There is no greater spiritual practice than adhering to the principles of truth and love.

Dharma says 'Satyam vada' and 'Dharmam chara': Speak the truth and practise righteousness. Sathyannasti paro dharmah: there is no better stabilising factor in society, no more support for individual progress than Satya, Truth. Hiding the truth or perverting it or denying it or defacing it are all signs of cowardice; no bold person will stoop to cover the face of Truth. Besides, you must know that the Vedic injunction is: “Dharmam chara - Practise Dharma." It is not enough if you learn about it; you must act it, fill every moment with word, deed and thought that reflect your awareness of Dharma. That type of living is the hallmark of what is called seelam (character) in statements such as “Seelam param bhushanam - Character is the most precious jewel." You must examine every moment of your waking time to check if you are observing the precepts of Dharma or straying away!

Bagavan Sri sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

People may say that pilgrimages are a waste of time and money, but let Me tell you that it is the best way to spend time and money, provided one has real devotion.

You go from place to place, like postal parcels, collecting impressions on the outer wrapper, not on the core of your being. A blind man going places is not worried whether it is night or day. So too, you do not differentiate between one place and another. You behave equally unconcerned, equally senses-centred, in all types of places. You do not allow the holiness of the place to act on your mind. As a result of pilgrimages, your habits must change for the better, your outlook must widen, and your inward look must become deeper and become more-steady. You must realise the Omnipresence of God, and Oneness of Humanity. You must learn tolerance and patience, charity and service. After the pilgrimage is over, sitting in your own home, you must ruminate over your experiences and determine to seek the higher, richer and more real experience of God-realisation. I bless you that you may form that determination, and striving step by step, achieve that Goal.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

 When the reservoir is full, the water taps will flow; when the heart is the reservoir of love, sympathy and faith, acts, words and thoughts will help peace and joy. Politicians however do not recognise these needs; they fill the young hearts with hate, envy and greed, and spur them on to violence and vituperation. They draw them away from the classroom, the library and the laboratory and make them tramp the streets. They prod them to injure innocents, damage property and behave wildly, with fury. Indian Culture never encourages the use of force for effecting changes in law or social conditions or people's attitudes. Gandhi directed the movement for Indian Independence along spiritual lines which drew courage and confidence, and communicated to people both recitation and reflection on the Names of God. He cleansed the heart of the nation, of hatred and envy, of fear and doubt. He stuck to the ideal and the path; you too should do the same.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Ram