Thought for the Day

Those agitated by doubts about what to accept and reject, those blinded by illusion, unable to distinguish between darkness and light, death and immortality, should approach great saints to understand the eternal truth - the self-illumined basis of all creation. Then, both this world and heaven will be merged in the same effulgence! To attain this realisation, one should have deep yearning and hard, disciplined practice. This human birth is the consequence of countless good deeds, and it should not be cast aside; the chance must be fully exploited! For all those who are really animals in human form, slaves of pride and animal traits, this awareness in time is most important. Therefore, the discriminating individual will endeavour by all means at their disposal to understand the underlying principles, to master the teachings of the great people who practised the spiritual path, and to bring all this, as much as possible, into the ken of their own experience.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

All good qualities automatically gather around the person who practises control of speech and constant contemplation of the Lord.

Look at the crane; it walks about pretty fast in water. But while walking, it can’t catch fish; for that purpose, it must become quiet and stand motionless. So also, if one proceeds with greed, anger, jealousy, etc., one cannot secure the fish of truth (satya), righteousness (dharma), and peace (shanti). Whatever spiritual practice one may have, one must practise uninterrupted remembrance of the name (namasmarana). Only then can one master the natural attributes of greed, anger, etc. All scriptures (sastras) teach but this one lesson: since the Lord is the universal goal and this journey of life has Him as the destination, keep Him constantly in view and subdue the mind which makes you wander away from the path. All good qualities automatically gather around the person who practises control of speech and constant contemplation of the Lord.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Usual ways of life will not lead you towards God. They must be modified through spiritual discipline.

When you are ill or when your mind is immersed in something else, you will not enjoy the taste of food. So also, when the heart is full of ignorance (tamas) or is wayward, you will not experience joy even when you are engaged in remembrance of the name (nama-smarana), devotional singing, recitation of the name (japa), or meditation. The tongue will be sweet as long as there is sugar on it. Likewise, if the pillar of light called devotion continues to burn in the corridor of the heart, there will be no darkness. The heart will be illumined in bliss. A bitter thing on the tongue makes the whole tongue bitter; when the qualities of greed and anger enter the heart, the brightness disappears, darkness dominates the scene, and one becomes the target of countless griefs and losses. Therefore, those who aspire to attain the holy presence of the Lord must acquire certain habits, disciplines, and qualities.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba