Whatever be our occupation or position, what is the one thing that Bhagawan expects of us?

 The desire for wealth and power is not wrong as such. But wealth and power should be used for the right ends. Whatever position you occupy, see that it is used worthily. A cobbler stitching shoes is pursuing as worthy an occupation as a Prime Minister governing the country. Therefore, everyone must do his duty properly. There is no high or low in these matters. To each person, his occupation is a matter of pride. Hence, do your duty sincerely. Everyone should be filled with this feeling. You should see that you do your job well without any lapse or defect. When everyone does their duty in this spirit the well-being of the whole world will be automatically ensured. People proclaim that they desire the well-being of one and all in the world, but do nothing to promote it. They are concerned only about their own well-being. This is not the right attitude at all.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What should be the attitude we must cultivate today to ensure that the entire year is sanctified?

 All the accomplishments and acquisitions in this world are transient and impermanent; lured by them, men get inflated and ultimately court ruin. Hence, giving up the notions of one's own doership, man must regard God alone as the doer. He is the giver, He is the recipient and He is also the object that is given. Time is the very form of God. Birth and death are encompassed by Time. Everyone, therefore, should regard Time as Divine and utilise it for performing sacred actions. You should not waste a single moment. Time wasted is life wasted. The fruits of your actions are determined by Time. All your experiences are the results of your actions, whether it is happiness or sorrow, affluence or poverty. Hence, good and bad depend on what you do. As are your actions, so are the fruits thereof. The way you utilise your time determines the outcome. Hence, this new year, which is a form of the Divine, should be put to right use.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

On the happy occasion of New Year’s Day, what can we resolve to make every momet truly special?

 The eyes should see only what is good. The hands should be engaged in good actions. The ears should hear no evil and listen only to what is good. Talk no evil. Talk only what is good. Think no evil. Think what is good. Do no evil. Do what is good. This is the way to God. The eyes should see only sacred objects. The whole world will be transformed when your vision becomes holy. This is New Year Day according to the Gregorian calendar. We have other New Year days according to the practice in different parts of the country. There is no need to bother about the year as such. Devote every moment to actions that will please God. Develop love for God, which will confer every blessing on you. On this New Year Day I wish you all every happiness and prosperity. The ancients used to bless those who come to them with long life of 100 years and good health. They wished the people long life so that they may lead worthy lives. Lead a long life, happy life, peaceful life, loving life and divine life. Redeem your lives by practicing Divine Love.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba