermore, even though thousands of rivers pour their waters into the seas, the level of the ocean does not increase. Similarly, people who have practised the wisdom of the scriptures are never affected by praise or blame, whatever the source and quantity. Their hearts remain pure and calm.

2.Attachment makes the mind dwell on the things of the world. When the mind is free of attachment, it remains unaffected by the objective world. The mind is like a cloth and there are three different impulses which colour it: sathwic, pure impulses which make it white; rajasic, restless tendencies that turn it red, while thamasic, slothful impulses that give it a black colour. Some people find these impulses extremely difficult to control even after many years of practice. If you are disturbed by such inclinations, you must fortify yourself with faith and act to conquer them by will power. Meditation and concentration can help you overcome these impulses.

3.While the liberated soul overcomes the impulses, an ordinary person cultivates them. One can use pure impulses to remove impure ones, but in due course one must discard them too; just as the thorn that is used to remove a thorn is also thrown away. If you wish to attain Self Realisation, it is not enough if you control the impulses; you must uproot them completely. Just like negative ones, good impulses too lead to bondage. This means that, even the purest desire - craving for liberation, has to be cast away eventually. One should attain the stage where neither good nor bad, attracts or repels; for a shackle is a shackle, be it of iron or gold. So if you wish to realise God, you should uproot your impulses, curb the mind, and strive to understand the fundamental Divine Principle.

4.The body is the most wonderful workshop in the entire world, because it is the temple of the Lord. In this ‘spiritual factory’, impulses ought to be sublimated, impurities have to be weeded out and good tendencies nurtured. The uprooting of impulses is the goal here, though this is a very difficult task. While intoxicants enslave you only temporarily, impulses can overpower you for a whole lifetime! But they can be overcome with will-power, faith and determination. Do not give up, whatever the hardship you might face in this struggle. The very purpose of meditation is to attain freedom from these mighty and manifold impulses.
Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.From the tree of the mind comes the seed of impulses (vasanas). These impulses in turn make the mind. To free the mind from the influence of the impulses one has to get rid of ignorance (ajnana). But ignorance does not exist alone; it has a fiendish offspring - the ego (ahamkara). And the ego in turn has two children - attachment and craving; both of these are closely interrelated. Attachment gives rise to feelings of ‘my’ and ‘mine’ which cause desires (or cravings); this leads to worries. Therefore to remove ego, attachment and desires have to be annihilated. And the way to achieve this is through meditation and other spiritual practices. When this is done liberation can be attained.

2.One can imbibe spiritual lessons only to the extent of one’s patience and intelligence. The ancient texts of India insist on the value of actual practice; they reiterate the importance of confirming the truths learnt from the scriptures by experiencing their impact personally. After mastering the texts and gaining experience by putting into practice the lessons learnt, you not only receive bliss and grace, but can also share the wisdom and the joy with others.

3.Remember, the one who is a slave to impulses and tendencies (vasanas) is devoid of Jnana (wisdom). In truth, such a person is a weakling. The impulses invade the heart, causing endless trouble. They remind you of the pleasures of past experiences and make you crave for them again. The desires that arise thus, make the senses and their leader, the mind, restless; having no choice, you then pursue these cravings. The impulses operate so subtly and powerfully, that all this happens in the twinkling of an eye. Just as the seed contains within itself the trunk, branches, twigs, leaves, flowers and fruits, so too, all these effects lie dormant in the vasanas. But let Me assure you - there is no cause for despair! You can regain your divine nature, that was lost by neglect, as soon as you uproot your impulses.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

When truth and Righteousness are protected, the nation will be secure

1.Teachers! You must inspire your students by your example. You should combine practice with precept, like the physical instructor who demonstrates the exercises the students should perform. In the hermitages of the ancient preceptors, this was how the Gurus taught their disciples. Share with your students the teachings of great and noble souls. Education should be for elevation and not merely for obtaining degrees to earn a living. You should teach students discipline, humility and respect, and instill in them the spirit of service and the sense of fellowship. Imbue your children with confidence and courage. Unify them through love and love alone; give no room for anger, jealousy or hatred within you and teach the children the three P's: Purity, Patience, Perseverance. Armed with these three qualities, your students can protect the nation better than any army or atom bombs. When Truth and Righteousness are protected, the nation will be secure.2.

2.Impure tendencies lead one to vices such as the craving for sensory stimulation like meaningless films; eating food that promotes passion, like fish and meat; and taking intoxicants that generates anger and greed that eventually ruins one’s personality. These impure tendencies are of three types: worldly, intellectual, and physical. Physical impulses make people desire a beautiful physique, with a glowing skin that never wrinkles and a sturdy muscular build. The scholarly tendencies prompt in one the desire to be known as an unrivalled expert and the defeat of every competitor. And lastly, worldly aspirations make one desire power and fame. These are all impulses which bind you to the wheel of birth and death (samsara) and tie you down to this Earth.

3.Enormous quantities of water are evaporated from the surface of the Earth by the Sun. This then transforms into clouds, and finally return to the Earth as rain. The wonder is that, in spite of this tremendous vaporisation, the level of the ocean does not go down even by an inch. Furthermore, even though thousands of rivers pour their waters into the seas, the level of the ocean does not increase. Similarly, people who have practised the wisdom of the scriptures are never affected by praise or blame, whatever the source and quantity. Their hearts remain pure and calm.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.The word Islam means surrender to God. Whoever in a spirit of surrender and dedication, lives in peace and harmony in society, really speaking, belongs to Islam. Islam insists on the unity of thought, word and deed. The fasting and prayers in the month of Ramzan, are designed to awaken and manifest this realisation. In a loving way, Ramzan also brings together kith and kin, those near and far, friend and foe. The emphasis of every religion is on unity, harmony and equanimity. Therefore cultivate love, tolerance and compassion, and demonstrate this Truth by your every action. I give you this message with My blessings.

2.You will be confronted with many Vighnas, or obstacles, in the journey of life. Prayers offered to Vighneswara will help you by removing such obstacles and minimising your problems. Love is the most important aspect in life; it is only love that can unify the world. Absence of love causes hatred, and undermines your human nature. People tend to foster their resentments, which leads to all sorts of problems; they forget the simple path of love. From today give up swaartha (selfishness), turn your mind towards the Parartha (the Supreme); lead a life of Yadaartha (Truth) and sanctify your lives. Place your faith in God and do your duty to the best of your ability. Immerse yourself in God’s love and share it with all. If you earn the love of God even to the slightest extent, you will experience infinite joy.

3.Uttering the truth is easy, but lying is full of problems. One has to take a lot of trouble to cover up one lie with more lies. That is why it has been said: Sathyam brooyath; priyam brooyath; na brooyath sathyam apriyam - ‘speak what is truthful and pleasing and do not mention unkind truths’. God is the embodiment of Truth and Truth is the foundation of the Universe. This Truth is beyond the mind and it transcends space and time. You must live up to this Truth and realise that the Divine is present in everything. Only when you can recognise the omnipresence of the Divine, will you be able to experience God.

4.Our life’s fulfilment lies in Atma-sakshathkara, the realization of Divine Self. To attain this, one must be entirely free from Vasanas, or mental and emotional impulses. Moksha, or liberation, means to be free from the influences of these impulses, which are of two types: beneficent and maleficent. The beneficent tendencies are sacred in nature. The maleficent ones feed the mind and make it unsteady, increasing desires for objective pleasures. If you nurture sacred aspirations (Shubha Vasanas), they will not multiply and influence the mind indefinitely. They are like fried seeds, which will never sprout. If you embrace benign tendencies, you can easily acquire Divine knowledge. You can acquire such liberating qualities by revering and conversing with great Saints, and following their advice; you should also pract ise the five human values

Bagavan Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Ilaiyaraja - Live in Italy - Mood Kaapi

Message of every religion

1.Bhakti (devotion) occupies pride of place in Bharathiya culture. Devotion does not only mean performing rituals, undertaking pilgrimages, or visiting temples. These are actions merely indicative of devotion. There is a power which provides the impulse for these actions and that is the love of God. Bhakti means Paripurna Prema(complete love). This love is motiveless; love based on a reason cannot be real love. As a river seeks to join the ocean by a natural impulse, as a creeper winds itself naturally around a tree to climb upwards, the devotee's love is a spontaneous expression of the yearning to realise God. It is free from worldly desires of any kind. To experience the presence of the Divine, your love should flow as a pure selfless stream. You should regard the Divine as the One that pervades everything. Practise seeing God in every object in the cosmos and firmly believe that all names and forms are derived from God.

2.Develop faith in God. All names are His - Rama, Krishna, Christ or any other. Every man is the embodiment of the Divine. True human relations can grow only when this truth is understood. The first stage to Realisation is when you accept, "I am in the Light." Next you perceive and declare, "The Light is in me" and finally you realize, "I am the Light." 'I' represents love and 'light' represents Jnana (Supreme Wisdom). When love and light become one, there is Realisation. Love should come from within and not be enforced from outside.

3.The Quran teaches that everyone must cultivate the sense of unity, of interdependence, of selfless love and of the immanence of Divinity. Prayer in Islam is a congregational activity. Group prayer produces beneficial vibrations and Islam assures great ecstasy when God is adored by a huge concourse of yearning hearts. All of them bow low at the sight of the Mosque. They bend down on their knees in rows, and lean forward until their palms and foreheads touch the ground; this is done as a mark of humble submission to God’s Will. God is One and the teachings of all faiths exalt His love, compassion, tolerance and sympathy. Islam teaches that God's grace can be won through justice and righteous living and never through wealth, scholarship or authority; sacred Love alone can please the Lord. This is the message of every religion.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.One may have immense faith in God, but from time to time the power of maya may overwhelm it. Even in testing times your faith in God should never waver, and you should desist from acting against Dharma (moral codes of conduct). Whatever worship you offer, however intense your meditation, if you transgress God’s laws, all your devotion is futile. The Divine has no selfish objective or aim. It is out of small-minded selfish motives that people act against the sacred commands of the Lord. Even insignificant acts may, in due course, have serious repercussions. Like the clouds in the sky, which are brought together or set apart by the wind, the passage of time brings both unity and separation; both happiness and sorrow. It is to understand these sacred truths and reinforce your faith in God, that various festivals are celebrated.

2.When you recite the name of God with love, carry out with your limbs the injunctions of the Lord and look upon the world as a manifestation of the Divine, you are bound to receive the grace of the Lord. Do not labour under the misconception that mere chanting of God's name alone is adequate; along with it you have to take part in sacred activities. Devote at least five minutes everyday for reciting the Lord's name and a few minutes for rendering some kind of service to the needy and the forlorn. Include in your daily worship a prayer for the welfare of all people in the world.

3.In this era of technology it is becoming increasingly difficult to lead a peaceful life; people are falling victim to various physical and mental ailments. Many people in the cities which are on the front line of civilization, have lost the delight of natural sleep. They experience only artificial sleep induced by tablets. Due to such excessive use of medication, heart and blood pressure problems are on the rise. People are becoming unhealthy wrecks who are lost in fear and anxiety. Drugs and pills are produced in millions, but the general health has not improved. In fact new varieties of illnesses have emerged and are developing fast. Only a few intelligent people have realized the efficacy of yoga and other spiritual practices. This they have confirmed through their own experience.

4.Our life’s fulfilment lies in Atma-sakshathkara, the realization of Divine Self. To attain this, one must be entirely free from Vasanas, or mental and emotional impulses. Moksha, or liberation, means to be free from the influences of these impulses, which are of two types: beneficent and maleficent. The beneficent tendencies are sacred in nature. The maleficent ones feed the mind and make it unsteady, increasing desires for objective pleasures. If you nurture sacred aspirations (Shubha Vasanas), they will not multiply and influence the mind indefinitely. They are like fried seeds, which will never sprout. If you embrace benign tendencies, you can easily acquire Divine knowledge. You can acquire such liberating qualities by revering and conversing with great Saints, and following their advice; you should also pract ise the five human values

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.The word “Veda” has originated from the root “Vid,” meaning “to know”; and as it is explained in the phrase, “Vidam thu anena ithi Vedah”, Veda is that which reveals and expounds all knowledge. The sacred Veda, instructs us in all that is required for one's spiritual advancement. It imparts that knowledge, by which one can overcome all sorrows, and also grants the spiritual disciplines which can bestow unshaken peace. It is hailed as Anaadi (beginningless), Sanathana (eternal), and Nithya (ever-present). As the spiritual quest was sincerely pursued along with material objectives, the sages of the past had the good fortune of receiving the Vedic message. Those ancient masters were so selfless and full of compassion and love, that they shared what th ey had heard and enjoyed with those who approached them. Vedas are like the force of gravitation - present everywhere, at all times. The Vedic message can be received by anyone, on account of one's Sadhana (spiritual practices), one's concentration and the ability to experience the bliss resulting from practising it.

