When you develop love, it will gradually get transformed into wisdom.

 Spiritual learning impels one to pour one’s narrow ego into the sacrificial fire and foster in its place universal love, which is the foundational base for the superstructure of spiritual victory. Love that knows no limits, purifies and sanctifies the mind. Let thoughts centre around God, let the feelings and emotions be holy, let activities be the expression of selfless service. Let the mind, heart, and hand be thus saturated in good. Spiritual education must take up this task of sublimation. It must first instil the secret of service. Service rendered to another must confer full joy in all ways. Spiritual education must emphasise that in the name of service, no harm, pain, or grief should be inflicted on another. While rendering service, the attitude of it being done for one’s own satisfaction should not tarnish it. Service must be rendered as an essential part of the process of living itself. This is the real core of spiritual education.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Why is love the most powerful weapon in the Universe?

 It is most vital for everyone to recognise and practice the Love Principle. At all times love has existed among the good and the bad, in the forest or in a palace, in attachment or in separation, in one's conduct as well as in one's speech, in the mind as well as in action. It is all-pervasive. The most powerful weapon to destroy the forces of evil rampant in the world today is love. Unfortunately, men are not pursuing the right path to acquire sacred love. Love is the seed of love. It is also the branches, the flowers and the fruit. To enjoy the fruit of love, one must practise Love. Instead of seeking to know the true nature of love, man is engaged in the pursuit of wealth and power. No doubt wealth and power are necessary, but only within limits. The vast ocean, when it swells beyond its bounds, is censured for its misbehaviour. The human body and mind will be healthy only when food is consumed within limits. Excessive eating causes various disorders. Everything in the world is governed by the bounds set for it. However, love has no limits.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

You can be happy that you have given Swami a proper Birthday gift only when you love your fellowmen, share their sufferings, and engage yourselves in serving them.

 The divine power has neither birth nor death. I do not feel elated when praised or depressed when blamed. I treat these dualities of life with equanimity. I am happy both in pleasure and pain. There is only love in Me. My love lives by giving, giving and giving. It never receives. This is the difference between My love and worldly love which believes in receiving alone. That is why My love is ever-expanding. A small seed becomes a gigantic tree with many branches and fruits. All of them have their origin in the seed. Likewise out of love has emerged the creation. Love is God, live in love. Develop love. Love everyone wholeheartedly. Only when love is manifested will you attain self-realisation. In the first instance, develop self-confidence. Self-confidence is the foundation. Self-satisfaction is the wall. Self-sacrifice is the roof. Self-realisation is the mansion (of life). Everything is contained in the Self (Atma). With this Atmic Principle, acquire spiritual knowledge. The power in spirituality is limitless. The Power of Love far exceeds the power of the atom bomb. It transforms even those who hate. Develop such sacred love.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What should be the true purpose of education?

 Education today ends with the acquisition of degrees. Real education should enable one to utilise the knowledge one has acquired to meet the challenges of life and to make all human beings happy as far as possible. Born in society, one has the duty to work for the welfare and progress of society. The knowledge gained from education is being misused today solely to obtain and enjoy creature comforts and sensuous pleasures. This education has served to develop some kind of intellectual abilities and technical skills, but has totally failed to develop good qualities. Society today is steeped in materialism because of the preoccupation with mundane pleasures. Only in the institute here, one can witness the emphasis on the divinity inherent in man. In the olden days, when the pupils completed their educational tenure in the ashram of the guru and were about to enter the life of a grihastha (householder), the preceptor gave them a parting message to serve them as guidelines for their worldly and spiritual good. That ceremony is observed today as a Convocation.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Like little drops of water make a mighty ocean, can the little tiny acts in our daily living add-up?

 What exactly is the secret of ensuring peace and prosperity for mankind? Rendering service to others without expecting service from them in return. Activity (karma) that binds is a huge fast-growing tree. The axe that can cut its roots is this: Do every act as an act of worship to glorify the Lord. This is the real sacrifice (yajna), the most important ritual. This sacrifice promotes and confers knowledge of Brahman (Brahma-vidya). Note that the yearning to do selfless service must flow in every nerve of the body, penetrate every bone and activate every cell. Those who engage themselves in spiritual discipline (sadhana) must have mastered this attitude toward service. Selfless service is the blossom of love, a flower that fills the mind with rapture. Harmlessness is the fragrance of that flower. Let even your little acts be redolent with compassion and reverence; be assured that your character would thereby shine greatly.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 Merely chanting mantras or repeating God’s Name is of no use. We must engage ourselves in God’s work, as I have told you a number of times. Hanuman reached Lanka and befriended Vibhishana. During their conversation, Vibhishana expressed grief, “Hanumanta, you are fortunate, indeed. You are ceaselessly engaged in service to Rama, thereby worthy of His Grace. I’ve been repeating the Name of Rama for many years now, but I haven’t secured His darshan yet.” Hanuman asked him beautiful questions, “Vibhishana, you chant Rama’s name, but are you involved in Rama’s work? Without working for Rama, how can you expect Grace? It has been many weeks since Sita Devi was brought captive to Lanka. Isn’t service to Sita a valuable service to Rama? Have you ever gone to the Ashoka grove and consoled her? Have you even met her once? Have you familiarised yourself with her troubles and taken steps to provide her with conveniences? My every roma (hair) says Rama! But I did not stop there. I offered my life to Rama. I am engaged in actions dear to Him, day and night.” Therefore, the lesson is: The name of Rama in the heart, the work of Rama in the hand (Dil me Ram, hat me kam). This is the way to offer our lives to the Lord.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Why should we have courage and be focused on achieving our real goal in this life?

 Do not, like some mental patients, be always worrying about some little ailment or another. Have courage, that is the best tonic. Do not give up before you have to. It is not long life that counts; if you live on and on, a time may come when you have to pray to the Lord to take you away, to release you from travail. You may even start blaming Him for ignoring you and blessing other luckier people with death! By all means, be concerned about success or failure in achieving the real purpose of life. Then you will get as many years as are needed to fulfill that desire. Yearn, yearn, yearn hard, and success is yours. Remember, you are all certain to win; that is why you have been called and have responded to the call to come to Me. What other task have I than the showering of Grace? Treat Me not as one afar but as very close to you. Insist, demand, claim Grace from Me; do not praise, extol, and cringe. Bring your hearts to Me and win My Heart. Not one of you is a stranger to Me. Bring your promises to Me and I shall give you My Promise. But first see that your promise is genuine and sincere; see that your heart is pure; that is enough.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Which is the one all-conquering weapon that each of us has in our possession?

The power of Love is infinite. It can conquer anything. Once while Lord Buddha was journeying, he was confronted by a demoness who threatened to kill him. Smilingly, Buddha said: "You are not a demon; you are a deity! I love you even if you behave like a demon." Hearing these loving words, the demoness turned into a dove and flew away. Love can change the heart of even an inveterate enemy. It is this kind of Universal love that should be cultivated by everyone. There are people professing different faiths in the world - Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Zoroastrians, etc. There should be no difference or distrust among them, for all of them uphold Truth and Dharma. It was to promote unity among people of different faiths that Guru Nanak started community bhajans which generate vibrations of harmony and peace. Today, the world is bedevilled by conflict and violence. Peace and prosperity can emerge only when people turn to the path of love and morality, and lead purposeful lives.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is necessary to make our Sadhana truly successful?

 It is only when we look upon the universe as permeated by God that we acquire the strength to fight the forces of evil. Many persons who engage themselves in prayers and pilgrimages for years wonder why they have not been able to realise God. It is unnecessary to go around the world searching for God. God is in search of the genuine devotee. The devotee who is conscious of the omnipresence of God will find Him everywhere. He must have the firm conviction that there is no place where God is not present. That is the real mark of devotion. Meditation and prayer have value as means of purifying oneself. But they do not lead to God-realisation. Unwavering faith in God grants inexpressible Bliss. One should not give way to doubts which undermine faith.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya sai Baba

Why should society honour women and hold them in high regard?

 From ancient times the feminine aspect of the Divine has been worshipped in various ways. Vedas declare that where women are honoured and esteemed, there Divinity is present with all its potency. Unfortunately, today men consider it demeaning to honour women. This is utterly wrong and is a sign of ignorance. Stree (Woman) is Grihalakshmi (Goddess of Prosperity for the home). She is hailed as dharma-patni (the virtuous spouse). She is called illalu (mistress of the house) and ardhangi (better half). People gloat over petty titles conferred on them. But women have been conferred the highest titles which are valid for all time. A home without a woman is a jungle. Men should realise the high status of women and honour and respect them accordingly. They should not make women weep and shed tears. A home where the woman sheds tears will be ruined. Men should give an honourable place for women and lead a respectable life.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

How can we become true messengers of Sai and leaders in the Sai Army?

 How can a person who cannot himself swim, teach others the art? How can one whose granary is empty pour out in charity? Acquire the wealth of devotion, fortitude and peace before venturing to advise others how to acquire them. Bharat (India) has suffered slights and disregard as a result of a spate of teachers who have not cared to practise what they teach. I know you have the enthusiasm to carry My message among the people of this country and other countries. Let Me remind you that the best and the only successful way in which you can do it is to translate the message into your own lives. Your thoughts, words and deeds must be saturated with the message. Then, they will spread effortlessly and efficiently, and the face of the world will be transformed. You are officers of the Sai Army. How can you lead soldiers into the fray when you are not aware of the intricacies of warfare, when you are yourselves inefficient instruments? You can attempt to lead others only after practising the disciplines to perfection. This is true of all fields of human activity. Ananda (bliss) and Prashanti (supreme peace) have to be acquired first by you and then can be communicated to others.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is the form of self-mastery Bhagawan wants us to have?

 Note down all the things for which you have cried so far. You will find that you have craved only for paltry things, for momentary distinctions, for fleeting fame; you should cry only for God, for your own cleansing and consummation. You should weep, wailing for the six cobras that have sheltered themselves in your mind, poisoning it with their venom: Lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and malice. Quieten them as the snake charmer does with his swaying flute. The music that can tame them is the singing aloud of the Name of God. And when they are too intoxicated to move and harm, catch them by the neck and pull out their fangs as the charmer does. Thereafter, they can be your playthings; you can handle them as you please. When these are laid low, you will gain equanimity. You will be unaffected by honour or dishonour, profit or loss, joy or grief.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is the true wealth we must strive to secure?

 There are three doorways to hell for man - kama (lust), krodha (hatred) and lobha (greed). Desires tend to get out of bounds. Hence it is essential to try to curb them as much as possible. The process of controlling desires is called sadhana. The literal meaning of sadhana is the effort you make to achieve the object you desire or to reach the goal you have in view. Sadhana is thus the primary means to realise your aim or objective. A second meaning of the term is Sa-dhana, that is wealth that is associated with Divinity. Dhana (wealth) is described in three ways as Aishwarya (opulence), Sampada (prosperity) and Dhana (material wealth). All of them refer to the same thing. Wealth will not accompany us when we give up the body. If wealth is lost, it can be regained. If strength is lost, it may be recovered. But if life is lost it cannot be got back. Hence, while life still remains, one must strive to acquire the divine wealth that is imperishable and everlasting. Your conduct constitutes this divine wealth. It is only by the way we live that we can acquire this divine wealth.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 Just as the sun's rays can burn a heap of cotton if the rays are concentrated by passing through a lens, the rays of the intellect will destroy one's bad qualities only when they are passed through the lens of Divine love. Although man has come from Madhava (God), he is enveloped in a Bhrama (delusion) which obscures the Brahma (Divinity) within him. So long as one is in the grip of this delusion one cannot understand God. Because of this delusion, one gets attached to the body and develops limitless desires. This leads to the growth of the asura (demonic) nature in him. In the word 'Nara' (man), 'na' means no and 'ra' means destruction. So, the term 'nara' describes man as one without destruction (that is, one who is eternal). When the letter 'ka' is added to 'nara' it becomes 'Naraka’, meaning, ‘hell’, which is the opposite of heaven. When one descends to the demonic level, he forgets divinity and follows the path to hell. The Divine is realised by pursuing the spiritual path (the Atmic path). According to the Puranic story, Narakasura is said to have been destroyed on this day of Deepavali (Naraka Chaturdasi). Narakasura was a demon filled with attachment to bodily pleasures.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is the one thing we should never doubt in this relationship we have with Bhagawan?

 Develop prema (divine love) towards the Lord, the parama-prema (Supreme divine love) of which He is the embodiment. Never give room for doubts and hesitations, or for questions to test the Lord's love. "My troubles have not ended; why? Why is it that He did not speak to me? Why did He not call me?", you whine! Do not think that I do not care for you or that I do not know you. I may not talk to you but do not be under the impression that I have no love. Whatever I do, it is for you, not for Me. For, what is it that can be called Mine? Only you. So, do not get shaken in your mind; do not allow faith to decline. That will only add to the grief you already suffer from. Hold fast - that must be your vow. Whoever is your Ishta Devata (the chosen deity) - Vishnu or Rama or Shiva or Venkateshwara - hold fast to Him. Do not lose the contact and the company; for, it is only when the coal is in contact with the live embers that it can also become a live ember. Cultivate nearness to Me in the heart and you will be rewarded. Then you too will acquire a fraction of the Supreme Prema. This is the great chance.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

The Triple purity - speech free from the pollution of falsehood, mind free from the taint of passionate desire or hatred, the body free from the poison of violence - has to be attained by all.

 How are one’s internal impulses to be purified? These relate to the mind, speech and the body. Of the three, speech is the most important. How is purity in speech to be achieved? Anudvegakaram vakyam satyam priyahitam ca yat, says the Gita. Every word you utter should be anudvegakaram (free from causing excitement or agitation). It should be satyam (true) and priyam (pleasing). There are four factors which account for the pollution of the tongue. One is, uttering falsehood; two, excessive talking; three, carrying tales against others; four, abuse or criticism of others. The tongue is prone to indulge in these four types of offences in speech. Unfortunately, in this Kali age, all these four are rampant. Untruth has become ubiquitous. People freely indulge in slandering others. Tale-bearing goes on. Indulgence in loquacity is widespread. It is only when one gets rid of these four evil tendencies can his speech become pure and unpolluted. Hence, the first task is to purify one's speech.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is the role of Avatars and how can we make the best use of the opportunity of learning about Avatars?

 If you wish to lead an ideal human life, you have to follow the example of the Avatars (Divine advents). Avatars can come in human form. But you should not be misled by this phenomenon. Avatars may appear in human form, but you should not equate yourself with them. In physical form, both may appear alike. But there is a fundamental difference. You should not mistake the cotton fruit for the mango. God comes in human form because man has strayed away from the path of righteousness. To reform man and bring him back to Dharma, God has to take the human form. Birds, beasts and insects lead lives according to their specific nature. They do not need Avatars. Today, only man has given up all righteousness, forgotten his divine essence and degraded his humanness. To reform man in this state, God has to come in human form. The Avatar has to protect the good, reform the erring and punish the wicked.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

My Life is My Message and My Message is Love.

 Your aim should be to see the self-same God in all the Forms that are worshipped, to picture Him in all the Names, nay, to be conscious of His presence as the inner motivator of every living being, in every particle of matter. Do not fall into the error of considering some to be men worthy of reverence and some unworthy. Sai is in everyone; so, all deserve your reverence and service. Propagate this truth; that is the function I assign to the Seva Samitis. You can observe Me and My activities; note how I adhere to righteousness, moral order, truth and universal compassion. That is what I desire you to learn from Me. Many of you plead for a 'Message' from Me, to take to the Samiti of which you are members. Well, My life is My message. You will be adhering to My message if you so live that your lives are evidence of the dispassionate quiet, the courage, the confidence, and the eagerness to serve those who are in distress, that My life inspires you with.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Which is the best Name and Form of God to contemplate on?

 Man's duty is to sanctify his days and nights with the unbroken smarana (recollection) of the Name. Recollect with joy, with yearning. If you do so, God is bound to appear before you in the form and with the name you have allotted Him, as most beautiful and most appropriate! God is all Names and all forms, the integration of all these in harmonious charm! Gods designated in different faiths, adored by different human communities, are all limbs of the One God that really is. Just as the body is the harmonious blending of the senses and the limbs, God is the harmony of all the forms and names that man gives Him! Only those who are ignorant of the Glory of God will insist on one Name and one Form for His adoration and what is worse, condemn the use by others of other names and forms! Since you are all associated with Sathya Sai Organisations, I must warn you against such silly obduracy. Do not go about proclaiming that you are a sect distinct and separate from those who adore God in other forms and names. Thereby you are limiting the very God whom you are extolling.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

People may say that when you go to Sai Baba, there is nothing but bhajan. Realise that there is nothing greater than bhajan.

 The present Age, often condemned as Kali Yuga (the Age of Darkness), is in fact, the age in which one can attain liberation most easily. This is revealed in every scriptural text. The reason, according to them is that, one can be liberated now by the sadhana of Nama Sankirtana - singing the glory of the Lord, and listening to the Name being sung. Among the nine steps of devotion, shravanam (listening to the Name being sung) and kirtanam (singing the Name) are mentioned as the best. Kirtanam is singing the Names which denote the glory of the Lord and Sankirtanam means "singing the Names continuously, aloud, without interruption, and without hesitation." Whereas Kirtana can be by one individual and can promote one's own spiritual progress, Sankirtanam is by a group of people. It can help the process of liberation not only for the members of the group, but it will also be beneficial to those who listen, and even to those beyond the circle of listeners; the whole world can benefit by the vibrations.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Know that the Divine Name is the key to success in your search for consolation, confidence, courage, illumination and liberation.

 The word Nama has great significance numerologically. ‘Na’ is equal to zero. ‘A’ is equal to two and ‘Ma’ equals five, the total being seven, indicating that the Nama Sankirtanam needs seven elements for success: Shruti, Laya, Raga, Tala, Bhava, Prema, Samhita. Seven cannotes the seven swaras, the seven sages, the seven days of the week known as the sacred Saptaha. Sankirtanam must be done with emphasis on tone, timing, tune, rhythm, attitude, love, and the attainment of the highest good. It is not singing for singing's sake. The melody must emerge from the heart, must be saturated with genuine feeling, should be soaked in love, and must make you forget yourself, then it is a tapas or penance. Sankirtanam of such kind will save not just the individual, but will save the entire world. Embodiments of love! Even if you are unable to do meditation, recitation, yoga, or yajna, engage yourself in singing the Name of God. From a simple person (pamara) to an awakened one (Paramahamsa), Namasankirtana can be taken up.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

காசி யாத்திரை 6 மற்றும் 7ம் நாள்

 14.09.24 மற்றும் 15.09.24

அயோத்தியில் இருந்து அன்று இரவு காசி அடைந்து விமானம் மூலம் சென்னை செல்ல வேண்டி இருந்ததால் காலையில் எழுந்து நேராக சரயு நதிக்கு சென்று தீர்த்தம் தெளித்துக் கொண்டோம். பின்னர் அங்கிருந்து நேராக அனுமன் கோவிலுக்கு சென்றால் அங்கு சனிக்கிழமை என்பதால் கூட்டம் அதிகமாக இருந்தது.. தரிசனம் செய்ய நின்றோம் என்றால் ராமர் கோவில் செல்ல நேரமாகிவிடும். கோவில் கோபுரத்தின் டிவி திரையில் காண்பித்த அனுமனின் தரிசனம் பெற்று ராமர் கோவில் அடைந்தோம். வீல் சேர் ஆள் ஒன்றுக்கு ரூபாய் 150- கட்டணம் செலுத்தி சிறப்பு வழியாக சென்றோம். வீல் சேருடன் உதவிக்கு ஒருவர் வீதமாக அனுமதி என்பதால் நானும் வீல்சேர் பயன்படுத்தி சன்னதி அடைந்தேன். நல்ல தரிசனம்.  இந்த வாய்ப்பு கிடைக்க பெற்றது பெரும் பாக்கியம். அனைவருக்கும் இந்த பாக்யம் கிடைக்க வேண்டும் என்று பிரார்த்தித்து வந்த பிறகு, தெரு ஓர கடையில் ஷாப்பிங் செய்தோம்.  இந்த அவசர கோலத்தில் ராமர் கோவில் முழு கோபுர தரிசனம் காண இயலவில்லையோ அல்லது தவறவிட்டோமோ? ஆண்டவன் விட்ட வழி.. என்ன செய்ய முடியும். புத்த கயா, கயா மற்றும் அயோத்தியில் காசியை விட பிச்சைக்காரர்கள் அதிகமாக இருந்தனர். அதிலும் பிச்சைக்கார சிறார்கள் அதிகம் தென்பட்டனர்.  நான் கடவுள் திரைப்படத்தை நினைவூட்டியது. நான் ஒரு பிச்சைப் பாத்திரம் ஏந்தி வந்தேன் என்ற பாடலும் குணா படப் பாடலும் ஏனோ வாய் முனுமுனுத்தது. பின்னர் விடுதிக்கு சென்று காலை உணவு அருந்திவிட்டு விடுதிக்கு முன் போட்டோ எடுத்துக் கொண்டு பதினோரு மணி வாக்கில் வேன் மூலம் காசி விமான நிலையம் நோக்கி புறப்பட்டோம்.  வழியில் பதல்பூர் என்ற ஊரின் மோட்டலில் மதிய உணவு அருந்திவிட்டு,இரவு‌ உணவாக இட்லி,சட்னி மற்றும் சாம்பார் தயார் செய்யச் சொல்லி பார்சல் வாங்கி கொண்டு 6.30 மணி அளவில் காசி விமான நிலையம் அடைந்தோம். அங்கு வழிகாட்டி மற்றும் வேன் டிரைவருடன் குரூப் போட்டோ எடுத்து கொண்டோம். போர்டிங் பாஸ் பெறுவதற்கு முன்னர் அனைவரும் இட்லி அருந்திவிட்டு பின்னர் செக் இன் செய்து விமானத்திற்காக காத்துக் கொண்டு இருந்தோம். இரவு விமானம் வர தாமதமானது.  பின்னர் விமானம் ஏறி சென்னை சென்றடைந்தால் என்னுடைய லக்கேஜ் ஒன்று கிடைக்க பெறாமல் போய்விட்டது.அதனை உரிய நபரிடம் தெரிவித்து புகார் படிவம் கொடுத்து விட்டு வெளியே வந்து டாக்ஸி பிடித்து எக்மோர் இரயில் நிலையம் அடைய இரண்டு மணி ஆகிவிட்டது. எக்மோர் இரயில் நிலையத்தில் வெயிட்டிங் ஹாலில் அமர்ந்து 5.15 மணி அளவில் தேஜஸ் விரைவு வண்டியில் ஏறி அமர்ந்தோம். சரியாக காலை ஆறு மணிக்கு கிளம்பிய வண்டி 12 மணி அளவில் மதுரை வந்தடைந்தோம். உத்தரப் பிரதேசம் மற்றும் பீகாரை விட வெயிலின் தாக்கம் மதுரையில் அதிகம் இருந்தது.கிட்டத்தட்ட 3000 கிமீ தாண்டி பயணப்பட்டு திரும்பி வந்தடைந்தோம்.சென்னை - காசி, காசி - சென்னை விமான பயணமாக இருந்ததால் பயண நாட்கள் குறைந்து போயின.இனி அடிக்கடி காசி மற்றும் அயோத்தி போக வேண்டும் என்ற எண்ணம் வருகின்றது.

நேரமின்மையால் காசி மற்றும் அயோத்தியில் சில இடங்களை சுற்றி பார்க்க இயலவில்லை.சியாம் சுந்தர் மற்றும் விஜய் சுந்தர் யாரேனும் ஒருவர் வந்திருந்தால் ஃபோட்டோ நல்ல முறையில் எடுத்திருப்போம் .

யாத்திரை சுகமாக நிறைவுபெற்றது. எல்லாம் அவன் செயல் 

ஓம் நமசிவாய !

Jai Shri Ram!

காசி யாத்திரை 5ம் நாள்

 13.09.24

காசியில் காலை உணவு அருந்திவிட்டு வேன் மூலம் பிரயாக்ராஜ் சென்று படகு மூலம் திரிவேணி சங்கமம் அடைந்து ஆற்றில் குளித்து சுமங்கலி பூஜை மற்றும் பூமுடி கொடுத்து வந்தோம். பூஜை செய்த பண்டிட் ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் வாங்கி கொண்டு டிப்ஸ் வேறு (தட்சினை) பெற்றுக்கொண்டார். படகு ஓட்டி, ஆற்றில் குளிக்க ஏற்றி இறக்கி விட்டவர்களும் டிப்ஸ் பெற்றுக் கொண்டனர்.  பின்னர் அனுமன் கோவிலுக்கும் , (பொள்ளாச்சி மாசாணி அம்மன் படுத்து இருப்பது போல் அனுமன் சயனத்தில் இருந்தார்)அலோப சங்கரி பீடத்தில் (பீடத்தின் பெயர் தமிழில் இருந்தது)தரிசனம் முடித்து கொண்டு அயோத்தி சென்று அடைய இரவு பத்து மணி ஆகிவிட்டது.  ராம ஜென்ம பூமியில் Hotel bedis dreamland என்ற தங்கும் விடுதிக்கு சென்று இரவு உணவு அருந்தி மறுநாள் ராமரை தரிசித்து காசி புறப்பட்டு ஊர் திரும்ப வேண்டி இருந்ததால் பாக்கிங் செய்து உறங்கச் செல்ல இரவு 12 மணி ஆகிவிட்டது 

Jai Sri Ram !

காசி யாத்திரை... மூன்றாம் நாள்

 11.09.24

காசியில் காலை குளித்து காலை உணவு உண்டபின் புதிய வழிகாட்டி சிவம் என்பவருடன் குளிர்சாதன வேனில் புத்தகயா புறப்பட்டோம்.

மதிய உணவு ரிலையன்ஸ் பெட்ரோல் பங்க் அருகில் இருந்த ஹோட்டலில் உண்டபின் பயணம் தொடர்ந்தோம். புத்த கயா சென்றடைய மாலை நேரம் ஆகிவிட்டது. புத்த கயாவில் புத்தர் சிலை மற்றும் புத்தர் கோயில்களை பார்த்த பின்னர் புத்தர் ஞானம் பெற்ற போதிமரம் பார்த்தோம். புட்டபர்த்தி சென்ற உணர்வு ஏற்பட்டது. போதி மரத்திற்கு அடுத்து இருந்த ஜெகன்னாதர் ஆலயம்  சென்று வழிபட்ட பின்னர் புத்த கயா ரெஜன்சி என்ற தங்கும் விடுதிக்கு சென்றோம். விடுதி நிர்வாகத்தினரால் அனைவருக்கும் சிறப்பான வரவேற்பு அளிக்கப்பட்டது. இத்தகைய வரவேற்பினை வீடியோ எடுத்திருக்க வேண்டும். தவறிவிட்டது குறையே. இக்குறையை டிராவல்ஸ் 

நிறுவனத்தினரிடம் தெரிவிக்கவேண்டும்.

இரவு உணவருந்தி தூங்க கிளம்பி விட்டோம்.

நான்காம் நாள்..12.09.24

கயா மற்றும் காசி 

காசியில் கங்கா ஆரத்தி மற்றும் காலபைரவர் கோவில் செல்ல இயலாததால் கயாவில் திதி முடித்து விஷ்ணுபாத கோவிலை தரிசித்த பின் வேன் மூலம் காசி புறப்பட்டு மாலையில் காசியில் உள்ள ஹசி காட்டிற்கு சென்று கங்கா ஆரத்தி கண்டு களித்தோம். ஆரத்திக்கு முன் மந்திரம் சொல்லப்பட்டது பெருமாள் மற்றும் கிருஷ்ணர் பாடல்களும் பாடப்பட்டது. ஆரத்திக்கு முன் அவரவர் கோத்திரம் நட்சத்திரம் பெயர் சொல்லி பிரார்த்தனை செய்து கொள்ளுமாறு கேட்டுக் கொண்டார்கள்..சாய்பிரசாத் பெயர் நட்சத்திரம் சொல்லியும் பிரார்த்தனை செய்து கொண்டேன். ஆரத்தி நடக்கும் சமயம் கங்கை ஆற்றில் விளக்குகள் மின்ன படகுகள் சென்ற காட்சி கண்ணுக்கு விருந்தாக இருந்தது. ஆரத்தி நிகழ்ச்சிகள் அருமையாகவும் பக்திபரவசம் ஊட்டுவதாகவும் இருந்தது.  பின்னர் ஆட்டோவில் பயணித்து சின்னஞ் சிறு வீதியின் வழியாக நடந்து சென்று கால பைரவரை தரிசித்த பின் விடுதிக்கு சென்று இட்லி மற்றும் தோசை உண்டபின் உறங்கச் சென்றோம் .

காசி யாத்திரை - இரண்டாம் நாள்

 10.09.24

காசியில் காலை சிவாலய படித்துறைக்கு சென்று ஸ்னானம் செய்த பின் கங்கை ஆற்றில் படகு சவாரி செய்து கொண்டே அனைத்து படித்துறைகளையும்  கண்டு களித்தோம்.  பின்னர் தங்கியிருந்த ஹோட்டலுக்கு சென்று  காலை உணவை முடித்துக் கொண்டு காசி விஸ்வநாதரை தரிசனம் செய்ய புறப்பட்டோம். ஸ்பெஷல் தரிசன டிக்கெட் வாங்கி கொண்டு காசிநாதரை தரிசித்து அருளாசி பெற்றபின் கோவிலுக்குள் இருந்த உடுப்பி டு மும்பை என்ற உணவகத்தில் மதிய உணவு அருந்திவிட்டு காசி விசாலாட்சி கோவிலுக்கு சென்று அம்மனை தரிசித்து பின் செட்டியார் கடை மற்றும் அருகில் இருந்த பரிமளா சேலை கடையில் ஷாப்பிங் செய்து அறைக்கு திரும்பி துர்கா கோயில், துளசி மானஸ் கோயிலுக்கு சென்று தரிசனம் செய்தோம். தரிசனத்திற்கு பின் ஆட்டோவில் ஏறி ஹசிகாட் அடைந்த போது  கங்கா ஆரத்தி முடிந்து மக்கள் திரும்பி வந்து கொண்டிருந்தனர்.  அன்னபூரணி கோவில்,காலபைரவர் கோவில்,சங்கட்மோட்சன்,பிர்லா மந்திர் போன்ற கோவில்கள் பார்க்க இயலவில்லை. அன்று எங்களுக்கு வழிகாட்டியாக இருந்த நபரின் தவறான வழிகாட்டுதலால் இந்த தவறு நடந்து விட்டதை டிராவலரிடம் தெரிவித்த பின் வேறொரு வழிகாட்டியை நியமிப்பதாக தெரிவித்தார்கள். மேலும் புத்த கயா, கயாவை மறுநாள் சுற்றி பார்த்தபின் காசியில் ஆரத்தி மற்றும் காலபைரவர் கோவிலுக்கு செல்லலாம் என உறுதி அளித்தனர்.  இரவு அவரவர் அறையில் ஓய்வெடுக்க சென்றோம். காசியில் தெருக்கள் மிக குறுகியதாகவும் அந்த குறுகிய சந்திலும் இரண்டு சக்கர வாகனங்களை இவ்வூர் மக்கள் ஓட்டிக் கொண்டு வருவது எரிச்சலாக இருந்தாலும் புதிய அனுபவமாக இருந்தது.

ஓம் நமசிவாய !

காசி யாத்திரை..முதல் நாள்

 09.09.2024

காலை 6.45 மணிக்கு மதுரை இரயில் நிலையம் சென்றடைந்தோம்.  வந்தே பாரத் வரும் நேரம் 7.40 என்றாலும் லக்கேஜ் மற்றும் பெரியவர்கள் இருந்ததாலும் வண்டி ஐந்து நிமிடம் மட்டுமே நிற்கும் என்பதால் முன் கூட்டியே சென்றோம். லக்கேஜ்களை போர்ட்டர் உதவியுடன் வண்டியில் ஏற்றி விட்டு நிம்மதியாக அமர்ந்தோம். காலை டிபன் ரவை கேசரி, உப்புமா மற்றும் தேநீர் வழங்கினார்கள். மதிய உணவாக சப்பாத்தி, சிறிது அரிசி சாதமும் வழங்கினார்கள். பின்னர் டாக்ஸி பிடித்து கொண்டு  மீனம்பாக்கம் விமான நிலையம் சென்று இரவு காசி சென்றடைந்தோம். டிராவல்ஸ் வேன் மூலம் அவர்கள் ஏற்பாடு செய்திருந்த ஹோட்டல் சென்று அவரவர் அறைக்கு சென்று உறங்க சென்றுவிட்டோம். தேஜஸ் வண்டியில் பயணம் செய்திருந்தாலும் வந்தே பாரத் வண்டியில் பயணித்தது முதல் முறையாகும்.விமானப் பயணமும் முதல் முறையாகும். எவ்வித பயண அலுப்பும் தெரியவில்லை.

ஓம் நமசிவாய !

When you reduce worldly desires, spiritual desires will increase.

 On one occasion, when Radha was travelling to Mathura in the evening, she was alone. All the other Gopikas who saw this started following her. By the time she reached Yamuna, it became dark. The Gopikas cautioned Radha and said that she should not go to Mathura in the darkness; but if she had to go, they would accompany her. With the feeling that Brindavan belongs to all and Govinda also belongs to all, she agreed to take them along. They took turns in rowing the boat so that no single individual got tired. Although they were rowing all night, they did not reach Mathura. As the day dawned, residents of Gokulam were coming to the river. The boat had been rowed all night but they found that they were still near Gokulam. They found that they had not removed the rope which tied the boat to the post at the bank. In spite of the fact that the boat was being rowed, and in spite of the fact that water was there, and they had the strength to move the boat, the boat did not move at all. In the same manner, without removing the bondage in regard to our senses and organs, we will not be able to move forward at all.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

How should we stay firm on our faith, even as we respect that of others?

 The Lord cares for ekagrata and chitta-shuddhi (concentration and purity of mind). You need not feel that you are physically away from Him. He has no 'near' and 'far'. Provided the address is clear and correct, your letter will be delivered, be it to the next street or to Calcutta or Bombay for the same stamp. Smarana (remembering) is the stamp; manana (recapitulation) is the address. Have the Name for smarana; the Form for manana, that is enough. Select one Name and one Form but do not talk ill of other names and forms. Follow the lead of a woman living in a joint family; she respects and serves the elders of the family such as the father-in-law, his brothers and her own brother-in-law, but her heart is dedicated to her husband, whom she loves and reveres in a special manner. If you carp at the faith of others, your devotion is fake. If you are sincere, you will appreciate the sincerity of others. You see faults in others because you yourself have those faults, not otherwise!

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Why is the culturing and the disciplining of the mind more important than that of the external?

 Valmiki, by meditating on the glory of Rama, was able to mould himself into the immortal poet who composed the Ramayana. He became an embodiment of that glory, and therefore, he could create that great epic. When we decide on writing a letter, we gather in our minds the facts to be communicated, the manner in which it has to be written, and then, we start writing it. When we decide on building a house, we build it first in our minds - the drawing room here, the dining hall there, the kitchen at this end, etc., and then, draw the plan on paper. What we do is to project an ideal into action, into a concrete program. The external action or achievement is only a reflection of the Inner Being, which frames the ideas and concepts. So, the transformation and refinement have to be done in the inner region of the mind. Constant reflection on the glory of God helps to transmute the body, mind and spirit.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What must we do to ensure success in this spiritual journey?

 In a piece of cloth, when the threads are taken out, only the cotton remains and if the cotton is burnt the cloth ceases to exist. Similarly, when desires are eliminated, the "I" and the Mind will go. It has been said that the destruction of the mind is the means to the realisation of the Divine. The cessation of the mind can be brought about by the gradual elimination of desires, like the removal of threads from a cloth. Finally, the desires have to be consumed in the fire of Vairagya (detachment). Look upon life as one long railway journey. In this journey, it is not good to carry heavy luggage. There are stations on the way like Arti (suffering), Artharti (desire for objects), Jignasu (yearning for understanding) and Jnani (Self-realisation). The lesser the luggage one carries, the more easily and quickly one can get through various stages and reach the destination. The primary requisite, therefore, is the eradication of desires.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 All divine personalities make their advent for some definite purposes. They will not deviate from them in any circumstance. Swami's Prematatva (essential nature of Love) is of the same character. Swami's love has no trace of self-interest in it. It is absolutely pure. Swami knows only how to give, not how to receive. Swami's hand is held above for conferring something, not stretched for seeking anything. Moreover, once Swami has declared, "You are Mine", whatever wrong ways they may pursue, Swami will not abandon them. When I have given a word to anyone, even if they turn against Me I will not bear any ill-will towards them. Even if they revile Me, I shall continue to love them. I will stand up to My pledge right up to the end. Some day they will return to the right path. Owing to the compulsion of circumstances some changes may take place. They are not permanent. I will not change My course because of such happenings. This is My second resolve. The third resolve is: When I undertake anything because I feel it is for the welfare of all and that it is good for society as a whole, I will not give it up, come what may. Even if the whole world is against Me, I will not turn back, I will only go forward.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 If only time is well used, the ignorant (pamara) can become an ascetic of the highest order (a Paramahamsa) and that ascetic can also be transfused into the Universal Substance and Substratum (Paramatma). Just as a fish can live only when it is immersed in water, when it feels the element all around it, so too the human being is an animal that can live only when immersed in bliss (ananda). One must have bliss not only at home, in society, and in the world, but more than all, in the heart. As a matter of fact, bliss in the heart produces bliss everywhere. The heart is the spring of joy. That spring must be touched by constant meditation, recitation of God’s name, and the intermittent dwelling on the glory, the grace, and the inexhaustible manifestations of the Lord. Hold fast to the goal; the devotee should never turn back. Never give way to doubt or despair.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 We know that of all the animals in this world, to take birth as a human being is very difficult. Having attained this difficult human birth, we should not behave, at any time, like an animal. Think and take note of this aspect. The reason for this is mainly the kind of food we eat. The kind of food we take determines the behaviour we develop. If a tiger enters a herd of cows, then the cows cannot survive and live. So also, as in that analogy, in the heart of man, there are good and satwic qualities comparable to the qualities of a cow. If into that group of good qualities, we send in food represented by the rajasic qualities of a tiger, it is impossible for the good to survive. Similarly, if you put seeds in a land which is not fertile, the seeds are not going to sprout! So also in a man with rajasic qualities in his heart, satwic qualities like worshipfulness or compassion cannot thrive. It therefore becomes necessary for man to do things by which the field of his heart can be purified and cleansed.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 Among the five senses of perception, the eyes are endowed with immense power. They have 40 lakhs of light rays in them. Today man is putting his senses to misuse and as a result, his body is becoming weaker day by day. His life span is being reduced by his unsacred vision and the sensual pleasures that he is indulging in. Lakhs of light rays in his eyes are being destroyed because of his unsacred vision. That is the reason man is developing eye defects. Today many people undergo cataract operations to set their vision right. The doctors may say that man develops eye defects because of the cataract, but in fact, it is the result of unsacred vision. So, one should have proper control over one’s vision. Whatever the spiritual practices that one may undertake, one cannot derive their benefit without having control over one’s vision. All the Sadhanas like japa, tapa and dhyana confer only temporary satisfaction. These practices cannot help you to have control over your vision. In fact, the entire srushti (creation) is based on your drishti (vision). The netras (eyes) are verily the shastras (sacred texts).

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 Practise renunciation from now on, so that you may set out on the journey when the call comes, you don't know when. Or else at that moment, you will be in tears, when you think of the house you have built, the property you have accumulated, the fame you have amassed, the trifles you have won. Know that all this is for the fleeting moment: develop attachment for the Lord, who will be with you wherever you go. Only the years that you have lived with the Lord have to be counted as life; the rest are all out of count. An old grandfather of seventy was asked by his seven-year-old grandchild, "Grandpa! How old are you?" and the old man replied, "Two!" The child was struck with wonder and looked like a picture of doubt. The old man replied, "I have spent only the last two years in the company of the Lord, until then I was plunged in the marshland of pleasure-seeking."

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Where should the quest for God lead us?

 Embodiments of the Divine Atma! From ancient times, the questions, "Where is God?" and "How does He appear?" have been agitating the minds of people. The answers have been sought by different ways of investigation. The believers, non-believers, those with doubts and others have not been able to get clear answers to these questions. To comprehend the truth, one should look within oneself. This cannot be learnt from textbooks or from teachers. Chaitanya (Consciousness) is there in the mind and pervades everywhere. The power of vision in the eye and of taste in the tongue is derived from this Chaitanya. People are using the sense organs but do not know the source of the power which activates them. Chaitanya cannot be comprehended by the physical vision. It is within everyone in very close proximity. People undertake external exercises and spiritual practices in vain to find it. The entire Creation is a manifestation of the Divine Will. Prakriti (Nature) is the manifestation of God. Man is also part of Prakriti and thus has the Divine power in him.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What are the important instructions that teachers should give their pupils?

 Teachers! Teach your young pupils the ideals of Bharat's great sages, heroes and heroines, who upheld the highest virtues and set an example to the world. They should be taught to behave as ideal sons like Shravanakumar. One good son can redeem a whole family. Ekalavya exemplifies supreme devotion to the Guru. Prahlada should be held out as the supreme example of total faith in God. Teachers should instil such devotion to God in the young. In the name of secularism, governments should not interfere with the practice of their respective religions by the citizens. No one should criticize the creed of others. The Divinity that is adored by all religions is one and the same, though different names may be used. In the name of religion, violent conflicts should not be encouraged. Children should be taught to respect all religions. Teachers should also make children realise the true purpose of education. Education should be a preparation for righteous living and not for earning money. Good qualities are more valuable than money.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

How can we say that the creation has the same nature as the Creator?

 The Divine is Full; Creation is Full; even when Creation happened and the Cosmos appeared to be produced from the Divine, there was no diminution in the Fullness of the Full. You go to the bazaar to purchase a kilogram of jaggery. The keeper of the shop brings from his store a big lump, and he slices off a portion, weighing about a kilogram; he then weighs it and gives us in return for the price amount, one kilogram of jaggery. We sample a piece from the big lump and we expect the portion to behave as sweetly as the original lump. We go home and take a little to prepare the sweet drink called panakam. The panakam is sweet; the kilogram of jaggery and the mother lump - all are equally sweet. Fullness is the quality of the Divine; it is found in part or portion or in half or whole. Quantity is not the criterion; quality is. In the visible world that has been taken from the substance of the Divine, this quality is found equally full. We shall not consider the world as anything less than God.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Ganapati is one who gives us spiritual potency and endows us with supreme intelligence.

 Parvati tanaya Ganadhipa! (Oh son of Parvati, the Lord of the Ganas!). In these terms the Vedas extolled Ganapati.  Who are these Ganas? Are they celestial hosts or Asuras (demonic beings)? They are celestial beings. Where are they? Are they wandering in the external world or are they present subtly in human beings? He is called Ganadhipati because he is the Supreme Lord of the Ganas. The Ganas are the embodiments of the Jnanedriyas (organs of perception) and of Karmendriyas (organs of action). The mind is the master of these ten senses. The presiding deity of the mind is called Indra as he is the Lord of the Indriyas (the senses). The master over the mind is the Buddhi (intellect). What does the name 'Ganapati' signify? 'Ga' means Buddhi (or intellect), 'Na' means Vijnana (wisdom). As Vighneshvara is the Lord of the intellect and wisdom, He is called Ganapati. It follows from this that what are called ganas are parts of the human body.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

What is the purpose behind the worship of idols as the representation of Divinity?

 You may install idols and worship them. But do not forget the inner significance of all worship. All external activities are necessary only to help you get into the spirit of non-duality and experience unity in diversity. Love and sacrifice are very important. Where there is pure, unsullied, selfless, sacred and sublime love there is no fear at all. Giving and not getting is the underlying principle of spiritual sadhana. Your heart is full of love, but you are using it only for selfish purposes instead of diverting it towards God. God is in the heart and not in the head. The heart is Prema-mayam (full of love). On these festival days, you should remember that God is one, and all religions uphold the same principle of "One God, who is omnipresent." You should not have contempt for any religion, as each is a pathway to God. Fostering love towards your fellow beings, receive the noble love of the Divine. This is the goal of life.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

On the auspicious occasion of Navaratri, why should we begin worship and adoration at home first?

 The life of a man who cannot respect and love his own mother is utterly useless. Recognising one's mother as the very embodiment of all divine forces, one must show reverence to her and treat her with love. This is the true message that the Navaratri, the nine-night festival gives us. The supreme Shakti manifests herself in the form of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati. Durga grants us energy - physical, mental and spiritual. Lakshmi bestows on us wealth of many kinds - not just money but intellectual wealth, the wealth of character and others. Even health is a kind of wealth. She grants untold riches to us. And Saraswati bestows on us intelligence, the capacity for intellectual enquiry and the power of discrimination. The Navaratri festival is celebrated to proclaim to the world the power of the goddesses. One's own mother is the combination of all these Divine Beings. She provides us energy, wealth and intelligence. She constantly desires our advancement in life. So she represents all the three goddesses that we worship during the Navaratri festival.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

As we adore the three deities Durga-Lakshmi-Saraswati, what is the truth about them we must ever bear in our mind?

 The significance of Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati must be rightly understood. These three represent three kinds of potencies in man. Ichcha Shakti (Will power), Kriya Shakti (power of action), and Jnana Shakti (power of discrimination). Saraswati is manifest in man as the power of Vak (speech). Durga is present in the form of dynamism, the power of action. Lakshmi is manifest in the form of Will power. The body indicates Kriya Shakti. The mind is the repository of Ichchaa Shakti. The Atma is Jnana Shakti. Kriya Shakti comes from the body, which is material. The power that activates the body that is inert and makes it vibrant is Ichchaa Shakti. The power that induces the vibrations of Ichchaa Shakti is Jnana Shakti, which causes radiation (of energy). These three potencies are represented by the mantra: "Om Bhur-Bhuvah-Suvah." Bhur represents Bhuloka (Earth). Bhuvah represents the Life force (also known as Conscience in man), Suvah represents the power of radiation. All these three are present in you. Thus, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati dwell in your human heart!

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba