Develop close association with the Lord and He will reveal Himself to you

Many of you often come to Puttaparthi or visit other holy places. You hear scholars expounding the scriptures. You have observed great and noble souls. What is the benefit? How have you improved by all this? Have you succeeded in at least recognising your rajasik (passionate) and thamasik(dark) habits and tendencies? Recognizing them as deleterious is the first step in removing them. Have you become more and more serene and poised (Sathvik) as the years go by, or are you the same dull or perhaps fiery individual? If you must know the Lord, you must love the Lord and lead your life with good conduct. Hatred or even indifference will result only in misunderstanding. Develop close association with the Lord and He will reveal Himself to you.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Parents and teachers must see that children learn good habits and attitudes in their formative years.

Parents and teachers must see that children learn good habits and attitudes in their formative years. What is read from books must be contemplated upon and reflected upon in silence and quietness. This is a very good exercise in intellectual development and in the acquisition of mental peace. The instinct to quarrel and fight over any and all misunderstandings must be regulated and sublimated. You should not cause children to suffer mental anguish or physical pain! Children also should not enjoy the infliction of pain on any being. They must be brought up with a sense of responsibility. They should be taught not to take delight in showing off their dress, ornaments, status or wealth before the less fortunate. They must be taught from early on, habits of personal cleanliness and most importantly, the habit of prayer at regular hours

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Always be vigilant to have love without envy.

The first step in samskara (refinement) is to remove dirt from the mind. Know that envy is the stickiest dirt. You must be happy, when people around you are happy. That is the true test. The Ramayana says that Lord Rama was happy when joyous events happened to others around, as if they happened to Him. Krishna describes Arjuna as An-asuya(envy-less). What a great compliment to receive from the Master Himself! That is why Lord Krishna taught the mysteries of spiritual discipline to Arjuna. Have deep Love for the Lord. But be very careful not to become depressed with envy when others also love Him or get His attention and become attached to Him. Always be vigilant to have love without envy.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba