Thought for the Day

Divine Life is based on the quality of calm serenity (satwa guna), which must be cultivated. This quality can be built only upon satwic food - food that promotes health, strength, lightness of spirit, and earnestness of endeavour. There is no use distributing the juice of spirituality to underfed and weak people; make them strong enough to entertain strong beliefs and preserve strong ideals. Physical hunger must first be appeased by simple pure (satwic) food. Then, try to repeat the name of the Lord, the name that appeals to you the most. Do not treat the Name lightly; respect it even if you hear it from the lips of a beggar who uses it to procure alms. Though the person who utters it may not be good or may not have good intention, do not ill-treat the Name; for its purity can never be harmed. Thank them for reminding you of the Lord and go your way. Above all, do not laugh at and discourage those who call on the Lord.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

To reach the Divine within, you must qualify yourself to pass through the four gates of self-control (Shama), self-enquiry (Vicharana), contentment (Trupti) and the company of the pious and virtuous (Satsanga). Shama calls for steadfast faith in the Lord and control of your senses and the mind. When you succeed in controlling the cognitive senses (Jnanendriyas), it becomes much easy to control the organs of action (Karmendriyas). Shama makes one a master of the mind and indriyas (sense and action organs). Such a person transcends the animal nature and can go forward from the human to the Divine. Birds, beasts and other creatures are concerned with the enjoyment of external things. Man alone is gifted with the capacity to discriminate between the transient and the permanent, and seek what is everlasting by controlling the senses and giving up attachment to the perishable body and the ephemeral objects of the phenomenal world.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

No sadhana or spiritual exercise is greater than controlling the senses. All spiritual practices such as japa (chanting the Lord’s name) and tapa (penance) will be of no avail if senses are not controlled. You may be under the impression that it is not possible for a human being to control the senses. Here control does not mean total cessation. Discharge your duties as a householder, student or businessman. But whatever you do, do it with a feeling that all actions are performed to please God (Sarva Karma Bhagavad Preetyartham). You feel that arpitam (total surrender) to God is rather difficult, but according to Me, nothing is easier than this. Once you develop this feeling, all your senses will naturally be controlled. Ancients have said that bliss lies in visualising and experiencing your true form, that is, the Principle of the Atma. Proper utilisation of the senses will lead to the knowledge of the Atma.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

‘Ratri’ or Night signifies darkness. 'Shiva' means auspiciousness. So, ‘Shivaratri’ speaks of an auspiciousness which is inherent in darkness. It refers to the wisdom which exists in the midst of ignorance. Ignorance and wisdom are not distinct; they are basically the same. They are the opposite polarities of the same underlying principle. The state that transcends both wisdom and ignorance is Divinity (Paratatva). It is a stage which is not associated with any coming or going, where birth and death do not occur. So long as there is birth for the body, death has to follow. What is it that has taken birth? Is it the Atma? No. It is only the body which has taken birth. Remember, you are the eternal, never changing Atma. Light has value only when there is darkness. Therefore in times of trouble and sorrow, whenever problems arise, remember to evoke the principle of Divinity, which will shed illumination and light!

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

On Shivaratri day you must try to establish friendship between your mind and God. Shivarathri is to remind you that the same Divinity is all-pervasive and is found everywhere. People believe Shiva lives in Kailasa. Where is Kailasa? Kailasa is your own joy and bliss. It signifies that Lord Shiva lives in the Kailasa of delight. If you develop joy and delight in your mind, then Shiva lives in you. How can you get this joy? It comes when you develop purity, steadiness and sacredness. Then your heart becomes filled with peace and bliss and is indeed Shiva’s Kailasa! Shiva will live in the sanctum sanctorum of your heart, within the temple which is your body. There is no use in just thinking of Shivaratri once a year. Every minute, every day, every night, you should think of Divinity and sanctify your time, for the Time Principle truly speaking is Shiva.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathaya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

When a person gets rid of ignorance, one can experience this infinite Light, this spiritual flame, declared the ancient sages. Where did they experience this Divinity? Not in the external world. The sages regarded the human body as a shrine in which the Divine is the Indweller. Exploring the five life breaths and the five sheaths of the human body, they experienced the Light of the Spirit in their hearts within. They realised that those who love God can find Him nearer to themselves than anything in the world. To those who have no yearning for God, He is farther than the farthest object in the planet! Remember, every individual is a spark of the Divine. You are not just a fragment of the Nature or simply a combination of the five basic elements (earth, water, fire, air, ether). You are indeed verily a part (amsa) of the immortal Omni-Self.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

One may desire for something good, which is due to an inner prompting (Iccha Shakti). But one cannot fulfill that desire unless one proceeds according to a plan which can guarantee success. The desire has to be developed into a deed. This requires Kriya shakti or the power of action. Above all, realisation depends on Jnana shakti, or the force and clarity of Wisdom, the self-confidence that flows from the mastery of the situation. This is a gift of grace from God - the God installed in the heart. God is Omnipresent. The Gita asserts that His hands and feet are everywhere; so are His eyes, head and face. No one can deny God or ignore Him. When a person denies God, he is denying himself. You must foster faith in God and know that He exists in all. That faith will plant in you humility, courage and reverence. Whatever one plans and executes must be sublimated as an offering to God.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

For the wisdom of the ancient sages to dawn on every individual when they most need it, elders must set an example of discrimination (Viveka) and detachment (Vairagya). If they run after sensory pleasures with feverish excitement, how can the younger generation be blamed for their selfishness and greed? Elders must practice what they preach, show how divine life confers joy, mental poise, contentment and real happiness. They must spend some time every day in reciting the Lord’s name or in meditation, then the children too will imbibe that and acquire the means to attain peace for themselves. People say that there is nothing as sweet as the name of the Lord, but do not repeat it at all. The road is spoilt by neglect and wanton destruction, but they advise the children to walk along it. They will discover the hoax. As a matter of fact, the responsibility of any person who holds forth an ideal is great, for the person has to attempt to reach it oneself while advising others to adopt it.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Education today highlights the accumulation of things. But giving up is equally needed. Renunciation is not a loss; it is highly profitable, as you acquire joy thereby. Renunciation means freedom, surrender to God and surrender to love. God is love. Love can be known only through expansion of love. When students leave schools and colleges and involve themselves in families, societies, communities and countries, they must set examples of simplicity, humility and mutual service. They must anchor their lives in Righteousness (Dharma) and wisdom (Jnana). So teachers and parents must imbibe it in themselves and instruct students. That will help them lead model lives and lead others to earn peace and calm. You must learn, more than anything else, discipline and patience. Life is an exercise in the sadhana of 'give and take.' Do not derive delight from 'taking' alone. 'Give' and you get the right to 'take'.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the day

One always seeks happiness by trying to satisfy desires. If a desire is fulfilled, one feels joy, and when it is not, one feels grief. But the trouble is, desire is a bonfire that burns with greater fury, asking for more fuel. One desire leads to ten, and one is exhausted trying to exhaust the demands of desire. One has to be turned back from this path of never ending desire to the path of inner content and joy. One grieves because one has developed attachment toward the unreal. One cultivates an unreasonable affection for wealth, but is prepared to sacrifice the riches in order to save the lives of one’s children, for attachment to children is stronger than to the wealth that has been earned! One stoops so low as to neglect the children when the choice is between survival and the children’s welfare! But the bliss that is got when one dwells on the Atma is unbounded and imperishable. That is the real joy.


Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Ego is deep rooted in every person from their countless previous lives. It grows very fast in this life too, seeking sensual pleasure, possessions in plenty, applause and appreciation, authority over others, fame and fortune. It can be removed only by relentless enquiry into your true Reality. When you are awake, you experience a variety of relationships. You are interested in a multiplicity of people, possession and problems. You pass through joy and grief, praise and ridicule, insult and injury. When you are dreaming, the entire outer world fades away. When you are awake, you experience pleasure and pain; you plunge into fear and throw yourself in despair. When asleep, you are no longer alert or active. You are alone with the Divine Soul (Atma), which is your reality. The Atma is with you through all the three stages, even though you ignored it and perhaps denied it! This Atma is the truth, “That Thou Art”! (Tat-Twam-Asi).

