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Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi
Nilayam |
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 1st, 2008
Man expects the New Year to confer on him and the world at
large peace, happiness and prosperity. But the welfare of
the world depends on man's conduct and behaviour. Man's
conduct depends on his mind. The nature of the mind depends
on thoughts. Only when man's thoughts are based on truth
will the world flourish. One who aspires for the welfare of
the world should see to it that his thoughts and actions are
in accordance with his aspirations. The New Year brings with
it neither happiness nor misery. Man attains happiness or
misery based on the actions he performs. So, he should
perform righteous deeds.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 2nd, 2008
People should know that there is nothing closer to them than
the Divine. Each one must strive to recognize this
indwelling Divinity. Most people waste their time in
observance of external rituals and forms of worship. Along
with external observances, people should try to achieve
internal purity. The human being is a composite of man,
beast and God, and in the inevitable struggle among the
three for dominance, you must ensure that God wins.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 3rd, 2008
The four subtle elements of consciousness - Manas (the
mind), Buddhi (the intellect), Chittha (will) and Ahamkara
(the ego) - are all Maya (delusion). What is Maya? Maa (not)
ya (exist). That which does not exist but appears to exist
is Maya. Maya makes the unreal appear as real and the real
as unreal. The other name for Maya is Ajnana (ignorance).
Ajnana is that which hides the reality from you and makes
you regard the non-existing as existing. It makes the false
appear as true. As you move towards the light, your shadow
falls behind you; when you move away from the light, you
have to follow your own shadow. Go every moment one step
nearer to the Lord and then Maya, the shadow, will fall
behind you and will not delude you at all.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 4th, 2008
Samskriti, the Sanskrit word for culture and civilization is
derived from the word 'Samskara', which means the dual
process of removing the dust and dirt of vice and planting
the virtues of Sathya (Truth), Dharma (Righteousness),
Shanti (Peace) and Prema (Love) in the heart. The foundation
of Dharma laid down by sages teach people that one should
not enthuse over victory or despair over defeat; both are to
be welcomed as tests of one's faith.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 5th, 2008
All religions teach one basic discipline, the removal of
egoism and giving up of petty desires. Every religion
teaches man to fill his being with the glory of God and
evict the pettiness of conceit. It trains him in methods of
detachment and discrimination, so that he may aim high and
attain liberation. Believe that all hearts are motivated by
the One and only God; all Faiths glorify the One and only
God; all names in all languages and all Forms that man can
conceive of, denote the One and the only God who is best
worshipped through pure Love. Cultivate that Ekabhava (the
attitude of oneness) towards men of all creeds in all lands.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 6th, 2008
In this infinite world there are manifold beings. It is only
Dharma (right-conduct) and Jnana (wisdom) that distinguish
man from other beings. You can win the Grace of the Lord
only by Dharma. Dharma induces the spirit of self-surrender.
Without the mastery over the senses, feelings and emotions
that is a result of the practice of Dharma, you cannot have
steady faith and detachment.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 7th, 2008
When you wake up, feel that you are entering the stage to
play the role assigned to you by the Lord; pray that you may
act it well and earn His approbation. At night, when you
retire to sleep, feel that you are entering the greenroom
after the scene, but with the costume of your role on; for
perhaps the role is not yet over and you have not yet been
permitted to take the costume off. Perhaps, you have to make
another entrance the next morning. Do not worry about that.
Place yourself fully at His disposal; He knows; He has
written the play and He knows how it will go on and how it
will end; yours is but to act and retire.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 8th, 2008
The wicked tendencies in man, such as arrogance, envy, bad
thoughts and misdeeds, go on shearing the life of man into
pieces. His bad qualities shorten his life span. When man's
life is filled with good thoughts and good actions, he can
live for a hundred years. The secret of the longevity
enjoyed by the ancients is precisely this. Man today wastes
his life immersed in bad thoughts and actions and ultimately
meets a sad end.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 9th, 2008
Man is basically and essentially immortal. But yet he is
afraid that he will die. He is Ananda Swaroopa (Embodiment
of Bliss), but he weeps and is miserable. He is Shanti
Swaroopa (Embodiment of Peace), yet he is burdened with
anxiety. This absurd self-deception is the root of the
tragedy from which the world is suffering today. The truth
has to be driven in to the consciousness of man. The human
being is a composite of man, beast and God, and in the
inevitable struggle between the three for supremacy, you
must ensure that God wins.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 10th, 2008
The knowledge gained from education is being misused today
solely to obtain and enjoy comforts and sensual pleasures.
This education has served to develop some kind of
intellectual abilities and technical skills, but has totally
failed to develop good qualities. Society today is steeped
in materialism because of the preoccupation with mundane
pleasures.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 11th, 2008
Life is a game, play it! To achieve fame and success in this
game, you have to cultivate good habits. Good thoughts, good
speech and good actions are the disciplines required in this
game. When so much practice and effort is required to
achieve success in games like tennis, imagine how much more
effort is needed to succeed in the game of life! In this
game, if you wish to achieve a good name, uphold your
ideals, and realise the Divine. You must observe right
thinking, right conduct and right attitude in your daily
life.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 12th, 2008
In this Kali Age, people have forgotten human values and
exhibit animal qualities such as lust, anger, greed and
hatred. One may study all the scriptures, perform all types
of sacrifices, go on extensive pilgrimages, but it is not
easy to control the senses and the mind, direct one's vision
inward and maintain equanimity. In ancient times, the sages
and seers maintained purity in thought, truth in words and
righteousness in deeds. Purity of heart and selflessness are
the hallmarks of human life.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 13th, 2008
The human body is the most wondrous machine in the world. It
has a bewildering multiplicity of organs, nerves and cells
which cooperate to maintain it under varied conditions. If
any one of these rebel or refuse to cooperate with another,
the body is bound to suffer. So too, a society, community or
nation can be safe, secure and happy only when the
individuals comprising it are mutually helpful and bound
together in skilful and sincere service. Or else, the world
has to face confusion and chaos.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 14th, 2008
The world is a great teacher, a constant guide and source of
inspiration. That is the reason why man is placed in the
world. Every bird, every animal, every tree, mountain and
star and each tiny worm has a lesson for man, if he has but
the thirst to learn. These make a world a veritable
University for man; it is but a Gurukulam (a school for
spiritual learning) where he is a pupil from birth to death.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 15th, 2008
(Makara Sankranthi)
Sankranti is an auspicious festival of the Bharatiyas. From
this day commences the Uttarayana Punyakala (northward
journey of the sun) which is considered auspicious for man
to embark on his journey towards the goal of a purposeful,
sacred and blissful life. In the north, we have Himachala
(Himalayan mountains). Himachala symbolises a heart that is
pure and cool as Hima (ice) and steady as Achala (mountain).
The message of Sankranti is that people should direct their
vision towards Himachala in this symbolic sense. It does not
mean looking at the north with the physical eyes. It calls
for enquiring into the truth of the spirit with Jnana
Drishti (inward eye of wisdom).
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 16th, 2008
Man's conduct is based on his thoughts. Thoughts are based
on desires. Desires depend on the company that one keeps.
The company of noble people gives rise to noble thoughts.
The mind by nature is pure, but it gets polluted by
association with evil qualities. Purification of the mind is
therefore the main spiritual practice that one has to
undertake. Repent wholeheartedly for the mistakes that have
been committed. This penance will purify your mind and make
it sacred.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 17th, 2008
What is spirituality? It is the resolute pursuit of cosmic
consciousness. Spirituality aims at enabling a person to
manifest in all its fullness the divine cosmic consciousness
(Chaitanya) that is present both within and outside oneself.
It means getting rid of one’s animal nature and developing
the divine tendencies within one. It means breaking down the
barriers between God and Nature and establishing their
essential oneness. Today, people think that spirituality has
no relation to mundane life, and vice versa. This is a big
mistake. True divinity is a combination of spirituality and
social obligations. National unity and social harmony are
founded upon spirituality. It is the Divine that links
spirituality and social existence.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 18th, 2008
Man is deriving innumerable benefits from Nature and
enjoying the amenities provided by it in various ways. But
what is the gratitude he is offering to Nature and God? Man
is forgetting the Divine who is the Sole Provider of
everything. This is the reason for his falling prey to
various difficulties and calamities. While he is receiving
countless benefits from Providence, he is offering nothing
in return to Nature or God. This shows how unnatural and
heartless man's behaviour is. When we are enjoined to return
good for evil, how unbecoming is it to fail even to return
good for good? Man should learn the great lesson Nature is
trying to teach him - the lesson of doing service with no
expectation of return.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 19th, 2008
Man is carried away by identification with the body and
therefore he perceives diversity in creation. In fact, unity
is what underlies the apparent diversity. Whatever
differences you see are only creations of your mind. The
mind of man alone is responsible for both his bondage and
liberation. Recognise the truth that the same divine essence
is present in all and you will be free from all differences
and conflicts.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 20th, 2008
You are in this body in order to realise the God you really
are. This body is the cocoon you have spun around yourselves
by means of your impulses and desires. Use it while it
lasts, to grow wings so that you can escape from it. You
came into this world crying, announcing your grief for
having to take on the burden of earthly existence. Having
come with grief, decide not to go back with it from here.
Get rid of it in this very life.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 21st, 2008
To achieve anything in this world, discipline is
indispensable; we must also have self-confidence, and then
self-sacrifice. If you do not possess these three, your life
will be meaningless. When a river is flowing erratically, we
construct a dam, change its course and divert is usefully on
its way to the ocean. So also, when our ideas are recklessly
and aimlessly going their own way, they should be channelled
by the construction of the dam of discipline. They should be
made to take the form of sacrifice and go towards the ocean
of faith in one’s Self. We should regard it as absolutely
essential to attain these three qualities – sacrifice,
self-confidence and discipline.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 22nd, 2008
Reflections of the sun shining in the sky can be seen in the
oceans, rivers, lakes and wells. Though the reflections are
varied, 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
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 23rd, 2008
People feel that adhering to truth is difficult. Actually,
it is untruth that creates difficult problems. All kinds of
plans have to be made to cover up a lie. But to stick to the
facts, as they are, is easy. People should come to realise
that it is easy to be good. It is going astray that causes
difficulties. One cannot always avoid committing a mistake,
but one should learn a lesson from it and avoid repeating
it.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 24th, 2008
Everything that is born must die. But you can escape death
by not being born again. When you realise that you are the
limitless Atma, you are no longer subjected to the
limitation of birth. That is the secret. How is this
knowledge to be acquired? It is the result of a long process
of sharpening and purifying the emotions and the impulses.
You may do the most rigorous Japa (repetition of God's name)
or submit yourself to the ordeal of austerities, but if you
are not virtuous, all of it is sheer waste.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 25th, 2008
When you love Me, you love all; for you begin to feel, know
and experience that I am in all. By means of meditation, you
can realise that I am the resident in all hearts, the urge,
the motive, the guide and the goal. Yearn for that vision,
that awareness and make it your priceless possession. Then,
you have what you often ask Me for… Sakshathkara (direct
vision of reality). Your love has to be pure and free from
the taint of ego, so that it can merge in Me.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 26th, 2008
An empty iron box gets value when it contains jewels; the
body is honoured when it contains the jewels of
consciousness and values known as 'virtues'. Life has to be
lived through for the sake of the chance to unfold the
virtues. Otherwise, man is a burden upon the earth, merely a
consumer of food. Help to the needy has been described as
the highest virtue and harming others has been condemned as
sin.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 27th, 2008
Men try to know everything about everybody else; but they do
not try to know about themselves! The attempt to know about
the Self is called 'Atma Vidya'. It is only through that
knowledge that man can live in peace. For, when you know
that all is Divine, you look upon all Creation with
reverence and true Love; your heart is filled with supreme
joy and the assertions of the ego are rendered ineffective.
Man seeks joy in far places and peace in quiet spots; but
the spring of joy is in his heart, the haven of peace is
within him. Have faith in God, and in the correctness of
moral living. Then you can have peace and joy, whatever may
be the fare that fortune offers you.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 28th, 2008
Dharma is bound up with a great many variety of meanings and
does not mean only duty, which pertains to one individual.
Dharma is a body of principles that are fundamental to
social stability and individual progress. It is eternal,
same for everyone, everywhere. The birthplace of Dharma is
the heart. What emanates from the heart as a pure idea, when
translated into action, is Dharma, or to put it in simple
words - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 29th, 2008
Matham (religion) is a matter of Mathi (mind). Based on the
teachings of the different faiths, having regard to the
requirements of the time and circumstances of different
countries, and keeping in view the specific needs of the
people concerned, certain rules and regulations were laid
down. On this account, one faith should not be considered
superior to another. Man's primary duty is to bear in mind
the sacred truths enshrined in every religion and practise
them in his life.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 30th, 2008
Only when there is no ego, or at least, less ego, can peace,
happiness, co-operation and love flourish. Man cannot claim
to be a man until this ego which urges him to destroy others
is overcome by the Sadhana (spiritual discipline) of Seva
(selfless service). By saturating the Seva with love, work
is offered to God; it then gets sanctified into Pooja
(worship). This makes it free from ego. Only by reducing his
wants and overcoming jealousy and envy can man reduce his
ego, since to overpower the ego otherwise is well-nigh
impossible.
-SAI BABA
Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam -
January 31st, 2008
Everyone is endowed with a spiritual heart (Hridaya). When
you fill your heart with love and compassion, peace will
reign supreme in the world. There will be love everywhere.
There will be no jealousy, hatred or anger in the world.
Restlessness will disappear from the face of the earth. One
who has filled his heart with compassion will always remain
in peace. It is most essential to know this truth. People
mistake Hridaya for the physical heart. Hridaya is nothing
but the all-pervasive Atmic principle, in other words, the
Aham. So you should keep your heart absolutely pure and
sacred.
-SAI BABA
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