2.You can grow in love, only when you put into practice the love in which you have faith. Since you do not practise what you profess, your faith is weakened. A plant will grow only when it is watered regularly. After planting the seed of love, you must nurture it by watering it with love every day. Then the tree of love will grow and yield the fruits of love. Many today do not perform those noble deeds that will promote love. When you wish to develop love for the Lord, you must continuously practise devotion to Him

3.God is the embodiment of Love. A human being, who is an image of the Divine, should have love as the basic quality. Why then are you infected with qualities like hatred, envy, pride and self-conceit? This is because your hearts are polluted by desires for the things of the world. The image of the Lord cannot be imprinted on such impure hearts. It is only when one realizes the omnipresence and omniscience of God, that one can comprehend the nature of Divinity and recognise God within. To experience the joy that springs from a devotee who has developed Sannikarsha Bhakti (magnetic love towards God), you must show love and reverence towards elders and serve them with humility and respect. Towards equals, you must show love and friendliness. Towards the young, you should extend sympathy and loving care. By these means, you can demonstrate your love and fondness for the Divine, that is in all.

4.In the vessel of your heart is the wick of your jiva (inner self). This wick has been continually immersed in the water of your sensuous desires and so you are not able to light the lamp of wisdom. Pour out all the water of desires from this vessel, and fill it with Namasmarana (constant remembrance of God's name); take the wick of jiva and dry it in the sunshine of vairagya (detachment). If you follow this sacred method, you will be able to light the lamp of wisdom and no matter where you are, you will be able to see this jyothi (divine effulgence).

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Every one should cultivate good thoughts and eschew all bad feelings

1.Everyone should cultivate good thoughts and eschew all bad feelings. God has no dislike for anyone and is free of envy and ill-will. He does not have any favourites. The grace one receives is the result of one's own feelings. "Bhaavaatheetham thriguna rahitham" (The Divine is beyond feelings and attributes). He is "Ekam Sathyam Vimalam Achalam" (One, the Truth, Pure and Immovable). He is "sarvadhee saakshibhuutham" (the eternal witness in all minds). When devotees complain they are being punished by the Lord in various ways, they do not realize that God does not punish them. It is their own fears and desires that cause their troubles. A true devotee recognizes that all suffering is the consequence of one’s own bad thoughts and actions.

2.Unless you are filled with God’s Love, no amount of knowledge will give you peace. The craze for money is the cause of all the world’s ills. As craving for wealth increases, the yearning for God declines. Due to the desire for riches, other evil qualities like pride, greed, envy and hatred have grown among humanity. Wealth is necessary but it is the treasure of Divine Grace and Love that will last forever and preserve you; all other things are transient. You should also realize that God responds only to deep and genuine devotion; verbal supplications will not suffice. You must yearn so that God’s heart will melt. Even soft butter will melt only when you heat it. Likewise the warmth of Bhakthi (love for the Lord) has to be applied to the butter of the human heart, to make God melt.

3.The Divine incarnates from age to age for the purpose of protecting the virtuous, punishing the wicked and establishing righteousness. Lord Krishna was one such manifestation of the Divine. In fulfilling His pledge to Mother Earth, He rid the world of many wicked rulers and sought to establish the reign of righteousness for the protection of the good. But today if the Divine wanted to punish the wicked and protect the righteous, He would not find even one wholly righteous person and all would qualify for punishment! Nowadays, it is not a question of destroying the wicked, but of transforming Adharma (unrighteousness) into Dharma (righteousness). This has to be done through love alone.

4.Krishna is the embodiment of divine Love. The very word ‘Krishna’ means one who attracts: Karshatiti Krishna - ‘Krishna is one who attracts’. Krishyatiti Krishna - ‘Krishna is one who nurtures’, is another derivation of the name. This means that Lord Krishna cultivates devotees’ hearts, by removing weeds, sowing the seeds of good qualities and tending the crop of love. We can also say, Kushyatiti Krishna, meaning, ‘He who gives delight’. Krishna thus means, the one who cultivates our hearts and nurtures in them the crop of bliss. The principal message of Krishna’s life, is divine Love. This most precious divine Love is immensely powerful, resplendent and as indestructible as diamonds. In the same way that diamonds can only be cut with another diamond, if you want to experience such divine love, your love for God must be equally strong.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba