Man is misusing the talents given to him by the Divine.

Man is misusing the talents given to him by the Divine. He is giving free vent to the six cardinal vices of lust, anger, greed and so on. They are not the gifts of the Divine. They have been fostered by the food people eat. They are animal qualities which have to be got rid of. People should speak the truth and avoid speaking what is unpleasant even if it is the truth. The entire gamut of human life should be based on truth. Bharatiya (Indian) culture has placed the foremost emphasis on “Speak the truth; act righteously.” Speaking truth is a supreme virtue for all people, anywhere. In any circumstance, one should adhere to the truth. Truth is God incarnate. Righteousness should accompany one like a shadow. When you have truth and righteousness as your guiding stars you can achieve anything in life. All powers are inherent in these two virtues.

BAGAVAN SRI SRI SRI SATHYA SAI BABA

Spiritual exercise consists of getting rid of bad thoughts and cultivating good qualities.

People talk about spiritual exercises and waste their lives. All these pursuits are a waste of time. It is enough if you develop sacred feelings. The chief sadhana (spiritual exercise) consists of getting rid of bad thoughts and cultivating good qualities. Whatever pilgrim centre you may visit, try to shed your bad tendencies. Develop good qualities instead. You should try to do good to those that have done harm to you. You must forget the harm done by others and also the good you have done to others. So you should forget what needs to be forgotten and remember those things that require to be remembered. What are the things you have to remember? The good that others have done to you. You must remember the good that has been done to you as something sacred. You must express your gratitude to them. Make all your actions conform to righteousness (dharma). Whatever actions you do remembering God will get sanctified thereby.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Thought for the Day

Buddha realised that self-realisation cannot be attained through penance or prayers or austerities. Buddha emphasised the importance of developing good vision (samyak drishti). Good vision leads to good thoughts, good speech and good action. He laid stress on association with good people. The company of good leads to good deeds. The four rules to be observed are: cultivate good company, avoid association with evil persons, do meritorious deeds always, and remember what is transient and what is eternal. Good company does not mean merely association with good people. Sat refers to the Divine. What is required is to seek the company of God, who is the source of all bliss. When one's thoughts are centred on God, one's feelings, speech, and actions get sanctified - samyak bhavam, samyak sravanam and samyak kriya. This leads to the purity of inner sense organs. Purity in thought, word, and deed is the requisite for experiencing the Divine.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba