Thought for the Day

1.The genuine characteristics, the Swaroopa Lakshana, never undergoes change. It abides in all. The form, name, time or space may suffer change; but the core of truth (the Swaroopa Lakshana) will not alter. That core is denoted as Asthi (existence), Bhathi (luminescence) and Priyam (attractiveness) in Vedantic texts. Existence is the unchanging truth; it may change its form and name, in time and space, but the ‘is-ness’ is genuine. It makes itself known as existing, through the native characteristic of Prakasha (luminosity) or capacity to attract our awareness and confer knowledge. We can know it because it has luminescence; all things we are aware of have this innate characteristic. Each thing also has the nature of likeability, the capacity to invoke attachment and love as a result of usability. The above three together are the nature of God.

2.The Gita warns that any insult or injury or even neglect directed against any living being is an act that ridicules or hurts the Divine (“Sarva Jeeva Thiraskaaram Keshavam Prathigachchathi”) The Gita also clearly says, “Sunee chaiva svapaakecha, pandithaah sama darshinah”, that is, the learned man who has acquired humility through Vidya (knowledge) must deal with equal compassion and consideration for all living beings. Uniform kindness shown in this manner transforms itself into homogenous welfare for the recipients. Wishing well for all is the sign of one who has earned Vidya. The narrow vision that is limited to one community must be given up. Bhaarathiya culture thus emphasises the highest truth, the broadest vision.

3.The hearts of the great will be so full of divine content and equanimity, that they will not be affected by the ups and downs of fortune. A fragrant flower will please one with its captivating scent, whether it is held in the left hand or in the right. So too, whether in the sky or in the forest, village or city, on the heights or the valley, the great will be equally happy. They know no change as demonstrated by the Pandavas in the epic Mahabharatha. Even though they were in the jungle, they were able to spend their days happily by the grace of Lord Krishna.

4.Brahman (Divinity) is the source of all the Holy Texts and is therefore all-knowing. Brahman is the very source of illumination. Only the Omniscient One can be the source of the Vedas. Only the scriptures can liberate people through that illumination named knowledge. They regulate one's life and foster it, guarding it from grief. The Vedas offer comforting counsel; they deal with people affectionately and lead them forward, for they are received through venerable personages who attained the highest knowledge, Brahman.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

1.Every being has its own Dharma or innate specialty or individuality or special characteristics. This rule applies equally to blades of grass and the stars. The cosmos is not one continuous flux; it progresses persistently towards achieving a totality in the qualities and circumstances. But if you are too immersed in the all-pervasive delusion, you cannot elevate yourself. When in delusion, you are not aware of the path of peace and harmony in the world. You will also not be able to hold on to the good and avoid the bad, and establish yourself in the righteous path. However, you can transform yourself from the present status through self-effort and discrimination. The moral forces permeating the cosmos will certainly promote your achievement

2.If you seek Vidya (knowledge), you must possess kindness, compassion and love towards all living beings. Compassion to all beings should be your very nature. If it is absent, you become a boor. Vidya means, more than anything else, the quality of genuine concern for all living beings. If you bear ill-will against any being, your education has no meaning. The advice given in the Gita, “Adweshta Sarva Bhoothanam (with no ill-will towards any being)," conveys the same message. Love and compassion must not be limited to mankind only; they must embrace every living being.

3.Ganapathi is the embodiment of Buddhi (intellect) and Jnana (wisdom). Truth emerges out of wisdom and ultimately leads to Ananda (bliss). This is the teaching of Ganapathi. You are under the false impression that today is the birthday of Vinayaka, but He has neither birth nor death; neither beginning nor end. He is the Eternal Witness. All the festivals of Bhaarath (India) are suffused with deep inner meaning. They are highly sacred. Festivals are not meant just for preparing and consuming delicious items. Their purpose is to remind us of Divinity. On festival days, you decorate your houses with buntings of green leaves and also wear new clothes, discarding the old ones. Likewise, you should give up your past bad habits and cultivate new and sacred ideas.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the day

One may be subjected to calumny, insult and dishonour; Or plunged into poverty or pain; but the person who has surrendered to the Will of God will welcome each of these gladly and bear it with equanimity. The Lord will never give up His children. Those devoted to God have to be patient and calm, under the most poignant provocation. The fact is the pious and the God-fearing are those who are most visited by travails and troubles: in order to teach mankind these great truths, Krishna enacted the drama in Mahabharatha, with the Pandavas as the cast. Every incident in their lives is but a scene in His Play.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba