Thought for the day

Without giving up sloth, how can Truth be known? Without giving up passion, how can devotion take root? Be serene and calm in stress and storm - that is the Satwik or pious path to win the Lord, the Truth. The mind is a wonder, its antics are even more surprising. It has no distinct form or shape. It assumes the shape or form of what it is involved in. Wandering from wish to wish, flitting from one desire to another is its nature. It causes loss and grief, elation and depression. Its effects are both positive and negative. The mind will gather experiences and store them in the memory forever. It does not know the art of giving up! As a consequence, grief, anxiety and misery continue simmering in it. It is worthwhile to know the characteristics of your mind and the ways to master it, for you will ultimately benefit! Teach it sacrifice (tyaga), and you will become spiritually wise (yogi)! 

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba 

Thought for the day

Samskriti, the word for culture, is derived from the word,samskara. Samskara is the dual process of removing the dust and dirt of vices and the planting of virtues. Know that envy is the stickiest dirt! You must be happy when others are happy. Rama is said to have been happy when others were happy; the Ramayana says that He was then as happy as if the event that made the other person happy had happened to Him. That is the true test. Krishna speaks of Arjuna as envy-less (An-asuya). What a great compliment! Therefore, He proposed to teach him the mysteries of spiritual discipline. Sathyabama is infamous in many stories because of her jealousy; in every instance Krishna attempts to put down this vice and teach her humility. Have Love towards the Lord, but do not become depressed with envy when others also love Him or get attached to Him.
Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba 

Thought for the day

Just as the body is the house you live in, the world is the body of God. An ant biting the little finger of your foot is able to draw your full attention to the spot, and you react to that pain immediately. You must similarly feel the pain, misery, joy or elation, wherever it is present; you must make an effort to protect your countries and fellow countrymen, however remote may be the place where the suffering occurs. Be kind with all your kith and kin. Expand your empathy; serve others who are in need to the extent your skill and resources permit you. Do not fritter away your talents in profitless channels. Everyone consumes a large quantity of food, but never calculates what one does in return to the society that helped one to live! The food you eat must be transformed into service, either towards one's best interest, or for the interests of others. You should not be a burden on others or an enemy of yourself.

Bagavan Sri Sri Sri Sathya Sai Baba