Thought for the Day

1.The difference between human and demon (Maanava and Daanava) is just this – human beings should have morality, self-control and compassion (Dharma, Dhama and Daya). Demons do not have these, nor do they consider them as desirable characteristics; they ignore them and pay no heed to the prompting of these virtues. On the contrary, these three are in fact the essential qualities of every man. Every being in the universe is a pilgrim on the path from demon to human to divine. The number of stages in this journey is as many as the number of hearts in this universe! Each pilgrim moves at their own speed and with the Name and Form that inspires them.

2.Each one gets the result that their spiritual practice (sadhana) deserves, that their acts in this and previous births grant them. In the epic Ramayana, the demon king Ravana had scholarship, strength, wealth, power, authority and even the grace of God - but the virus of lust and pride which lodged in his mind brought about his destruction, despite all attainments. He could not dwell in peace and joy for a moment after the infection started to work. Life is a constant campaign against many foes, it is a battle with obstacles, temptations, hardships and hesitations. These enemies are present within every being and so the battle is incessant and perpetual. Each one differs from another, in this struggle against the inner attackers. Like the virus that thrives on the bloodstream, the vices of lust, greed, hate, malice, pride and envy sap the energy a nd faith of human beings and reduce them to untimely fall. Hence, always remember this - Virtue is strength, vice is weakness.

3.The Law of Karma is not an irreversible iron law. Dedication to the divine and purification of thoughts, words and deeds invite divine benediction. The effects of karma can be modified and its rigour, mitigated through grace. When vices hold sway over your heart, it becomes foul and sooty. The flames of desire, anger and miserliness (kaama, krodha and lobha) leave char within your heart. Do not despair or lose heart if vices trouble you. There is no place where God is not present. There is no being to whom He denies blessings. Grace manifests itself by quenching the flames within your heart and confers bliss which desire, anger and miserliness can never confer. God is immanent and eternal. Follow the path and obey the ideals laid down by the Lord with relentless discipline. Your mind will be purified and divine grace will be ref lected therein. 

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba