Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 1st, 2006

To reach the stage of a Jnani (Knower of the Supreme), the preliminary steps are Karma and Upasana (righteous action and worship). Without following the paths of Karma and Upasana and succeeding in them, one can not become a Jnani, just as a student cannot acquire a degree without passing out of school. Before one becomes an adult, one has to pass through the stages of childhood and youth. It is idle for any one to claim that he is a Jnani, unless he has gone through the prior disciplines. The mark of a Jnani is perennial joy. It is for realizing the oneness of divinity, that the three stages of action, worship and knowledge have been laid down in the Vedas.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 2nd, 2006

The entire world is filled with love. The world is Love and Love is the world. In every human being, love is present as an effulgence which shines in his heart. Love is life and life is love. Love is an inborn quality in man. It is his very life-breath. Even as the power to burn is natural for fire, and the power to cool is natural for water, love is a natural trait for man. Without it, he ceases to be human.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 3rd, 2006

All experiences of pleasure and pain have their origin in the thoughts of man. A thought is like the seed of a tree, which in due course puts forth branches, leaves, flowers and fruits. All that you see in a tree has come from a small seed. Likewise, although man's thought is subtle, it contains potentially the entire universe. The atom is the microcosm of the Universe. One may have noticed the huge size of the banyan tree; however its seed is very small. Intrinsically, the seed and the tree are essentially one.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 4th, 2006

Buddhi (intellect) revels in discussion and disputation. Once you yield to the temptation of dialectics, it takes a long time for you to escape from its shackles and enjoy the bliss which comes from its nullification. You must always be aware of the limitation of reason. Logic and deduction must yield their place to devotion. Buddhi can help you along only some distance along the Godward path; the rest is illuminated by intuition.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 5th, 2006

When a man's inner self is filled with love, his life becomes full of bliss and he is always hale and hearty. Today, man suffers from numerous ailments the root cause of which is a diseased mind. There is no death for the mind, though when the body is facing death the mind thinks it is dying. The mind, it has been said, is the cause of one's bondage or liberation. Bad thoughts beget bondage. Good thoughts lead to liberation. Hence, everyone should develop good thoughts and perform good deeds. Such good feelings can arise only out of love.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 6th, 2006

Man is the storehouse of every mineral, metal and energy that the earth contains. He has in him electric, magnetic and several other forms of energy. Sadly, man does not realise this. There is the enormous strength of Divinity latent in him that enables him to do anything that he sets his mind on. Man's many achievements are mere glimpses of the great potential that is latent in him. All he needs is to have the will and the determination to realise this strength and potential.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 7th, 2006

The body and mind are very closely interlinked and are vital to man's evolution. A complete man is one who has both a pure mind and a healthy body. The body must certainly be fostered and protected, but no attachment must be developed towards it. The Atma within the body is more fundamental. While the body is bound to perish sometime, the Atma within is eternal. A healthy body and a pure mind in turn combine to give 'Lavanya' - true beauty. True beauty is that of the character and not of the body. It is this Lavanya that gives one an eternal youthful countenance and bliss.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 8th, 2006

God is immanent in the five elements - Earth, Water, Fire, Wind and Ether. Since there is no place in creation where the five elements do not exist, it can be concluded that God is all-pervasive. And yet, why is man unable to experience this divinity? Though water reflects objects, the image, unlike the object, is not steady. Similarly, man cannot be a perfect image of God if he suffers from 'Manochanchalatvam' - a wavering mind. Such a mind leads to confusion and depression, and with such a mind, a seeker can never realise the divinity within. What is essential for a steady mind is the control of the five senses. Too many desires contribute to a wavering mind. One must therefore exercise a ceiling on desires if he is to experience divinity.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 9th, 2006

Yajnas (sacrificial rituals) are conducted for a sacred purpose. The cosmic energy issuing from the Mantras (hymns) rises up with the smoke from the Yajnakunda (altar) and spreads all over the world, thus purifying the atmosphere. Some agnostics may criticise this as wasting fuelwood, ghee (clarified butter) and other valuable articles by casting them into the fire. This is as foolish as the criticism of an ignorant person that a farmer wastes good quality seeds by scattering them on his fields. He does not realise that one small measure of seed will yield several bags of grain as harvest. The Yajna is done not for selfish purposes but for the welfare of the entire world. It reflects the noble ideal of service, and sacrifice before self.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 10th, 2006

Health is wealth. Without a healthy body, man cannot execute any of his thoughts, however noble they may be. A healthy body leads to a healthy mind. Have your meals on time and relish what you eat. Also, while eating, be filled with positive thoughts - that will bestow upon you good health. In the first instance, give up all bad habits; you will automatically gain good health, which will confer a strong body. You can then lead an ideal and meritorious life full of happiness and bliss.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 11th, 2006

Sound is the first attribute of God. The hymns of the Vedas constitute Naadha Brahman (God in the form of sound), which is highly potent. Even if you cannot chant the Vedas, mere listening to the recitation of the Vedas is itself capable of purifying your mind and elevating you to a higher level. Though the child does not know the meaning of the lullaby sung by its mother, it is induced to sleep hearing the tune. Similarly, listening to the chanting of the Vedas with undivided attention will confer upon you immense benefit. If you ruminate over it and practise its teachings in your life, you can imagine the magnitude of the bliss you will attain.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 12th, 2006

It is the sense of duality of 'mine' and 'thine' which accounts for all the joys and sorrows, likes and dislikes experienced by man. This duality is rooted in selfishness, which makes one think that as long as one is alright, it does not matter what happens to the world. Such a self-centred person, who regards his body, his wealth and his family as all that matter to him, is deluded, for he looks upon truth as untruth and the false as true. To get rid of this deep-seated malaise, men have to engage themselves in service. They have to realise that the body has not been given to serve one's own interests but to serve others.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 13th, 2006

You need not go anywhere searching for God. Divinity is within you. Just as there are many limbs in the body which are kept alive by one heart, the same God is the life-force for all beings. The entire universe is the reflection of the Supreme Being. Dhrishti (vision) determines your view of Shrishti (Creation). When you see the world through coloured glasses, you will see everything in the colour of the glasses you are wearing. Whatever happens, you should take it as a gift of God. Love is God. Live in Love. This is the proper way of worshipping God.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 14th, 2006

Man's ego is the cause of his divisive attitude. The man who is caught up in the coils of his ego cannot recognise God. When the ego merges in the Atma, there is Mukti (liberation). The Aham (ego) arises from the Atma. From the ego, thought emerges and thought is the source of Vaak (speech). All these have emerged from the Atma. It is only when the ego goes that the truth of the Atma can be realised. It is ego that is the cause of man's bondage. Man comes from the Brahman (God), grows in the Brahman and merges in the Brahman. The aim of spiritual Sadhana is to make man recognise the unity that underlies the entire creation and enable him to realise the bliss in union with the Divine. This can be achieved through Karma, Upasana and Jnana (righteous action, devotion and spiritual wisdom).

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 15th, 2006

Devotion to one's motherland is as important as devotion to God. When integrity and patriotism are developed in an individual, his vision becomes broad and his outlook balanced. The motherland is not just a place on the map or an extent of land or a collection of names; it is verily the Mother who feeds the body as well as the mind. It teaches the art of progressing towards the supreme goal of life, namely, self-realization. It is thus the embodiment of both Lakshmi (Goddess of prosperity) and Saraswathi (Goddess of knowledge).

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 16th, 2006

The incarnation of Krishna proclaimed the doctrine of divine love, as manifested by the Gopikas cowherd maids. Man is like an earthen pot filled with nectar. His body may be made of clay, but his spirit is eternal. The Divine has to be experienced through the body. Hence, human birth should not be treated as something trivial. Human life is worth living; it should be cherished as something precious.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 17th, 2006

Before undertaking any action, answers should be found for the five questions - who, when, where, what and how. People today act without concern for these considerations. Everyone must rely on his own judgement using his powers of observation and discretion. There is a divine power in every limb and organ of the body. This divine potency is called Angirasa. The name is derived from the fact that the Divine is present in every Anga (limb) as Rasa (life sustaining essence). There is no need to search for the Divine outside yourself. You are Divine. All your powers are Divine potencies.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 18th, 2006

Man forgets his true nature because of attachment and egoism. Man should develop unwavering faith in God. Faith should be like your life-breath, which goes on at all times without respite. Breathing goes on irrespective of whatever work you may be doing and whatever be the state of your mind. Likewise, in all situations and at all times, your faith in God should never leave you. It should not change according to whether your desires are fulfilled or not. Like your lifebreath, your faith should remain steady, through joy and sorrow, loss and gain, pain and pleasure. Treat whatever happens as good for you. Develop that sense of fortitude.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 19th, 2006

Man should strive to become good and virtuous. Only when a man is filled with good thoughts and feelings, and performs good deeds will his life become meaningful. You have to busy yourselves with activity in order to use your time and skill to the best advantage. That is your duty, and duty is God. Every man should recognise that the body has been given to him to render service to others. One must use the body for promoting the welfare of society. A mind that is not utilized for imparting joy to others or a body that is not used in service of others is totally useless. The way to love God is to love all and serve all.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 20th, 2006

Truth and Righteousness alone are lasting and all other things, including this body, wealth and kinsfolk are impermanent. Manifest the truth within you and put into practice that truth. What you need for spiritual progress are three things: a heart free from attachment and hatred, a tongue that is not tainted by untruth, a body not polluted by violence. Without these three, all penance and religious practice is of no use. You have to pray incessantly to the Divine to confer these qualities on you. Realise that the Divine is within you. Life is given to you to realise lasting bliss by the right use of the body, the mind and the intellect. You have to acquire the wisdom to lead such a life based on the love of God.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 21st, 2006

It is essential to cleanse the mind through regular Sadhana (spiritual discipline), to tune the individual to the infinite will of God, to merge in His Glory. Scholarship or skill, however deep and varied, have no purifying power. They only add the alloys of pride and competition. Learned men are not necessarily good, nor are men with spiritual powers necessarily above pride, envy and greed. Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness), Shanti (Peace) and Prema (Love) are the true qualities of a person with a pure heart, a heart where God is enshrined and is manifest

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 22nd, 2006

Man's character gets transformed into good or bad depending on his company. Noble company bestows noble feelings and bad company gives rise to evil traits. Your speech and conduct are based on your feelings. You deserve to be called a human being only when you develop good feelings. Form alone does not constitute a human being. A true human being is one who embodies good habits, helps ever and hurts never. You should not merely be an Aakara Manava (human in form); you should become an Aachara Manava (human in conduct). Speak good, see good, do good and be good. Divinity will manifest in you only when your conduct is good.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 23rd, 2006

Spiritual life does not mean leaving the home and living in a solitary place. True spiritual life means looking upon the whole of mankind as one family and realising the unity in diversity and leading a life of selflessness and love. Consider spiritual life as 'sugar' and worldly life as 'tasteless water' in your daily life. Do not labour to amass wealth, but instead engage yourself in selfless service to earn credit in the bank of God.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 24th, 2006

The ills of humanity are due to the undernourishment, not so much of the body, but of the spirit caused by want of spiritual exercise and neglect of spiritual regimen. It must be understood that the root cause of suffering is due to lack of wisdom that enables you to realise the indwelling unity amongst apparent diversity. The safest and surest means of uprooting this suffering is by removing ignorance, resulting in the realisation of the Reality.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 25th, 2006

One of the first principles of right living is: practise silence. For the voice of God can be heard in the region of your heart only when the tongue is stilled and storms of the mind are calmed. There will be no temptation for others to shout when you talk to them in whispers. Set the level of the tone as low as possible, yet audible enough for the people you are speaking to. Conserve sound, since it is a manifestation of God.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 26th, 2006

You can adore God according to your own fancy and pleasure. He remains unchanged even when the names and forms by which you adore Him keep changing. The effectiveness does not lie in which name or form you worship, but with how much yearning and depth of feeling you adore Him in your heart. God will assume that very form which you pray to and fulfil your yearning; that is the indication of His grace and the boundless love He has for you.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 27th, 2006

Ganesh Chaturthi

What is the inner significance of worshipping the elephant-faced deity Ganesha? The elephant is a symbol of might and magnitude. The elephant's foot is larger than that of any other animal. The elephant can make its way through the densest jungle. In this way, it signifies the quality of a leader who shows the way for others. The elephant is also known for its faithfulness and gratitude. These are the lessons man should learn from the elephant. Intelligence without gratitude is valueless. Every man should be grateful to those who have helped him.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 28th, 2006

At one time we are joyous and at another time we are sorrowful. The same object which is a source of happiness turns out to be a source of agony with the passage of time. Therefore, joy and grief are only states of mind and the objects which are themselves subject to change cannot give us lasting happiness. Whatever is transient cannot be real. Knowing that the life of enjoyment is naturally inimical to serious spiritual effort, good people consider difficulties as stepping stones to a higher life.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 29th, 2006

Whatever talents a person may possess, they must be dedicated to the service of humanity, indeed of all living beings. Therein lies life's fulfillment. All men are kin, moulded out of the same five elements, with the same divine essence residing in everyone. Service to your fellowmen will help your divinity to blossom, for service to man is service to God. God resides in the heart of every man and every living being, in every stone and stump. Let every act be a flower to be offered at the feet of God, free from the creeping worms of envy and egoism and full of the fragrance of love and sacrifice.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 30th, 2006

Man has the unique capacity to realise and appreciate the beauty of creation and express feelings of love, compassion and sympathy towards his fellow-beings. He can delve not only into the secrets of nature, but also into his own mystery, and discover the divinity within himself. However, engrossed in the material world, he has lost all sense of spirituality and sublimity. Truth has become just a word in the dictionary; virtues like humility, patience and reverence too seem to have lost their relevance. The only thing that man can hold on to in this dreary darkness is the name of God. That is the raft which will take him across the stormy sea of the world.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Aug. 31st, 2006

The best way to get rid of delusion is to strike at its very roots - the mistake that you are the body, with a name and form, attached to the senses, the intelligence and the mind. Don't you say, my nose my mind, my hand, my reason, just as you say, my book, my umbrella? Who is this 'I' that calls all these 'mine'? That is the real 'you'. It was there when you were born, and exists even when you sleep forgetful of all else including the body. That 'I' cannot be harmed; it does not change, it knows no death or birth. Learn the discipline that makes you aware of this Truth and you will be ever free and without fear.

-SAI BABA