Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 1st, 2008
All are children of God. He is the sole Lord of mankind. People may seem to differ in their names and forms and in their beliefs and practices. But the source is the One alone. Recognition of this basic truth of oneness is Brahmajnana (Knowledge of the Absolute). This knowledge cannot be gained by merely studying the scriptures and holding metaphysical discussions. What has to be recognized is the truth that every being in the universe is an embodiment of the Supreme. Awareness of the unity that subsumes the diversity is the highest knowledge.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 2nd, 2008
One's selfish needs have to be sacrificed. There must be constant effort to do good to others. One's desire should be to establish the welfare of the world. With such feelings in one's heart, one must meditate on the Lord. This is the right path.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 3rd, 2008
The best way to get rid of weakness is to strike it at its very root - the mistaken belief that you are the body, that you have a name and a form, these senses, this intelligence and this mind. These are all the luggage you carry. Don't you say, "my mind", "my hand", 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, when you were sleeping forgetful of all else, forgetful even of your body with all its equipment, internal and external. 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 bold. That is real Vidya (knowledge), the Atma Vidya (knowledge of the Self).
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 4th, 2008
Live in the constant contemplation of your kinship with others and with the Universe. Do good to others, treat all nature kindly, speak soft and sweet words, become like a child devoid of envy, hate and greed. When your love crosses the boundaries of your family and community, and expands to those beyond, you have taken the first step to cross the threshold of Maya (delusion).
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 5th, 2008
In all worldly activities, you should be careful not to wound propriety, or the canons of good conduct. You should not play false to the promptings of the Inner Voice. You should be prepared at all times to respect the dictates of your conscience. You should watch your steps to see whether you are in some one else's way. You must be ever vigilant to discover the unifying Truth behind all the scintillating variety.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 6th, 2008
Every single unselfish act which prepares the ground for the merging of the soul with the Higher Soul, which broadens the vision towards the Brahman (Divinity) immanent everywhere, is a Dharmic (righteous) act. Each such act is a tiny stream rushing towards the sea of Brahmajnana, the supreme knowledge of the Self. Whatever is done in an attitude of dedication and surrender is a Dharmic act which leads to Self-realization.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 7th, 2008
All religions have taught what is good, and everyone should lead a righteous life based on this knowledge. If the minds are pure, how can any religion be bad? All the religions are different paths leading to one and the same destination. All devotees should experience this truth and live up to it in their daily lives. They should lead righteous lives and thereby experience enduring bliss. Only then will their spiritual effort be fruitful. Listen to the words of the wise, purify your thoughts and concentrate your mind on God. God can be installed only in a pure heart. The aim of all Sadhana (spiritual practices) should be to purify the heart.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 8th, 2008
What all Sadhakas (spiritual aspirants) have to do is this: first, Viveka is to be developed, that is to say, the capacity to distinguish between the eternal and the transitory, and to decide which is worthy. Second, a sincere attempt has to be made to experience what is chosen as worthy and true. Third, that effort should not be given up, whatever be the obstacles that come in the way. These three constitute genuine Tapas (penance). From this Tapas alone, real Shanti (peace) and Ananda (joy) is born.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 9th, 2008
Vijaya Dashami
Bharatiyas have been celebrating the Navarathri festival from ancient times as a mode of worship of Devi, the Divine as mother. They worship the goddesses Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati during these nine days. The significance of Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati has to be rightly understood. The three goddesses represent the three kinds of potencies in man: Ichchaa Shakti (will power), Kriya Shakti (the power of purposeful action), and Jnana Shakti (the power of discernment). Saraswati is manifest in man as Vaak (the power of speech). Durga is present in the form of energy and dynamism. Lakshmi is manifest in the form of will power. The body indicates purposeful action - Kriya Shakti. The mind is the repository of will power - Ichchaa Shakti. The Atma is the power of discernment - Jnana Shakti.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 10th, 2008
Joy in times of good fortune and sorrow in times of bad, mistaking the pain of the body and senses as one's own, such a dualistic attitude and feeling must be overcome. Gradually, the identification with the body has to be given up. This is the very foundation of Jnana Yoga (path of wisdom).
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 11th, 2008
Man can achieve Shanti (peace) only through Love. Shanti is the fruit of the tree of life without which the tree is but a barren stump; it has no value or validity. The fruit is encased in a bitter skin so that the sweet juice may be preserved and guarded against marauders. One has to remove the skin before tasting the sweetness within. The thick rind is symbolic of the six evil qualities that enshroud the loving heart of man: lust, anger, greed, attachment, pride and hate. Those who can remove the rind and experience the sweetness within through rigorous and consistent discipline, attain everlasting peace that everyone aspires for.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 12th, 2008
The essence of Bhakti (devotion) as well as Jnana (wisdom) is Prasanthi, supreme and unruffled peace. As the sky's clear blue is not affected by the clouds or rainstorms, lightning or thunder, but, remains the same in spite of these temporary disturbances, the mind of man too must be clear and calm, in spite of all the storms and stress of life.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 13th, 2008
Of what use are wealth and position if one has no peace of mind? A quiet conscience is man's most precious possession. To achieve inner peace, desires have to be subdued and all thoughts should be centered on God. Engage yourselves in service activities in a spirit of dedication. True service consists in helping the poor and the forlorn in the society with humility and dedication. This is service to the Divine. Practice the saying - "Dil me Ram, Hath me Kaam." (Serve with your hands having installed God in the heart). Do not hanker after power and pelf.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 14th, 2008
It is not the nature of an aspirant to search for faults in others and hide his own. If your faults are pointed out by anyone, do not try to argue and prove that you are right. Do not bear a grudge against that person for it. Instead, reason out within yourself how you are at fault, and set right your own behavior.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 15th, 2008
Man has been engaged in exploring the infinite, wonderful secrets of nature in this marvelous creation in all possible ways. But, due to the vagaries of his mind, intellect and ego, man has failed to understand the true, eternal and spiritual basis underlying everything in the Universe and has lost himself in the pursuit of the external phenomenal world as if it were the only reality. In the process, he has failed to realize his own true nature and has totally perverted his mind. The simple truth that everything is permeated by the One has been lost sight of.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 16th, 2008
Be equal-minded in fortune and misfortune, in happiness and sorrow, loss and gain. The ups and downs of life have lessons to teach us. In fact, without reverses in our life, we will not be able to experience Divinity. Without darkness, we cannot appreciate light. Without experiencing difficulties, we will not value the pleasures we enjoy. It is lack of peace of mind which compels us to seek the means to realize everlasting peace. The Upanishads have declared that through renunciation alone can immortality be attained. Man should learn to practice renunciation so as to discover the secret of enduring peace and bliss.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 17th, 2008
The object of all Sadhanas (spiritual exercises) is the destruction of the mind, and some day some one good deed will succeed in destroying it. For this triumph, all the good deeds done in the past will have contributed. Each little thing counts. No good deed is a waste.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 18th, 2008
Mankind has progressed much in exploiting the material resources of the earth in order to promote the standard of life. But, he has not learnt the way to inner peace and contentment. Envy and greed have fouled the relations between persons and nations, suppressing the awareness of the Unity that underlies all Creation. The main cause of this calamitous situation is rank egoism; each one tries to grab for himself whatever adds to his power and comfort. The mind has desires as its warp and woof. When desires are ego-oriented, time and effort are wasted; duty is neglected; the body and its skills are misused. In order to restore peace to the individual and in society, the mind has to be purged of its attachment to the self.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 19th, 2008
The dominion of God is horizonless; it envelops space and goes even beyond it. So, do not allow the needs of worship to put blinkers on your eyes. Do not hate other names or manifestations of the one Supreme Being. For, hate breeds fear, hate is the seedbed of anxiety, scandal and falsehood. It drains your mind of peace. Unless you are at peace with yourself and with those around you, your mind will be agitated and your blood will be boiling in rage and rancour. Love alone can alleviate anxiety and allay fear.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 20th, 2008
It is to clear the path of spiritual progress of man that the Avatar (Divine incarnation) has come. The Ashanti (unrest) in which man is immersed has to be removed. That is what is meant by "Parithraanaaya sadhoonam" or protection of the virtuous as declared in Bhagavad Gita; saving good individuals from the tentacles of Ashanti or grief caused by ignorance of the unimportance of worldly things. All individuals must get Shanti (peace) and Santhosha (happiness), that is the mission on which the Lord comes again and again on Earth. He takes on a human form so that you may meet Him and talk to Him, understand and appreciate, listen and follow, experience and benefit.
-SAI BABA


Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 21st, 2008
Consider the reality of the objects from which one derives joy. Each one of them is saturated with the Divine Essence. The rain that falls, the sun that shines, the moon that cools, the rivers that flow are equally available to all. Therefore, no one has the right to claim them exclusively for themselves or to prevent others from enjoying these gifts. The Divine is the basis for everything. The eye cannot see nor the ears hear unless the life-principle is active through the grace of the Divine Atma or Brahman. Man can become aware of the Atmic truth when he casts off the trammels of egotism and possessiveness.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 22nd, 2008
Love is the form of the Divine. The first impulse that emanated from man was Prema (Divine love). All other things came thereafter. Every child that is born, immediately develops love for the mother. Every child tries to recognize at the outset its mother and father. In the same manner, every individual should recognise the land of his birth and his Samskrithi (cultural heritage). One's nation and one's culture should be revered as one's parents. The nation is one's mother. One's culture is the father. This profound truth was proclaimed by Lord Rama when He declared: "Mother and the Motherland are greater than Heaven itself."
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 23rd, 2008
In the spiritual field, the sprouting of intense interest represents the beginners stage. But interest alone is not enough. Efforts to realize the spiritual objective have to be made. The aspirant has to recognise the basic truths of the spiritual quest, and those truths have to be practised. Only then, the fruit of knowledge in the form of realization of the Divine can be secured. The pursuit of supreme knowledge calls for devotion, and supreme bliss is its reward.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 24th, 2008
What we see is nothing but our own creation. The experience of the world is but a projection of our mind and the reflection of our own inner thoughts. As is the thought, so is the vision. The colour of the glasses you wear determines the colour in which things appear to you. If you wear red glasses, everything will appear red. If you wear green glasses, everything will appear green. Pure thoughts make the world appear as pure. If you view things with Prema (love), with a loving heart, the whole creation will appear to you as a reflection of Prema.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 25th, 2008
The relationship between the Jiva (individual) and the Lord can be grasped by any one who acquires three chief characteristics - mind unsullied by attachment and hatred, speech unsullied by falsehood, and body unsullied by violence.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 26th, 2008
The senses have to be controlled, primarily because they pursue deleterious influences that harass man and lead him into ruin. Inner peace is lost when the senses feed man on inciting wants and infructuous desires. For the Sadhaka (spiritual aspirant), what the senses imbibe must always be pure and Sathwic in nature, that which promotes humility, equanimity and simplicity. If the impressions are Rajasic (inducing passion), the mind will get agitated and vengeful. If they are Tamasic (inducing dullness of mind), the mind will not even be aroused into the awareness of its own shortcomings. It is only the Sathwic impulses that will keep the mind on an even keel, fully concentrated on the Atma on which one must contemplate in order to attain peace.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 27th, 2008
God, who is the embodiment of love, can be attained only through love, just as the effulgent Sun can be seen only through its own light. There is nothing more precious in this world than Divine love. God is Gunaatheetha (beyond all attributes). Hence, His love also is beyond attributes. But, human love governed by Gunas (attributes) results in attachment and aversion. Love should not be based on expectations of reward or return. Love based on such expectations makes it a business deal. Love is not an article of commerce. It is not like a lending a loan and getting it back. It is a spontaneous offering. Pure love of this kind can emanate only from a pure heart.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 28th, 2008
What is the meaning of the word 'Bha-ga-waan'? 'Bha' represents the divine effulgence. 'Ga' represents the quality of spreading and pervading. 'Waan' means the capacity and ability to spread and pervade. Hence, 'Bhagawan' means the only being with the capacity and ability to spread this brilliant effulgence. In fact, the Atma inside us is of this nature. However, man is unaware of this. Hence, the prayer "Thamaso Maa Jyotirgamaya" (lead us from the darkness of ignorance into the light of wisdom). This light of wisdom is essential for all humans.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 29th, 2008
The effulgence of Atma is obscured by Ahamkara (ego). Therefore when Ahamkara is destroyed, all troubles end, discontent vanishes and bliss is attained. One should constantly practise the great lesson that the body and the Atma are separate. Such Viveka or discrimination is necessary for all aspects of life, secular as well as spiritual. It is indispensable for realising the Truth, which is God Himself.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 30th, 2008
Love is Divine. To render an act fit to be offered to God and pure enough to win His Grace, it has to be a manifestation of love. Love is not affected or modified by considerations of caste, creed, or religion; it cannot be tarnished by envy, malice or hate. Preserve love from being poisoned by these evils; endeavour to cultivate a broad mind, uncontaminated by feelings of hatred and parochialism. The root of all religions, the substance of all scriptures, the destination of all paths, the inspiration of all individuals is the Principle of Prema (Love). It is the firmest foundation for man's mission of Life. It is the Light that ensures peace and prosperity in the world.
-SAI BABA



Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam - October 31st, 2008
Assign to your mind the task of serving the Lord and it will grow tame. You hand over only ornaments that need repair or reshaping to the goldsmith. So too, give the Lord your mind that certainly needs repair, if not complete reconstruction. The blemish that affects the mind is illusion. It is like a fierce dog that will not allow any one to approach the master. Illusion is the Lord's pet and so, it will not harm you if He orders it not to. Hence, the way to avoid the dog is by calling out to the master loudly, so that he comes to welcome you himself, that is to say by praying to the Lord to shower His grace upon you.
-SAI BABA