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Thought for the day as
written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 1st, 2006
Character is the true ornament of man. The loss of this ornament is the
source of all his suffering and misery. Man does not realize the purpose
for which he has been created by God. Gods creation is pregnant with
profound truths, mysteries and ideals. But man has forgotten these ideals.
He is unable to appreciate the significance of his legacy. Of all the
powers in the world, human power is the greatest. Man assigns value to
everything in this world, but he is unable to recognize his own value.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 2nd, 2006
The true dwelling place of God is the heart of man. You dont need to go
in search of God. Not being able to recognize your innate divinity is
Ajnana (ignorance). You have to enquire into the reason for this
ignorance. This is mainly because you follow the Pravritthi Marga (outward
path) all your life under the influence of the sense organs, which are
drawn towards external objects. You are not making any effort to follow
the Nivritthi Marga (inward path). Thus, you are fully engrossed in the
outward activities and are completely neglecting the inward path. You see
everything from a worldly point of view and do not recognize the divinity
that pervades it. You have to make an effort to change your vision from
outward to inward to perceive this divinity.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 3rd, 2006
Neethi means morality or right conduct. It is the path that leads one to
the Divine. Good character, purity of thought, performance of meritorious
deeds and selfless sacrifice are all subsumed in the term 'Neethi'. The
ancients regarded Neethi as fundamental, without which the society will be
maimed. Morality is not something that you must force upon yourself; it is
your natural quality. Therefore, first and foremost, cultivate morality.
Only then will divinity blossom in you. The entire world will prosper when
man adheres to morality. Wherever you are, whatever you do, consider
morality as the basis of your life. Morality alone grants true and lasting
reputation. You can earn divine grace and happiness only when you
cultivate morality.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 4th, 2006
Words can confer strength; they can drain it off; words can gain friends;
they can turn them into enemies; words can elevate or denigrate the
individual. One must learn the habit of making one's words sweet, soft and
pleasant. A person is judged by his words. Before pointing out the faults
of others, examine yourselves and assure yourselves that you are free from
faults. But the wonder is that you discover faults in others only when you
have faults in you. Once you rid yourself of faults, all become pure and
good. That is the magic of Divine love.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 5th, 2006
Sleep is the main cause of dreams. If there is no sleep at all, there is
no dream possible. For the dream of Ajnana (ignorance), Avidya (lack of
true knowledge) is the cause. Therefore, do not fall into the sleep of
Avidya. Give up this attachment of Samsara (world) and wake up from the
sleep of delusion. This delusion gives you the mistaken impression of the
physical reality. Moha (attachment) makes you forget your true form. You
are not this physical body. Do not mistake physical things for spiritual
realities. Just as the dream state disappears when you wake up from sleep,
the delusion caused by Moha disappears when you awaken into the state of
Jnana (wisdom).
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 6th, 2006
God is the basis of everything. He is omnipotent, omniscient and pervades
all creation. Who can say that only this is Brahman (God) and that is not.
The only eternal, existent entity is Brahman. The rest is all evanescent.
Just as without cotton, there can be no cloth, similarly, there can be no
world without God. Do not mistake this Deha (physical body) as real. It is
the Dehi (indwelling Divinity) that is the true reality. This Divinity is
beyond birth and death, the one without any beginning or end, and is the
eternal witness. Recognise this truth.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 7th, 2006
Bhagavath Gita mentions 'Udhaseenah' (being unruffled by anything) as one
of the qualities of the devotee who is dear to the Lord. This means that
one should be totally free from selfishness. One must consider the
performance of one's duties as the sole purpose of one's existence. One
should perform one's duties indifferent to fame or blame, not seeking
power or position. One must act according to the dictates of one's
conscience, without any other concern. All actions must be performed in a
spirit of selfless service. This is the true import of being 'Udhaseenah'.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 8th, 2006
Purify your emotions; make your mind strong to resist the force of
ignorance and the wiles of the senses - then you are assured of peace and
joy. You maintain health by physical exercise; similarly mental health
must be maintained by means of certain spiritual exercises or sadhana. For
example, by means of pure food, the mind can be rendered pure and sharp;
it can then cut through obstacles and temptations and rend asunder the
veil of misconception. You must also try to be constantly in a good
environment and in good company.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 9th, 2006
Egoism is a thorny bush, which when planted and fostered in one's heart,
makes one pay the penalty. Egoism makes enemies of even dearest friends;
it ruins many good causes and projects, for it does not allow two
competent men to work together. Grief follows it like a shadow. Joy,
peace, courage, co-operation and love flourish in the absence of the ego.
When man is aware that the same Divine consciousness that motivates him is
equally motivating all others, then love ousts the ego to the background
and takes charge of man's actions, words and thoughts.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 10th, 2006
It is not easy to understand the nature of the Divine. Worldly
intelligence cannot fathom the ways of God. You may benefit from God, but
you cannot explain Him. God is beyond the reach of the human mind; by
standing on a rock, you cannot lift it. Similarly, living in Maya
(illusion), you cannot comprehend its nature. But, once man realises the
unity that underlies the universe, the problems arising out of the
apparent diversity disappear.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 11th, 2006
The remembrance of God and repetition of His Name is the only means of
liberation that is easily accessible to all. People tend to treat the Name
of the Lord casually, not realizing its potency. The power of the entire
cosmos is contained in it. You must understand the significance of the
Name properly and use it in the right way. Bhajan is an effective activity
by which Kama (desire) and Krodha (anger) can be kept away.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 12th, 2006
Why do you repeat the word Shanti (peace) thrice? You pray that you may
have peace at all the three levels - physical, mental and spiritual. You
are not one, but three: the one you think you are - physical body, the one
others think you are - mind and the one you really are - Atma. All the
three aspects of your being must be in a state of peace. This can be
achieved only through love. The evil traits of hatred, jealousy and pride
should be cast aside. These are not human qualities, but animal traits.
You are a human being. Love is the chief quality of man, truth is his
basis and righteousness is his very life. When you cultivate these three,
you will definitely attain peace.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 13th, 2006
God's grace is the greatest wealth. To consider the amassing of money,
gold or other material objects as the ultimate goal is not right. The goal
of life instead, should be the acquisition of the divine wealth of God's
grace. Try to win His grace by reforming your habits, reducing your
desires and refining your nature. One step makes the next one easier; that
is the unique quality of the spiritual path. With each step, your strength
and confidence increases and you feel the Lord's grace all the more.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 14th, 2006
Follow the call of the Divine arising from the hearts of all living
beings. Serve them in an attitude of worship, not expecting anything in
return. Do not accept even gratitude, having dedicated all your acts to
the indwelling God. This will purify you so that you will be able to
listen to the 'Soham' (I am He) that your breath repeats every moment.
'Soham' transmutes itself into 'Om' when the distinction between He and I
has dissolved in the union with the Absolute.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 15th, 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 Nov. 16th, 2006
It is the nature of a magnet to attract iron. But, if the iron is covered
with the rust, it will be unable to get attracted by that magnetic power.
Greed for sensual pleasure is one of the causes for this harmful rust to
accumulate. Hence, care has to be taken to ensure that the rust never
forms. Then, the iron piece, by contact with the magnet takes on the
magnetic quality and attains the object of its quest. The dust of sensual
greed can be kept at bay by keeping good company, and putting into
practice the axioms of good conduct that one can imbibe from such sacred
company.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 17th, 2006
The sages of India sought to know that knowledge which when gained,
everything else becomes known. The expression of that discovery in
practical life is Love; for, it is Love that creates, sustains and
envelops all. Without Love, no one can claim to have succeeded in
comprehending God and His handiwork, the Universe. God is Love, live in
Love - that is the teaching of the sages. The heart has to be prepared by
means of Namasmarana (constant repeating of the Name). This constitutes a
Yoga in itself, 'Chittha shuddhi yoga', the path of
Consciousness-cleansing." Charge every second of your time with the
powerful Divine current that radiates from the Name.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 18th, 2006
Life is a long pilgrimage along the rough and torturous road of this
world. But, with the Name of God on his lips, the pilgrim will know no
thirst; with the Form of God in his heart, he will feel no exhaustion. The
company of the holy will inspire him to travel in hope and faith. The
assurance that God is ever near will lend strength to his limbs. Remember
that with every step, you are nearing God; and God too, takes ten steps
towards you when you take one step towards Him. This journey does not have
any halts; it is one continuous journey, through tears and smiles, through
birth and death. When the road ends, and the Goal is attained, the pilgrim
finds that he has travelled only from himself to himself, that the God he
sought was all the while in him, around him, with him, and beside him! He
himself was always Divine.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 19th, 2006
Motherhood is the most precious gift of God. Mothers are the makers of a
nation's fortune, for they shape the sinews of its soul. These sinews are
toughened by two lessons - fear of sin and fondness of virtue. As the
mother, so the sweetness of culture. As the mother, so the progress of the
nation. If mothers take care of their families, they will be protecting
the nation. Mothers should foster in their children, love for truth,
righteousness and narrate inspirational stories of great men and women.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 20th, 2006
Man's mind is too full of the world and desires demand too much of his
time and energy. Engrossed in the analysis of the material world, he has
lost all sense of sweetness and sublimity and truth has become just
another word in the dictionary. Humility, patience and reverence have
become irrelevant .The only ray of hope in this enveloping gloom of fear,
hatred and persecution, is the Peace that one can win through self-control
and sadhana (spiritual endeavour). That Peace will pervade and purify the
inner consciousness as well as the outer atmosphere.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 21st, 2006
See God in every one you meet; see God in everything you perceive. His
Mystery is immanent in all that is material and non-material. The Universe
is permeated by the Divine, it is an expression of His Mystery! Dip into
the springs of joy within you and progress; do not stand still or recede.
Every minute must mark a step forward. Rejoice that it is given to you to
recognise God in all and welcome all chances to sing His Glory, to hear
His miraculous stories, to share His presence with others.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 22nd, 2006
Understand the truth that among the myriad forms of life, human life is
the most sacred. Man should make an effort to understand his innate divine
power and lead his life in a way so as to uphold Dharma (righteousness).
Birds and beasts act according to their innate nature, but man is
forgetting his responsibility of fostering righteousness. Many are under
the mistaken notion that education is meant for Udyoga (employment).
Udyoga without Yoga (communion with the Divine) is futile. Contemplation
on God is true Yoga and Udyoga. That is the primary duty of man. Mans
life will shine forth brilliantly only when his mind is filled with divine
love. The one who has total faith in God and love for God will lead a life
of joy and bliss.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 23rd, 2006
(Sai Babas birthday)
I do not accept from you flowers that fade, fruits that rot, or wealth
that is transient. Offer to Me the lotus that blooms in your Manasa
sarovara - the clear pellucid waters of the lake of your inner
consciousness; give Me the fruits of purity and steady discipline. I am
beyond all these worldly rituals which require you to approach God with
some fruit or flower in your hand. Mine is the realm of the spirit. If you
are always immersed in happiness, with faith in God and fear of sin, that
is enough for Me and that is what pleases me most.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 24th, 2006
Ponder over all the things for which you have cried so far. You will find
that you have craved only for paltry things, for momentary distinctions,
for fleeting fame. Instead, you should cry only for God, for your own
cleansing and consummation. You should weep, for the six cobras that have
sheltered themselves in your mind, poisoning it with their venom: Lust,
anger, greed, attachment, pride and malice. Quieten them as the snake
charmer does with his swaying flute. The music that can tame them is the
Name of God. Thereafter, they become playthings; you can handle them as
you please. When these are laid low, you will gain equanimity and you will
remain unaffected by honour or dishonour, profit or loss, joy or grief.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 25th, 2006
To attain the attitude of surrender, of dedication, you must have Faith in
God. This world is His play; it is not an empty dream; it has its own
purpose and use. It is the means by which one can discover God; see Him in
the beauty, the grandeur, the order, the majesty of Nature. These are but
shadows of His Glory and His Splendour. Upasana (adoration of God), leads
to the knowledge that He is all; when you experience that there is no
Second, that is Jnana (Spiritual Wisdom)!
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 26th, 2006
The mansion called life must be built on strong foundations, the pursuit
of artha (wealth) and kama (fulfilment of desires) must be regulated by
the yardstick of Dharma. Dharma fosters those who foster it. The strongest
foundation is ever-present Faith in the Almighty. Some may ask, "If He is
Almighty, why then is he not patent?" Well, He reveals Himself only to the
person who has the yearning, not the one who puts questions out of
impudence or ignorance. He will be patent only in the pure heart that is
not clouded by egoism or attachment to worldly objects.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 27th, 2006
Love God and you see God in every creature. Another way is to start with
those around you, and then widen the circle of love till it envelops all
creation. Let the mind dwell ever on God; let it see everything as Divine.
That is what is described as one-pointedness. When the mind is so fixed,
it will give up its tendency to search for faults and foibles in others;
it will not run after the foul and the frivolous and it will not
accumulate the trivial and the transient. The body is like the container
of the torch, the senses, the bulb and the mind is the battery. But if you
use your intellect as the switch, then, the mind will not be turned
towards the undesirable. It will be used only to help the individual's
progress towards his/her Divine destiny.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 28th, 2006
Man's duty is to sanctify his days and nights with the unbroken smarana
(recollection) of the Name. Recollect with joy and with true yearning. If
you do so, God is bound to appear before you in the Form and with the Name
you have adored Him. God is all Names and all forms, the blending of all
these in harmonious beauty! The Gods worshipped in different faiths,
adored by different human communities, are all various manifestations of
the one Divine principle that really is. Just as the body is the
harmonious blending of the senses and the limbs, God is the harmony of all
the forms and names that mankind worships.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 29th, 2006
How can a person who himself cannot swim teach others the art? How can one
whose granary is empty pour out food in charity to others? Acquire the
wealth of devotion, fortitude and peace before venturing to advise others
on how to acquire them. You may be very enthusiastic to spread the message
of the Lord, but the one and the only sure way of doing it is by
translating the teachings in to action in your lives. Your thoughts, words
and deeds must be saturated with the love and message of the Lord. Then
the message of the Lord will spread effectively throughout the world and
transform everybody.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam Nov. 30th, 2006
The reflection of the sun shining in the sky can be seen in the oceans,
rivers, lakes and wells. Though the reflections are many, there is only
one sun. The Divine is present in man like the unseen thread which holds a
garland of gems together. The entire cosmos is permeated by the Divine and
is the visible manifestation of the Divine. Nothing in the world, no
object, no human being, no creature can be found wherein God is not
present. There is only one God and he is 'Sath-Chith-Ananda'
(Being-Awareness-Bliss).
-SAI BABA