Every living being looks at the world around in his/her unique and special way. The same object is looked at by ten different persons with ten different feelings. An individual is looked at by his son with the feeling that he is a father. The wife looks upon the same individual as a husband. His companion looks upon him with the feeling that he is a dear friend. Though being the same individual, he responds differently to each one. Each one of those who visualize him differently are uniquely affected. Realize this Truth and fill your vision with Wisdom. You will realize God's omnipresence at all times.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Rare and costly articles might attract us by their external beauty, but to the eye that is illumined by spiritual light, it will appear trivial in value. Physical charm and strength can never overpower spirituality. The passion that breeds egotism can be identified wherever selfishness and pride are displayed. Until this mode of thought and action are suppressed, the quality of goodness will not shine. You must ensure that goodness prevails so as to propitiate, please and win the grace of the Lord.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Your daily duties (Samskaras) make or mar your life. These are the steps that take all beings to their goals. The evil actions you perform result in loss and grief. Through good actions alone you can attain the Lord. So every individual must be wholly engaged in doing good tasks. Performing your duties sincerely is the authentic form of worship. It is the best form of remembering the Lord. It is the highest Bhajan. It spreads love without any distinction or difference. Your daily duties are nothing but acts of service. Be engaged in them, remembering uninterruptedly, the goal of reaching the Lord. This is the royal road to your success.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Born in various parts of the world, through various paths, all the rivers, at last reach the ocean. So too, born in different lands, practicing different modes of worship, people reach the Ocean of the Presence of the Lord. A true follower of Sanathana Dharma (Eternal Truth) will be truthful in speech, eschew jealousy and anger, and always acts with a loving heart. All those who practice the above without faltering are entitled to be called ‘Bharathiyas’ (Loving devotees of God).           

-SAI BABA

    

 

My dear children, arise and awake! Establish once again the Rama Rajya (Rule of the Lord), resplendent with the mansions of Truth, Right Action, Peace and Love. Quench the burning flames of ignorance, restlessness, injustice and envy with the water of Love, Forbearance and Truth. Sweep away all jealousy and anger. Each one should realize their own faults and understand that there is no use in searching for faults in others. That is a mere waste of time and it also breeds quarrels. Forget your past, repent sincerely for your misdeeds without yielding to dejection and tread the path of prayer to God with good deeds and brotherly love to all.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Veda is the name for a mass of Divine Knowledge. They teach the truth that cannot be revised or reversed by the passage of time through three periods - past, present and future. Vedas are a collection of words that are truth, which were visualized by sages who had attained the capacity to receive them in their enlightened awareness. Vedas are really the very breath of God. The unique importance of Vedas rest in this fact: Vedas confer peace and security on the entire society. They ensure welfare and happiness for the whole world.

-SAI BABA

    

 

The real goal of a person's existence should be giving up of desire. Giving up of desire involves giving up of lust, anger, greed, hatred etc. Presence of desire implies the presence of lust, anger, greed etc. These other feelings and emotions are its natural attendant reactions. These together are veritably the gateways to hell. Envy is the bolt and pride is the key for the doorway to hell. Unlock and lift the bolt - you can certainly enter in! Hence the fundamental renunciation should be that of desire!

-SAI BABA

    

 

The taste of the vast ocean is to be found complete and undiminished in every single drop of its water. But this does not mean that the drop and the ocean are the same. We recognize the drop and the ocean as two separate entities, but the nature and taste are both identical. Similarly the All-pervasive inner motivator of all (Sarvantharyaami) and the Name and Form you adore are not separate entities. They are identical. All the gross Forms of Divine are fully saturated with the subtle. Without understanding this truth, it is impossible to realize your Loving Lord.

-SAI BABA

    

 

As the Vedas are vast and limitless, it was difficult and would take very long for ordinary men to study it. Hence, it was classified into four, so that it can be within the reach of all. The ‘Rks’ or hymns in praise of the Lord were grouped under Rk Samhitha and Yajur Samhitha. The verses capable of musical rendition were grouped under Saama Samhitha, and the formulae and spells were compiled under the Atharva Samhitha. There is no trace of conflict in any of these texts. They have emerged to enlighten people in different states of awareness to benefit by the Divine Guidance and cross the sea of suffering.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Pashu (animal) means that which has the vision and accepts what the external vision conveys. ‘Pashupathi’ means Lord of all, the one who has the inward vision. The one who has not mastered the senses is Pashu. An animal has several innate undesirable qualities, however hard it may try to eliminate them, they cannot be transformed. For example, we can bring up a tiger cub with affectionate care and train it to be gentle and obedient. But when it is hungry, will it relish Poori (an Indian dish made of wheat flour) and potato curry? No, it will only relish raw meat! Hence, the scriptures quote: "Man indeed is the most fortunate and sacred amongst all beings, for one's inborn qualities can be sublimated". Realizing this truth, each one must elevate himself/herself through training and self-effort.

-SAI BABA

    

 

The attitude of the worshipper and the worshipped is truly the seed of Bhakti (Devotion). First, the worshipper's mind is attracted by the unique qualities of the Divine. He tries to acquire for himself these special qualities of the object of his worship. This is Sadhana (Spiritual Practice). In the early stages of worship, there is clear distinction between the worshipper and worshipped. Later, as Sadhana progresses, the feelings of distinction will diminish. Finally when the attainment is reached, there will be no distinction whatsoever. To get there, one must have the firm faith in the Lord. The only wish that is fit to be entertained in the mind of a devotee is the desire to realize the Lord in this very birth.

-SAI BABA

    

 

God is present in everyone. He resides in every heart. So, do not confine God to a temple, mosque or church. Where man is, there God is! As you do not realize this, you indulge in the criticism of others. To overcome this habit, enquire within yourself, "Whom do I adore? Whom am I criticizing?" God is present in everyone. So, when you criticize another, it amounts to criticizing yourself. When you love others, you love yourself. Whomever you criticize, it reaches God (Sarva Jeeva Thiraskaaram Keshavam Pratigacchati). Whomever you salute, it reaches God (Sarva Jeeva Namaskaram Keshavam Pratigachchhati).

-SAI BABA

    

 

True Ugadi is the day when man gives up bad qualities, fills his heart with love and takes to the path of sacrifice. Do not limit the celebration of Ugadi to merely putting on new clothes and partaking of delicious items. Today you may wear a new shirt, but how long will it remain new? Tomorrow it becomes old. Today's newspaper becomes a waste paper tomorrow. Our life is like a newspaper. Once you have finished reading a newspaper, you do not like to read it again and again. You have been given this birth which is like a newspaper, and have gone through varied experiences of pleasure and pain. Enough is enough. You should pray, "Oh God! You have given me this 'newspaper' and I have gone through the experiences of this life. I don't want to have another birth."

-SAI BABA

    

 

Only after the feelings of 'I' and 'mine' are uprooted, one becomes a devotee. The heart of such a devotee will be filled with compassion and the urge to do good to the world. It is the supreme bliss they attain thereby which impels them to act in this way. They crave for nothing else but being one with their sweet Lord. With this single goal in mind, regardless of joy and sorrow, without any concern about their own satisfaction, they engage themselves in spiritual practices steadfastly, incessantly and with conviction, and after understanding the Reality, they attain full contentment.

-SAI BABA

    

 

The syllable ‘man’ in the word ‘Manthra’ indicates the process of probing through the mind. The syllable ‘thra’ means that which has the capacity to liberate or save. In short, ‘Manthra’ is that which saves you, when your mind dwells upon it. While rites, rituals and sacrifices are performed, you should remind yourself of their nature and significance. You must repeat the Manthras to attain the goals you pray for. If you recite them mechanically without learning the meaning, they yield no fruit. You can reap the full reward, only when you recite them with the knowledge of their meaning and their significance.

-SAI BABA

    

 

A life lived without mastering one's senses does not deserve the name. You have been endowed with many capabilities and if you do not control your senses and direct them properly, then that life is wasted. Vidya or true education helps you to achieve success in this process. Vidya promotes humility and through humility, you acquire the deservedness to engage in professions. Deservedness confers prosperity. A prosperous person has the capacity for undertaking acts of charity and right living. Right living will confer happiness here and hereafter.

-SAI BABA

    

 

People tend to delay doing their duties. But for undertaking spiritual practices, there is no yesterday and no tomorrow. This very moment is the moment. If you have engraved this understanding in your heart, then you can merge in Lord Shiva. If this truth is not assimilated, and you get immersed in aims of today and tomorrow, and it lays the foundation for worldly attachment! Then you will be born again and again to have the Darshan of Yama (God of Death)! Those who realize this truth will not fail even to the slightest extent in their spiritual practices. It is the right of every aspirant to have the vision of Shiva (Lord of Auspiciousness).

-SAI BABA

    

 

The Rig Veda teaches unity. It exhorts all living beings to have good thoughts that are directed towards good ends. It insists that all hearts must be charged with the same good feelings. All beings must tread the path of Truth, for all are manifestations of the same Divinity. Some people believe that the lesson of unity of mankind is new and progress towards it is praiseworthy. In Rig Vedic times, the concept was proclaimed much more clearly and emphatically than it is now. All are sparks of the same flame of Divinity. The Rig Veda also demands that difference and distinction should not be imposed and a universal, inclusive outlook must be cultivated.

-SAI BABA

    

 

The human body is a world in itself. The body is a tree. Love of the Self is the root. Desires are the branches it sends forth. Qualities, attributes and modes of behavior that are based on the basic nature are the flowers from the tree. Joy and grief are the fruits thereof. Blood flows through and animates every part of the body. So too, Divinity is flowing in and through and activating every spot in the world.

-SAI BABA

    

 

What is the use in planning a well when the house has caught fire? When will it be dug? When will water become available and when will the fire be extinguished? Isn't it an impossible task? If at the very start, a well was dug, how helpful it would be during critical situations? Beginning to contemplate on God during one’s last moments is like beginning to dig the well after the house has caught fire. No one knows what is in store the next moment. Therefore, from now on, engage in contemplation of God and perform your spiritual practices. Physical stamina is very necessary for Sadhana (spiritual practice), so look after your body with utmost care. But remember that over-tending is also harmful.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Sri Rama Navami
You should make right use of the eyes, ears and tongue, which God has gifted to you. Whoever is able to control these will achieve greatness. One should therefore cultivate these virtues and attain divinity. This is the primary objective and fundamental basis of all education. Those bereft of these virtues are verily demons. This is the essence and the message of Ramayana. Never neglect these teachings. They are for emancipation and redemption of mankind. Put them into practice in your life.
 

-SAI BABA

    

 

Wealth acquired through the grace of Mother Veda is the most potent wisdom in itself. For this reason, the ancient seers prayed to God thus, "Dear Lord, you are the very embodiment of Veda. Burden me not with worldly riches, but grant me the wisdom that is the source of Paramaishwarya (highest treasure). I shall be fully content with that wealth and since it is capable of being utilized for your service, you too will be glad when I have it!"

-SAI BABA

    

 

For achieving the success in any task, Sadbhava or righteousness is very important. Without fear of sin, righteousness cannot originate and love for God too will not develop. From this fear of sin arises devotion which leads to worshipping the Lord. Your body is a caravanserai, your mind its watchman and soul is the pilgrim. For a hassle-free journey to eternity, there is nothing as reliable as remembering the Name of the Lord. Once the sweetness of the Name has been experienced, you will not have any exhaustion, unrest or sloth. You will complete your pilgrimage joyfully, enthusiastically and with deep conviction.
 

-SAI BABA

    

 

Desires breed wishes. Wishes cause birth and also death. If you are devoid of desires, you need not go through birth and death. The next birth is the result of unfulfilled desires in this life and is determined by them. However, the desire to know God, to love God and be loved by God is a desire that does not bind. When awareness of God dawns in all its splendor, every worldly, sensual desire is reduced to ashes. The individual Self will then turn towards Universal Self and delight itself in supreme everlasting peace.

-SAI BABA

    

 

The Vedas lay down four goals before man: Dharma (righteousness), Artha (wealth), Kama (desire) and Moksha (liberation). But they have to be pursued in pairs, Dharma and Artha together and Kama and Moksha together. That is to say, Artha has to be earned through Dharma, and Kama has to be for Moksha. But man takes these four separately and ends up losing everything. He puts them into separate compartments and adopts distinct plans to achieve them. He gives up Dharma and Moksha as beyond him and wastes his life pursuing only Artha and Kama. This leads him to ruin.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Look at the blossoms in the garden. When the gardener plucks the flowers, the buds exult that tomorrow is their turn to be gathered into his hands, and their faces are so full of joy when they unfold in that hope. Do they feel any sadness? Do their faces droop? Are they any less bright? No. The moment they know that the next day it is their turn, they make themselves ready with great gusto and excitement. So also, one must be ready on the path of Sadhana (spiritual practice), enthusiastically remembering the Name of the Lord, without worrying and feeling sad about when we may have to depart from the earthly plane.

-SAI BABA

    

 

The expression “God is no where" can remain unchanged; there is no need to confront or contradict that expression. The only thing necessary is to read the letter "w" in "where", in conjunction with the previous word "no", so that it becomes, "God is now here!" The negative suddenly becomes positive! Similarly, by merely unifying your vision towards God, the distinctions and differences you see in the world disappear and the many becomes one. Great devotees from all the religions have realized this truth by their unwavering faith won through the purification of the mind.

-SAI BABA

    

 

Education is now sought after for securing a means of livelihood. The attempt of many parents and their children is to learn some skills which will fetch them a good job in a business establishment for a decent salary. Of course, man must live and live comfortably. So, it is necessary that some useful skill is mastered. But, man needs things much more satisfying, much more essential than comfort. He must have faith in himself, so that he may respect himself. This Atma Vishwasa (confidence in the Self) lies at the very root of joy.

-SAI BABA