Thought for the Day

1.The world is a structure raised on one strong pillar - ”I". This "I” is dormant during your deep sleep and hence there is no world so far as you are concerned. Similarly before you were born, and after you die, there is no world of which you are conscious. To acquire and stay fixed in this Jnana (wisdom), you must pass through the preparatory schools of Karma (dedicated activity) and Upaasana (contemplation). Dedicated activity helps you cleanse the heart of egoistic impulses. Contemplation helps you to consistently focus attention on the Universal, the Absolute. Then jnaana emerges and stays within you for ever. Once you win that jnaana, you are the equal of the wisest, for there is nothing more to know.

2.Earnest and steady faith (Sraddha) is essential to acquire Jnana. In addition you must also possess a deep yearning to imbibe the teachings of your Guru. Be very vigilant; do not yield to sloth or to company that is not congenial or encouraging. To escape such evil influences and to strengthen your mind, mastery over senses is required. But remember, want of faith or steadiness is not as destructive as the venom of doubt. Doubt is born out of ignorance (Ajnana); it penetrates into your heart and breeds there - it is the source of all disaster! Arise and engage yourself in your daily activities, giving up desire for its results and with complete faith. Then you will acquire wisdom and win liberation.

3.Just close your eyes for five minutes and think of the profit your efforts have won for you. One wish always leads to another and this goes on like a never ending chain. Initially, you wish to marry, then you get a daughter or a son, after this you desire to finish their education, marriage and the list goes on and on. The joy one gets by fulfilment of any desire is imperfect, limited, temporary and pregnant with grief. The secret to true happiness lies in vairaagya (detachment). The tongue has oil, fat and greasy substances rolling over it, but it is unaffected by these and does not become greasy. The mind too must be tamed to be unaffected by the experience of success and failure, gain and loss, well-being and illness. Practice surrendering at the feet of the Lord at all times; let His will prevail.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba