No one can escape delusion

1.Give up Para chintana (thinking about others) and cultivate Paramatma chintana (thinking about God). This is the true spiritual practice (Sadhana). Do not be carried away by worldly pleasures. Take to the sacred path and sanctify your time by chanting the Divine Name. There is no need to allocate a specific time or place for Namasmarana (repetition of the Lord’s name). You can do it wherever you are and whatever you are doing. One needs to pay tax for water, electricity, etc., but there is no tax for Namasmarana. Nobody can stop you from doing it. It is very simple, yet most effective. But people do not realise the value of Namasmarana as it is so easy to practise. We think that God can be attained only through severe austerities. This is a misconception. Without troubling yourself or causing trouble to others, you can chant the divine name. Follow this simple path, experience bliss and sanctify your life.

2.Meditation must be followed rigorously. In fact Dhyana (Meditation) also means discipline and, regularity and steadiness are the essential tools for it. Lord Krishna assured, “When you start fixing your thoughts on Me, all thoughts that agitate you will be stilled through My grace.” Meditation is a first class cure for the illness of worldly existence (bhava-roga). But along with it, also take the medicine of contentment. Just as a traveller who has trudged along for miles in the scorching sun feels refreshed when taking bath in the waters of a cool and shady lake, so too the unfortunate individual struggling in the scorching heat of desires, feels happy and relieved when bathing in the lake of contentment. Meditate regularly and practice contentment in your mind; anyone who follows this rigorously will achieve quick results..

3.To understand the essence of the Bhagawad Geetha you must take up its study in an attitude of submission and expectancy. Every chapter in the Geetha lays down the means and methods of reaching the goal of peace and harmony, with emphasis on spiritual attitude and practices in life. The Geetha is a boat which takes man from darkness to light and from the self-imposed state of bondage to the freedom that is one’s nature. The Geetha teaches that the aspirant must aspire and not despair; one must persevere and not clamour for quick success. Truly speaking, every being has come into this field of action (Karmakshetra) only to engage oneself in activity, and not to earn the fruit of such activity. This is the fundamental lesson taught by the Geetha.

4.No one can escape delusion; no matter how scholarly one may be. As a result of this delusion man is subjected to grief, and this grief acts as a brake upon activity. Arjuna the great hero, capable of immense renunciation and wisdom, was deluded by the awful needs of war. The grief therefrom handicapped his activity. He confused the body and the self; he imposed on the Atma, (ever untouched by the characteristics of the moving and changing world) the unreal and ephemeral nature of the world and believed this delusion to be true. This is the tragedy not of Arjuna alone, but of all humanity! That is why the Bhagavad Geetha is of universal and eternal value. To study it, is to learn the art of swimming across the sea of delusion. The fact that Geetha has provided consolation and liberation to millions is itself evidence of its Divine origin..

Bagvan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

There are many snakes of wicked qualities in the anthill of your heart

1.Today the country is facing a lot of problems because people are not doing enough Namasmarana (repetition of the Lord’s name). Let each and every street reverberate with the singing of the Divine's glory; let each and every cell of the body be filled with the divine name. Nothing else can give you the bliss, courage and strength that Namasmarana can. People may say, “He is a big officer. How is it that he is also doing Namasmarana?” Some people may even make fun of you, but do not bother. No matter whoever it is, young or old, rich or poor, everybody has to do Namasmarana. You may not have any musical instruments for this; it does not matter. From the depth of your heart and with total dedication, sing the glory of God wherever you are. Only then can you lead the life of a true human being.

2.There are many snakes of wicked qualities in the anthill of your heart. When you loudly sing the name of the Lord (Namasmarana), all these snakes will come out. Namasmarana should be the very breath of your lives. You must repeat God’s name in order to get rid of evil qualities. Today there are many who do not attach any importance to the chanting of the divine name. This is a great mistake! In this age of Kali (the fourth quarter of time where righteousness is most degraded) only chanting of the divine name can redeem your life; there is no other refuge. Singing the glory of the Lord is highly sacred. Clear your mind of evil thoughts and sing the glory of God wholeheartedly, without any inhibition. Only then will you become the recipient of divine grace and energy; only then can you experience divine bliss.

3.You must reform your mental traits and habits. Cultivate the habit of never causing pain to others. Try to understand others, sympathise with and help them. Train yourself to take insult and criticism as decorations awarded to you. Be friendly with everyone, whatever be their nature or conduct. A joyous disposition is necessary for spiritual progress, but many things and situations deprive you of the atmosphere of joy. So you must pray sincerely in order to be free from such obstacles. The recital or repetition of prayers (mantras) will be of great help.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.Aspirants must always have the inward look; if they allow the mind to wander outward, they cannot identify their own faults. It is hard to get rid of pride and self-love or ego (Ahamkara), for the mind has been allowed to flow in the direction it likes for several ages. Pride prevents the inner vision and confuses the examination of the mind. Some aspirants get very angry when others discover and announce to them the bad traits they possess. If you wish to achieve success, you must bow down to those who point out your faults, and you must endeavour not to entertain those faults any longer. Those prone to anger should to be vigilant even about the most minor matters that might provoke them and remove such impulses; because if they are careless, they cannot progress in the least. Such people must cultivate a humble, loving spirit. Then the bad traits will disappear.

2.The festival of Deepavali teaches a profound spiritual truth. On this day, an entire array of lamps are lit by the flame of one lamp. This act signifies that it is the One that has willed to become the Many. The lamp used to light symolises the Supreme Effulgent Lord and the ones lit are the individual selves. As long as the demonic qualities remain in man, he will be immersed in darkness. Deepavali has to be observed as a day for getting rid of all these bad qualities. The demon Narakasura symbolises demonic qualities, and his death, which marks the festival of Deepavali, symbolises the destruction of evil and the restoration of good. This is the inner significance of the festival.

3.At the time of birth, one has neither good nor bad qualities. Changes occur in your nature due to the food consumed, the influence of associates and so on. One develops ego and attachment through the company one keeps. As you get educated, you develop pride and entertain vainglorious thoughts about your superiority over others. This conceit pollutes the heart. To purify milk that has got mixed with water, it has to be boiled. Likewise one has to undertake various spiritual practices (Sadhana) to purge the heart of impurities. It is only when the heart is melted in the heat of divine Love, you can succeed in removing bad qualities. Be clear that you alone are the cause for your fortune, good or bad; God has no share in causing your suffering; and you are free to shape your future. If you develop this understanding you will approach God with firmer steps and a cle arer mind.

4.Egoistic individuals, love to exercise authority over others. They see everything through glasses coloured by the smoke of selfishness and self-love. “My words are true”; “My opinion is correct”; “My deeds are right” - Such attitude is very harmful for spiritual aspirants. Aspirants must look forward eagerly to any objective criticism, suggestion or advice from any quarter. Also, they must minimise all discussions and argumentations as these breed a spirit of rivalry and lead one to angry reprisals and vengeful fighting. Do not struggle to earn the esteem of the world. Do not feel humiliated or angry when the world does not recognise you or your merits. Learn this first and foremost if you are after spiritual success. Do not become elated when praised, for therein lies a deadly trap, which might even lead you astray and endanger your progress.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai baba

Thought for the Day

1.The udder of the cow contains milk in it. The milk has ghee (clarified butter) in it. But the ghee is not available to us as such. The milk has to be drawn, curdled and churned to obtain the butter which in turn has to be clarified to produce the ghee. This when consumed gives strength. So too, though God is omnipresent, He has to be discovered and cognised in order to experience the bliss. Like oil in mustard, butter in yoghurt, water under the earth's surface and fire in timber, God though present in everything is not patent. God is in the body and the mind but to become aware of Him, spiritual effort is necessary. When that is undertaken, oneness with the Supreme within can be realised.

2.You will make quick progress in the spiritual path if you overcome the difficult obstacles of anger, pride, conceit, the tendency to look for faults in others, etc. These operate subconsciously, like the currents in the depths of the ocean. You must be vigilant not to lose your temper, be it even in small things, for that will hinder your progress. Anger is the parent of all wrong behaviour and it can turn any person into bad ways, any moment, and in any form. So first and foremost sublimate it by systematic effort. Welcome gladly anyone who points out your defects; be grateful to them. Never entertain hatred against them, for that is as bad as hating the good. You must love the “good” and discard the “bad”. Remember, the “bad” should not be hated but given up or avoided. Cultivate humility and love towards all; undesirable habits will then fall away from you.

3.“Allaho Akbar; La Illah Ill Allah” - this sacred formula signifies that God is the supreme sovereign; He is the undisputed, unexcelled Ruler of all Creation and He alone is worthy of worship. In the Bhagavad Gita too, Lord Krishna declares: “There is nothing higher than Me.” Thus Islam and Hinduism convey the same message. The Holy Koran advises the followers of God to acquire self--confidence and place all burdens on Him. It instructs that one must have implicit faith in the power of God and recognise it every moment to lead a meaningful life. One must follow the path laid down by the Lord until the very end. The Holy Koran is toConceit, jealousy, anger, pride, trickery, fault-finding — all these are obstacles in the spiritual path. Even if these are not patently exhibited, the inner impulses urging one along these wrong directions are latent in the mind. When a room kept closed for a long time is opened and found dust-ridden and foul-smelling, it is cleaned and made habitable by elaborate sweeping and dusting. Similarly the mind too has to be cleansed by means of meditation. Spiritual aspirants must, by inward observation, examine the mind and its contents and condition. By proper disciplinary habits, the accumulated dirt should be removed little by little and systematically. Conceit, for example, is deep-rooted and unyielding. It may appear to be dry and dead for some time, but will sprout again easily. In a passionate mind it puts forth many branches and spreads in all directions, as so on as a chance arises. So, a spiritual aspirant must be ever vigilant. be looked upon as a guide for the same. It has to be revered and observed down to the very letter. This is the spiritual instruction observed by the followers of Islam.

4.Conceit, jealousy, anger, pride, trickery, fault-finding — all these are obstacles in the spiritual path. Even if these are not patently exhibited, the inner impulses urging one along these wrong directions are latent in the mind. When a room kept closed for a long time is opened and found dust-ridden and foul-smelling, it is cleaned and made habitable by elaborate sweeping and dusting. Similarly the mind too has to be cleansed by means of meditation. Spiritual aspirants must, by inward observation, examine the mind and its contents and condition. By proper disciplinary habits, the accumulated dirt should be removed little by little and systematically. Conceit, for example, is deep-rooted and unyielding. It may appear to be dry and dead for some time, but will sprout again easily. In a passionate mind it puts forth many branches and spreads in all directions, as so on as a chance arises. So, a spiritual aspirant must be ever vigilant.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.The game of life is a cosmic play that God is enacting. The actors, the dialogues, the cues and the songs have all been assembled by Him. He is the cast, the director, and the audience. In the epic Mahabharata, He filled one side with boundless material strength, but they were urged on by unrighteous greed, while the other side were ever-righteous and had the with strength of the Atma which apparently seemed limited. In the cosmic confrontation and conflict between these two, the Lord stood forth as the arbiter who brought about the victory of right over might. The core lessons contained in the Gita are these — the seeker must surrender, with the feeling Karishye vachanam thava (Your word shall be obeyed), and must at all times fulfill one's duty. Again, in the Gita Lord declares, Swadharme nidhanam sreyah (In fulfilling the duty assigned to you lies your safety and prosperity).

2.True devotion is not bound by rituals or set procedures. The Gita talks about various offerings like patram (leaf), pushpam (flower), phalam (fruit), and toyam (water). These words should not be taken literally. The human body is the leaf that must be offered to the Lord. Like the leaf of the tree, the body too would one day die and decay; no one can say when that will happen. Before such a fate befalls, the body in its fullness, freshness, and purity, ought to be offered to the Lord. The flower of your heart is what would please the Lord most and not the ones purchased from the market, which fade in a few hours. The flower of the heart, that is totally pure, soaked in love, and perfect does not wither easily. And which fruit would please God? He is not interested in fruits that grow on a tree; Mind is the fruit that must be offered to th e Lord. Lastly, the water the Lord wants from you is the tears of joy that flow when your heart is full of love for Him. These alone are the offerings that the Lord expects when you worship Him.

3.I have a "Task": To foster all mankind and ensure for all of them lives full of bliss (ananda). I have a "Vow": To lead all who stray away from the straight path again into goodness and save them. I am attached to a "work" that I love: To remove the sufferings of the poor and grant them what they lack. I have a "reason to be proud", for I rescue all who worship and adore me, aright. I have my definition of the "devotion" I expect: Those devoted to me have to treat joy and grief, gain and loss, with equal fortitude. I will not give up my mission, nor my determination. I will never give up those who attach themselves to me.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba