Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 1st, 2007
This day is New Year's Day only because you have decided to call it so; it is not astronomically or climatically different from yesterday or tomorrow. Even like this New Year's Day, many hundreds of thousands of such days have passed on earth and many thousands have been celebrated as festival days too. So too, this day has come and this too will be gone. If the New Year's Day is used by one to begin a new way of life, to take a step towards self-realisation or self-improvement through service, only then do the celebrations acquire meaning and significance.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 2nd, 2007
Truth can reflect itself in the intellect only when it is clarified by 'Tapas' (penance). Tapas means all acts undertaken with noble motives and all acts indicating yearning for the spirit, repenting for past mistakes, staunch determination to adhere to virtue, self-control and unyielding adherence to equanimity in the face of success or failure. 'Taapam' means heat, burning intensity and earnestness of endeavour. It is Tapas that fosters renunciation and discipline.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 3rd, 2007
What is meant by birth and death? To assume a body is birth and to cast off the same is death. It is out of delusion that man experiences the dualities of birth and death. When we inhale with the sound 'So', the life principle enters our body and when we exhale 'Ham', it goes out. Every moment, this process of inhalation and exhalation reminds us of our inherent divinity - 'So-ham' (I am God). So long as there is life-breath, the body is considered to be Shivam (auspicious). Once the life-breath ebbs away, it becomes Shavam (corpse). Both birth and death are related to the body and not to the life principle. Man experiences birth and death because of his body attachment. He will be released from the cycle of birth and death only when he gives up body attachment and surrenders himself completely to the Will of God.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 4th, 2007
In this vast expanse of the universe, right from the minutest atom to the mightiest, everything is permeated by the Atmic reality. It appears as the minutest of the minute and mightiest of the mighty. In fact, the principle of oneness that pervades the microcosm and the macrocosm is the fundamental reality which you have to enquire into. You must direct your love to the changeless Atma Tattwa (Atmic principle), not the body which is subject to birth and death. The Atma Tattwa does not undergo any change whatsoever. Nothing can be added to it nor deducted from it. Therefore, you must develop firm faith in such a changeless principle. Atma Tattwa is the only reality. Make Atma Tattwa as your goal in life's journey.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 5th, 2007
Once you have tasted Prema (Love), you will see the world in its real form. Therefore, become embodiments of love. Let love flow incessantly from your heart. Immerse yourself in the flow of love. Out of love, emerge truth and righteousness. Sathyam Vada, Dharmam Chara (speak truth, practise righteousness). Truth and righteousness are the two pillars on which the mansion of human life rests. It is love that gives rise to these two principles. There is no knowledge greater than the knowledge of love. You may read a number of Pustakas (books), but love cannot be acquired from such books. What is the use of reading Pustakas when your Mastaka (head) is filled with 'dirt'? It is because of such 'dirt', you become an animal losing the sense of discrimination.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 6th, 2007
All names and forms are based on your feelings. God has no differences whatsoever. No one can comprehend the nature of Divinity. Actually, the principle of love that exists in all beings is the principle of Divinity. Love has no specific form. Divinity transcends name and form. In fact, all names and forms belong to the same God. He responds to the prayers of devotees in whatever form they worship Him. Hence, each one considers the form he worships to be superior to the other forms. It is a sign of ignorance to consider one form superior to the other. What is important is that your prayers should not be confined to mere words. They should be translated into action. It is easy to speak but not so easy to practise. True prayer is that which is translated into action.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 7th, 2007
It is a grave mistake to identify yourself with the body. Give up body attachment and develop Atmic consciousness. Only then will you understand and experience your true form, i.e., Atma. Otherwise, even the smallest physical ailments will make you feel anxious. Physical ailments are like passing clouds. So long as you are deluded by body consciousness, you will be affected by them. Once you give up body attachment, you are no more bound by the body and its limitations. When you sit in meditation, you forget your body. Meditation means giving up Dehabhimaana (body attachment) and developing Atmic awareness. Understand that you are not the body. You are "I". Everyone while referring to one's self uses the term "I", the principle of Atma. Hence, you are not the body. It is only an instrument. "I" is your true identity.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 8th, 2007
Propagation of Dharma (righteousness) means to promote the practice of Dharma and not to spread knowledge about it. Only those who practice Dharma are qualified to propagate it. It is because Dharma and Sathya (truth) have been propagated by persons who do not practise them that they have been eclipsed. It is only when they are practised in daily life that their true nature and value will be realized. Though Dharma is present everywhere, it is covered by ignorance and pride, like fire that is covered by ashes or water by moss. These elements that hide the true nature of Dharma have to be removed so that it may be revealed to the world.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 9th, 2007
Love is light. It illumines your path and helps you reach the goal. Your journey of life will be safe and secure when you carry the light of love with you. Love is God. Live in love. Truly speaking, you are the very embodiments of love. Let the stream of love flow from one heart to another. Consider love as your life. This is your foremost duty. You may search anywhere in the world, you cannot find anything greater than love. You can conquer the whole world with the weapon of love. There is nothing that you cannot achieve with the power of love. Love is the supreme power. True human value lies in sharing and experiencing the supreme love. The power of love is unmatched. When you fill your heart with love, all people will become your brothers and sisters. You will not have enemies at all!
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 10th, 2007
In this world, you see many names and forms. Does it mean that they are all different from each other? No. All are one. It is only Divinity that expresses itself as mother, father, brother, sister, etc. Different people may ascribe different names to the Atmic Reality and try to define it in different ways. But, the underlying Atma Tattwa (Atmic principle) is one and the same. Names and forms may be different, but the underlying truth is one. When you keep this principle of truth in view, love will flow from you incessantly. Immerse yourself in the ocean of love. Do not give up love under any circumstance. Even if someone were to hate you, treat him as your own brother.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 11th, 2007
If only men knew the path to permanent joy and peace, they would not wander distracted among the bye-lanes of sensual pleasure. Just as the joy felt in dreams disappears when you wake, the joy felt in the waking stages too disappears when you wake into the higher awareness. Make best use of the present moment to become aware of the Divinity latent in all. When you die, you must not die like an animal or a worm, but as a Manava (Man) who has realised that he is Madhava (God). That is the consummation of all the years you spend in the human frame.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 12th, 2007
It is always preferable to approach God for the fulfilment of one's wants, rather than cringe before men, who themselves are mere mortals. In His own silent way, God will transform the mind and turn it towards Sadhana (spiritual endeavour) and ensure a successful spiritual journey. He will not allow His children to lose their way and suffer in the wilderness of the material world. When you approach God and seek his help and guidance, you have taken the first step to save yourself. You are then led to accept His will as your own. Thus, you achieve Shanti (Peace).
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 13th, 2007
Forgetting your innate divinity, you are in search of God in the external world. You are God yourself. Turn your vision inward and search for your true Self. Self-enquiry leads to true Sakshatkara (vision of God). Once you have Sakshatkara, you will be free from all worries. It is a mistake to say that you have not experienced God. He is present in you. Do not search for God outside. All that you see outside is illusory. Do not be carried away by the illusory world. Only then can you attain peace, and ultimately realise the truth "I am I". To know this simple truth, you need not go through various sacred texts. Keep the texts aside. Enjoy the taste of divinity within.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 14th, 2007
Today, people perform various Sadhanas (spiritual exercises) to experience divinity. Will God come closer to you because of these Sadhanas or does He go away from you if you do not perform them? No. It is only the Bhrama (delusion) that goes away from you when you perform the Sadhanas. As a result, you become closer to Brahma (God). You should make every effort to get rid of Bhrama. Give up the feeling that you are the body and you are the doer. Only then can you be free from delusion and fear. Reduce your body attachment. That is the Sadhana you are supposed to undertake. Spiritual practice does not lie in the performance of Japa (repetition of God's Name), Thapa (penance), Dhyana (meditation), etc. Develop firm faith that you are God. Remind yourself constantly, "I am God". Then you will become God.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 15th, 2007
Makara Sankranthi (Summer equinox)
From today onwards, the period of next six months is called 'Uttarayana' as the sun appears to move northwards in the sky. The northern direction, in Indian scriptures, is associated with the Gods, and so, these six months are considered especially suitable for Sadhana (spiritual discipline). But you must be concerned more with the 'Sun' in your inner firmament than in the depths of outer space, for you are concerned with the inner illumination, more than external light and energy. What is the Sadhana that will move the inner Sun Godward? God is hidden and obstructed by the clouds of egoism. Getting rid of egoism is the Sadhana to be practised. Service is the best cure for egoism; so, engage in it to relieve pain and grief of others to the extent that you can.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 16th, 2007
The entire universe has been created out of the Will of God. God creates the universe and sustains it. The universe ultimately merges in God, the source of its origin. The universe, which has originated from the Divine Will, is known as Vishwam. The correct meaning of Vishwam is that which is self-expansive and full of bliss. Vishwam is not merely a manifestation of physical matter, it is a direct manifestation of God. It is the very embodiment of the Cosmic Personality, with all His limbs. God is the primal cause behind the universe. The universe is the reflection of God. Vishwam and Vishnu (God) are not different from each other. Vishwam is the very form of Vishnu. The entire creation constitutes various limbs of God. Vishwam symbolises the expansive nature of God, which can be understood only through Viveka (discrimination).
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 17th, 2007
Every object in creation has five aspects, namely, Sath, Chith, Ananda, Rupa and Nama (existence, consciousness, bliss, form and name). The first three are eternal principles, whereas name and form are ephemeral. Sath, Chith and Ananda are the basis for name and form. People attribute various names and forms to God on the basis of their own feelings. They forget the three main principles of Sath, Chith and Ananda and assume name and form to be the sole reality. In reality, name and form are not permanent. But people are overwhelmed by name and form and ignore the eternal principles of Sath, Chith and Ananda. Consequently, they are deluded and tend to forget the mighty power of God behind the name and form.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 18th, 2007
Spirituality is meant to explain the principle of Divinity and the inner meaning of the names attributed to Him. One who follows the spiritual path should make efforts to understand and experience the principle of Divinity and propagate the same. But, man today has not really understood what spirituality means. He is under the mistaken notion that spirituality means merely offering worship and prayers to God and performing rituals. Man today worships inanimate idols and images, but makes no attempt to love his fellow human beings. If a man cannot love a fellow human being who is visible before his eyes, how can he love someone not visible to him? This is not possible. Only a man who loves those around him can love the invisible Divine.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 19th, 2007
When you undertake noble work there are bound to be certain obstacles in the beginning. But you should not lose heart. In the Hindu mythology, when the ocean of milk was churned by the Devas (gods) and Danavas (demons), it was a deadly poison that emerged first. But that did not deter them. They continued their efforts with unflinching determination, and ultimately obtained the divine ambrosia. Our heart can be compared to the ocean of milk and the Sadhana (spiritual practices) to the process of churning. Initially, there are bound to be obstacles when you undertake Sadhana. We should not be discouraged by these obstacles but should continue our efforts with full faith. Only then can we attain an exalted and blissful state.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 20th, 2007
Joy and pleasure earned by karma (actions) are only temporary. Nevertheless, one cannot and should not desist from karma. How then is one to act? One should practise detachment and desirelessness towards the results of karma. That is to say, one should treat all karmas as Yajna (sacrifice) performed for the glory of God and not for selfish ends, for earning lasting merit and not for temporary benefits. The Nishkaama Karma (desireless action) mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita is the real Yajna. Karma performed in that spirit will not cause either greed or grief; it will fill you with a sense of satisfaction and fulfilment.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 21st, 2007
Our actions should be such that they bring happiness to ourselves as well as others. First of all, we have to enquire what true happiness is and what sorrow is. People think that happiness lies in eating to the fill and having a sound sleep. That is no happiness at all. Happiness lies in working hard and serving society. We can experience peace and happiness only when we help the poor and needy. Every one has to understand his duty and perform it to the best of his ability. During Upanishadic times, people would offer their salutations to the Karma (action) before undertaking it - "Thasmai Namah Karmane" (salutations to action). We have to offer our salutations and gratitude to the Karma in the first instance so that it gives us good results.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 22nd, 2007
If you contemplate on God with pure and selfless love, you can see Him without fail. Today, many are in the quest of God. God is everywhere, but you should have the eyes to see Him. "Sarvatah Paani Paadam Tat Sarvathokshi Shiromukham, Sarvatah Shruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Thishthati" (with hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe). Where is the need to search for God, who is everywhere? Today people are trying to see God with their Charma Chakshu (physical eye). That is why they are unable to see Him. One can see God only with Jnana Chakshu (the eye of wisdom).
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 23rd, 2007
How can the ephemeral objects confer on you the eternal peace? Yad drishyam thannasyam (all that is seen is bound to perish). Transient objects cannot give you everlasting happiness. We see various objects in this world and are deluded that they are permanent. It is a grave mistake. Even our body is seen by the eyes; hence, it is also not permanent. It is a sign of ignorance to identify oneself with the body. For ages, man has been under the delusion that physical and ephemeral objects will give him happiness. True happiness results when man recognises the underlying eternal principle of Atma in this ephemeral world.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 24th, 2007
Desire and anger are like pests that destroy the tree of human life. Today desire and anger have become rampant in man. Yes, desires are essential for man. But excessive desires wreak havoc. Na Shreyo Niyamam Vina (without moderation, there can be no wellbeing). Desires should be kept under check. Man sometimes has love in him and at other times goes into a fit of anger. Such a tendency is the result of improper food and habits. Never translate your thought into action in haste. Take time and enquire whether what you want to do is right or wrong.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 25th, 2007
It is not possible for all to understand the nature of Divinity. One has to make efforts to understand the principles of Adhara (basis) and Adheya (object). Do not waste your time in mechanically performing rituals. True spirituality lies in realising the truth that man is but a spark of Divinity. This is what is declared in the Bhagavad Gita: Mamaivamsho Jivaloke Jivabhutas Sanathana (all beings are a part of My eternal Self). Vaasudeva-Sarvamidam (the whole world is permeated by God, Vaasudeva). You have to experience this truth and propagate it to the world.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 26th, 2007
Every man and every creature is an embodiment of love. All the birds, animals, and insects aspire to attain happiness just as man does. They also enjoy happiness. But there is a difference between the happiness they enjoy and the happiness man enjoys. Birds, animals, and insects are neither elated by happiness nor depressed by sorrow. They accept happiness and sorrow with equanimity. But man lacks such sense of equanimity. He feels elated when his desires are fulfilled and frustrated otherwise. Your happiness should remain forever. True happiness is not something that comes and goes like a passing cloud. At the time of birth, your heart is pure and you are full of bliss. You should retain such purity of heart for the rest of your life and enjoy everlasting happiness.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 27th, 2007
The body is made up of five elements and is bound to perish sooner or later, but the Indweller has neither birth nor death. The Indweller has no attachment whatsoever and is the eternal witness. Truly speaking, the Indweller, who is in the form of the Atma, is verily God Himself. The Atma has neither birth nor death. It has no pain or suffering. Only the body has suffering, not the Atma. The physical body comes and goes. You are not the body; you are the embodiments of the Atma. One has to get rid of body attachment in order to enjoy peace and happiness. Gradually reduce your Dehabhimana (body consciousness) and develop Atmabhimana (Atmic consciousness). Body consciousness and Atmic consciousness are inversely proportional. Dehabhimana will disappear once you develop Daivabhimana (Divine consciousness). The first step on the spiritual path is to keep body consciousness under check.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 28th, 2007
All forms are the forms of divinity. But because of worldly feelings, man views multiplicity in unity. Man should undertake such spiritual practices that will enable him to visualise unity. The fundamental basis for the apparent multiplicity is only one. Atma is the undercurrent in all names and forms. Atma means the power of consciousness. Man is not making any effort to know the principle of non-dualism. He is carried away by the multiplicity and thus is leading a life of ignorance. Realise that the same Atma dwells in one and all.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 29th, 2007
Man's life is bound by Kala, Karma, Karana and Kartavya (time, action, cause, duty). Due to the effect of the Kali age, man does not work hard; he has become lethargic. You have to sanctify your life by performing righteous action. Action is the cause for everything. It is very unfortunate that man has not understood the importance of action. He wants to lead an easy life. It is said, "Kashte Phali" (hard work alone yields rich rewards). The rewards that one gets will be commensurate with the efforts one puts in. One should recognise this truth and work hard accordingly. It is said in the Gita, "Karmanubandheeni Manushya Loke" (human society is bound by action). Nobody should waste time. Right from the time he wakes up in the morning, man should utilise his time and energy for the welfare of society. This is his main duty. He should realise that his welfare lies in the welfare of society.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 30th, 2007
Only truth and righteousness can confer peace and prosperity on the world today. Sathyam Vada; Dharmam Chara (speak truth; practise righteousness). This is the most important principle of Indian culture. Once you develop truth and righteousness, peace and love will automatically follow. Righteousness is the head of Indian culture and truth its feet. But today people have severed the head and feet of Indian culture, and are clinging on to the trunk of Artha and Kama (wealth and desire). What is the use of a mere trunk without the head and feet? People are striving to protect the country. The entire world is based on the principles of truth and righteousness. If you protect and practise truth and righteousness, they will in turn protect the country.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Jan 31st, 2007
Nobody can estimate the infinite power of God. It can only be experienced in the heart. Love is the only yardstick to measure the power of Divinity. Hence, we have to develop love to experience Divinity. You have to think of God every moment. If you win the grace of God, you can overcome any obstacle and acquire any type of wealth. Man should contemplate on God, his only saviour incessantly. The world will never come to your rescue. Sarvada Sarva Kaleshu Sarvatra Hari Chintanam (everywhere, at all times and under all circumstances, contemplate on the Divine name). There is no greater Sadhana (spiritual exercise) than this. The essence of all Sadhanas is contained in this. In the Kali Yuga, chanting of God's Name is the royal path to liberation.
-SAI BABA