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Divinity is inherent and immanent in every living being and the process of reminding man of that fact began with the very dawn of human history. What has to be done to lead the Divine Life is just the removal of the fog that hides the Truth and makes one imagine one is something else — something inferior, evanescent, material, and momentary. All are holy, pure, and part of eternity. But these things shine in each in proportion to their spiritual practices, just as bulbs spread illumination according to the wattage. There is no body that is not sustained by the Absolute; there is no name that does not indicate the Universal. All objects are suffused by that Principle; all names are attributes of its Glory. Divine Life is based on the quality of calm serenity (satwa guna), which must be cultivated.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Activity finds fulfilment when wisdom dawns. Sanctified action (Karma) is the path to attain spiritual wisdom (Jnana). Every worthwhile activity must result in purifying the mind. Therefore, no one, not even a recluse or monk can desist from engaging in good deeds. These deeds must originate spontaneously and should not leave any trace of pride in the mind. Nor should any attachment to the result of the deed lead to a craving for claiming it for oneself. Renunciation must be the only source of joy. The Gita recommends 'inaction in action' and asserts that 'inaction’ is the most rewarding ‘action' for those who strive for supreme peace. This attitude is named Karma Sanyasa (non-attachment to action). Action or activity is generally associated with the body only, but the mind is also busy with the world. The Atma alone is the unaffected witness. So, the secret of 'inaction in action' lies in taking refuge in the Atma and in recognising all living beings as fundamentally the Atma.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Activity finds fulfilment when wisdom dawns. Sanctified action (Karma) is the path to attain spiritual wisdom (Jnana). Every worthwhile activity must result in purifying the mind. Therefore, no one, not even a recluse or monk can desist from engaging in good deeds. These deeds must originate spontaneously and should not leave any trace of pride in the mind. Nor should any attachment to the result of the deed lead to a craving for claiming it for oneself. Renunciation must be the only source of joy. The Gita recommends 'inaction in action' and asserts that 'inaction’ is the most rewarding ‘action' for those who strive for supreme peace. This attitude is named Karma Sanyasa (non-attachment to action). Action or activity is generally associated with the body only, but the mind is also busy with the world. The Atma alone is the unaffected witness. So, the secret of 'inaction in action' lies in taking refuge in the Atma and in recognising all living beings as fundamentally the Atma.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Activity finds fulfilment when wisdom dawns. Sanctified action (Karma) is the path to attain spiritual wisdom (Jnana). Every worthwhile activity must result in purifying the mind. Therefore, no one, not even a recluse or monk can desist from engaging in good deeds. These deeds must originate spontaneously and should not leave any trace of pride in the mind. Nor should any attachment to the result of the deed lead to a craving for claiming it for oneself. Renunciation must be the only source of joy. The Gita recommends 'inaction in action' and asserts that 'inaction’ is the most rewarding ‘action' for those who strive for supreme peace. This attitude is named Karma Sanyasa (non-attachment to action). Action or activity is generally associated with the body only, but the mind is also busy with the world. The Atma alone is the unaffected witness. So, the secret of 'inaction in action' lies in taking refuge in the Atma and in recognising all living beings as fundamentally the Atma.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Activity finds fulfilment when wisdom dawns. Sanctified action (Karma) is the path to attain spiritual wisdom (Jnana). Every worthwhile activity must result in purifying the mind. Therefore, no one, not even a recluse or monk can desist from engaging in good deeds. These deeds must originate spontaneously and should not leave any trace of pride in the mind. Nor should any attachment to the result of the deed lead to a craving for claiming it for oneself. Renunciation must be the only source of joy. The Gita recommends 'inaction in action' and asserts that 'inaction’ is the most rewarding ‘action' for those who strive for supreme peace. This attitude is named Karma Sanyasa (non-attachment to action). Action or activity is generally associated with the body only, but the mind is also busy with the world. The Atma alone is the unaffected witness. So, the secret of 'inaction in action' lies in taking refuge in the Atma and in recognising all living beings as fundamentally the Atma.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

In the journey of earthly life, people take some wealth for expenses and when they reach the goal, they hand over the balance to some trustworthy friend and sleep soundly. Everyone brings the wealth of love from the moment of his birth. In this Karmakshetra (field of activity) that is the world, it is difficult to safeguard the treasure of Prema (love). Therefore everyone should look for a faithful friend. Today, the only true friend is God. When you hand over the wealth of love to God, it will be easy for you to carry on a life of security and peace. There is no greater teacher than your heart. Time is the greatest preacher. The whole world is a scriptural text. God is the best friend. With full faith in these four, lead your life happily.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

The whole world and the objects therein are interrelated by the bond of love. It is love that binds the human race together. The world cannot exist without love. God is love and resides in the heart of every one. Love is the natural possession of every human being. Love is the fruit of the tree of life. There are certain impediments to overcome before you enjoy the tasty fruit. First you must remove the skin and rind covering the pulp inside, and also cast off the seed. Similarly the fruit of love is also covered by the thick skin of ego. You must peel off this skin of ‘mine and thine’. You can then taste the sweet fruit and its nutritious juice. With pure love, you must establish unity with the Divine. The path of love is the straightforward road to realise the Divine. Vedas describe God as, “Raso Vai Saha” – the Supreme Sweet Essence. Endeavour to progress in this journey of life from ‘I’ to ‘We’ to ‘He’.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

In ancient times, the sages and saints sacrificed everything for the sake of the welfare of humanity. Even the youth of those times followed suit. They are remembered even today because of their spirit of selfless sacrifice. On the contrary, the youth of today are becoming exceedingly greedy and totally selfish and harbouring feelings of hatred and jealousy. While those in the ancient times were leading a life of Thyaga and Yoga (sacrifice and sense control) the present day youth want to lead a life of bhoga (worldly enjoyments and pleasures), which will only result in roga (diseases). So long as one goes on multiplying desires, one will continue to be in want. When the desires are controlled, prosperity is attained. Greed makes one unhappy and miserable. Only when greed and miserliness are given up can one have an enjoyable and peaceful life.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

The scriptures have declared that it is difficult to acquire a human body. Human life is the highest among all living beings in creation. With all these endowments if people lack jnana (wisdom), they are no better than an animal. It is wisdom that distinguishes man from other animals. In spite of possessing a human body with its sacred capacities, people pursue wrong paths and indulge in misdeeds, thereby degrading their precious heritage. One who ought to dedicate oneself to the pursuit of the Divine - Nivritti marga (the inward path) and experience bliss, makes oneself a slave of the senses and wastes one’s life in the pursuit of the external - Pravritti marga (the outward path). All efforts are directed towards the cultivation of sensual pleasures instead of aiming at realisation of the power of the Spirit within. It is this preoccupation with the mundane that is at the root of all the insecurity and unhappiness experienced by man.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

What is the root cause of discontentment? It is envy. This has been the besetting human vice from the beginning of time. Only when envy is eradicated from the heart will one have self-satisfaction. The contented person enjoys peace. How does envy arise? When one compares oneself with those who are better off, who hold higher offices, score higher marks or are more handsome. Thus, it arises when one suffers from a consciousness of one’s own inferiority; it is basically discontent over what one lacks. To get rid of this evil quality one has to look at those who are worse off than oneself. In due course one develops a sense of equal-mindedness both towards those who are better off and those who are worse. Such equal-mindedness is a Divine quality. There is nothing wrong in aspiring for higher positions. But one should not feel envious about those who are in such positions. It is a crime to entertain such feelings.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Body is a house given to you on rent. Live there so long as He wills, thanking Him and paying Him the rent of faith and devotion. - Baba

The first quality that you have to cultivate is gratitude to the Divine. People are thankful for even small acts of service done to them. Is it not necessary to be grateful to the Divine who has provided us with so many essential benefits through Nature and the five elements? The air you breathe, the water you drink, and the earth on which you walk are all gifts of God. How grateful are you to the Sun, who provides light, which cannot be equalled by all the electric bulbs in the world? Can all the pumpsets in the world provide as much water as is offered in a single downpour of rain? Can all the fans in the world, provide as much breeze as you get when the wind blows? Without being grateful for these Divine gifts, man goes after the trivial and wastes his life. The great sages of yore who adored God in various ways considered devotion as a means of expressing gratitude to Providence.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

In any field, at anytime, anywhere, for a person endowed with the six precious qualities of zeal, courage, fortitude, intelligence, ability and valour (Utsaham, Sahasam, Dhairyam, Buddhi, Shakti, Parakramam), success is assured. These qualities will contribute to all-round well-being. However these qualities will challenge you with various difficulties that you must confront, from time to time. Just as a student must clear tests and examinations to receive a degree, these qualities are also subject to trials in the form of losses, troubles, pain, suffering and even calumny. Such trials should be regarded as stepping stones to your high achievements. One has to overcome these troubles with courage and self-confidence, and move ahead. When you face difficulties with courage, you are bound to succeed. 

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Cleanse your heart with the water of love, and the detergents of prayer and contrition so that the stains of desire are removed completely. Then God will pour His abundant Grace into it. If you yearn for God, you should give up Lokabhranti and dehabhranti (attachment to the external world and to the body). There is no use trying to have one foot in one boat and the other foot in another. You may be living in Prashanti Nilayam for over 20 years, but if you worry more about your physical needs, then all your spiritual efforts are indeed futile; you have made no progress at all. The waving of the camphor flame at the end of a bhajan is only to remind you that your sensual cravings must be fully burnt away without leaving any trace behind, and you must offer yourself to God to be merged in Him and His glory.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Today, people are conducting themselves in such a manner that it appears they have no understanding at all of the need for self-confidence. Without self-confidence, one will not be able to achieve much, even if one has faith and devotion. Similarly, one may have confidence in one’s own self, but if there is no devotion and faith, that too will not help. Devotion and self-confidence are like the negative and positive. It is the combination of these two that will enable us to fulfil our sacred thought. The first thing we should do is to promote and strengthen our self-confidence. This confidence in one’s own self is like the foundation at the bottom. On the foundation of that confidence, we should build the wall of self-satisfaction, and then add the roof of self-sacrifice. In the mansion thus built, we should attain self-realisation.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Only when the sacredness of the body and the sacredness of the mind come together, can divine strength be generated. With the help of the body, we should undertake sacred tasks. With the help of the mind, we should develop divine thoughts. This body is given to us and is intended for helping others. With the help of the body, we should be able to do good service and help the community. Whatever work we undertake, it should be done with a feeling that it is being done for the pleasure of the Lord. Hanuman was one who had such sacred ideas, and he always dedicated his work to the Lord. Our body is like the plastic cover on a wire. Our mind is like the copper wire inside. Along with the body, when the mind also joins, can divine strength flow into us.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Amongst messengers, there are three kinds. The first kind are those who take the orders of the Lord, disobey Him, and take to such actions which go contrary to the wishes of the Lord. The second kind are those who take what the Lord has said literally and follow without either adding or taking away anything. The results of such work is accepted by the Lord. The third kind are those who take the wishes of the Master and perform the task in such a way that the wishes of the Lord are fulfilled completely and at all costs. They take back to the Master the message of victory. Hanuman is an example of the third kind. This was because Hanuman at all times would only think of Rama, and as he knew very well the power of Rama, he always followed His footsteps. Hanuman’s devotion and faith helped him greatly to recognise the wishes of the Master.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

The kind of work which the wise do may appear to be the same as that done by an ordinary person. Although in appearance they may be the same, yet the result will be different in both. The work done by an unwise person is always accompanied by a feeling on one’s part that he or she is doing work for one’s own benefit. This kind of work is mixed up with ego; the feeling of selfish benefit will also lead to trouble and sorrow. The kind of work which a wise man does always carries a feeling which makes him identical with the divine aspect; he is aware that he is doing in the name and on behalf of God. He thinks that God is really doing the work, and that he is only an instrument. This will always give a good result and grant satisfaction to all.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

There was an emperor who always asked the sages who visited his palace, “Who is the best among men? Which moment of time is most blessed? Which act is most beneficial?” He could not get satisfactory answers for a long time. Eventually his realm was invaded and he had to flee into the jungle. There he was captured by a tribe who selected him as an offering to their goddess. In this precarious condition, he was rescued by an ascetic who took him to his hermitage, where he and his students lovingly tended him back to health and happiness. Amidst that loving and serene environment, the king discovered the answers to his questions. The best amongst all is the one who has compassion. The most blessed time is the ‘present’ and the best act is to relieve another’s pain and grief. Do not postpone what you can do today, now, this very moment, to a future date!

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Embodiments of Love, work alone brings out the true strength in an individual and shows others what one is capable of. Just as a mirror reflects to us our own face, so also the kind of work you do, describes your true qualities like a barometer. This barometer of work has the capacity to assess your condition and the state of your mind and will demonstrate the kind of qualities you possess (tamasik, rajasik or satwik). Some people appear to be very calm and noble (satwik), but when they undertake work, we may see that, behind the cloak of satwik quality, is present an amount of harshness. Some people appear to be very harsh and cruel in their words, but when they undertake some work, they become soft and kind. Hence never judge others by their external appearance or by words alone. In fact, no test of human qualities is more stringent than the examination of the work one does.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba