Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 1st, 2006
Nobody can enter college until school education is completed. Several stages have to be passed. So too, we have on the spiritual path, the stages of work, worship, wisdom and sacrifice. Sacrifice may be likened to a ripe fruit falling from a tree, sacrificing its affection and attachment. Work is for the physical level, worship for the mental level and wisdom for the spiritual level. Through Karma (prescribed duties) purity of mind is achieved. Through Upasana (devotional worship) one-pointed concentration of mind is promoted. And through Jnana, Moksha (liberation) is attained. Every one has to pass through these three stages.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 2nd, 2006
God is love incarnate. This love shines equally in every human being. The fragrance of a flower remains the same whether it is held in the right hand or the left. Likewise God has no distinctions such as the favoured and the excluded. But narrow-minded persons cannot easily grasp the Divine's equal-mindedness. Everyone apprehends God's powers and attributes according to his own limited conceptions and experiences. Different people, depending on their own likes and dislikes, attribute the differences existing in their own minds to the Divine. God does not make distinctions such as the good and the bad, the likeable and the unwanted, the wicked and the virtuous. The sandalwood tree imparts its fragrance even to the axe that fells it. Likewise, God is ever prepared to love, foster and protect everyone equally.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 3rd, 2006
People claim to make offerings to God, even without knowing where He is. When the Lord is ever by the side of man, he is searching for God all over the world. One must purify one's consciousness instead of being led astray by the external. You have to rectify your conduct and actions, because everything depends on your actions. Adhering to the righteous path, with a pure heart, you have to divinise your life. All spiritual disciplines have been laid down only for this purpose. All the prayers, Japa (repetition of God's name) and Pooja (ritualistic worship) that are offered are intended only to purify the heart.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 4th, 2006
Whatever talents a person may possess, they must be dedicated to the service of humanity, indeed of all living beings. Therein lies life's fulfillment. All men are kin, moulded out of the same five elements, with the same divine essence residing in everyone. Service to your fellowmen will help your divinity to blossom, for service to man is service to God. God resides in the heart of every man and every living being, in every stone and stump. Let every act be a flower to be offered at the feet of God, free from the creeping worms of envy and egoism and full of the fragrance of love and sacrifice.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 5th, 2006
What you consider as real is unreal. What you think is unreal is the only Reality. God alone is the one eternal Reality. Do not forget this truth. What you regard as real in the waking state does not exist in the dream state. What you experience in the dream state has no reality in the waking state. If there can be such differences between two states of consciousness in a single day, it ill-befits man to embrace the ever-changing impermanent phenomenal existence, ignoring the eternal Reality.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 6th, 2006
You have today in the world, men of wealth, strength, scholarship and virtue. But there are few who have realized the Self. Ignoring the Self, of what avail are all other possessions, which are temporary and evanescent? Of what use is the knowledge about the world, when you are not aware of yourself? That is why Vedanta (Vedic Philosophy) calls upon each one to discover the truth about himself. Self-knowledge is the key to all knowledge. For this, you must approach the right person to teach you the means to discover your true Self. If you are not prepared to undertake this self-enquiry, cultivate faith, if not in God, at least in your own Self. The man who has no faith in himself can have no faith in anybody; he cannot have faith in God. Make Vishwasa (faith) your life breath (Shwasa).
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 7th, 2006
When Sri Krishna was being weighed in a balance, all the jewels of Sathyabhama could not balance His weight. Rukmini then came and declared that the mere chanting of the name of Krishna would be equal to His weight. By the additional offer of a leaf, a flower or a little water, the scales will be tilted against Krishna. So saying she placed a Tulasi (Basil) leaf on the scale. And lo! it went down. The Tulasi leaf carried the full weight of Rukmini's boundless love for Krishna. All the jewels of Sathyabhama were of no avail. But Rukmini's invoking the name of Krishna and offering a Tulasi leaf with a love-filled heart titled the scales against Krishna. Such is the power of the Lord's name and a love-filled offering to the Lord. The Lord is not swayed by wealth or scholarship, power or position. Love alone can move Him.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 8th, 2006
Most people in the world do not understand the purpose of life. Preoccupied with the pursuit of external objects, men do not strive to explore the inner realms of the Atma. Standing on the seashore, one can see only the waves on the surface and not the pearls lying in the depths below. Only the brave man who can dive deep into the ocean will be able to gather the pearls and not others. Likewise, Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Atma) can be gained only by those who turn away from the exploration of the phenomenal world to inquire into the truth of the Spirit.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 9th, 2006
There are different kinds of Jnana (knowledge). What is implied by the 'Jnana' is the knowledge of the Atma. It is not concerned with the physical, sensory or worldly knowledge. Atma Jnana (knowledge of the Atma) can be got only by enquiring into the nature of the Atma and not by any other means. It cannot be taught by preceptors or learnt by studying texts. It cannot be received from anyone or offered to anyone. It has to emerge from the inner consciousness. Preceptors and texts can only help to some extent. But the aspirant who seeks Atma Jnana has to embark on self-enquiry to experience this Self-awareness. He should explore and investigate the whole gamut of spiritual experience and arrive at the ultimate Reality. Just as a child learns to speak by watching the mother, the spiritual aspirant has to make the effort himself while listening to the preceptor or studying scriptural texts.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 10th, 2006
When thoughts emanate from a mind purified by love, they will result in Dharma (Righteousness). When Love becomes part of your experience, thought and action you get Shanti (Peace). When you comprehend Love clearly, Ahimsa (non-violence) will result automatically. So Love is the unseen undercurrent binding all four human values. It can be summarised thus: Love in thought is Truth; Love as feeling is Peace; Love in action is Righteousness and Love with understanding is Non-violence. Love is the common denominator for all these values. It is the form of God, for God is love.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 11th, 2006
The very first lesson I gave when I declared My identity at Uravakonda was: "Maanasa Bhajare Guru Charanam, Dusthara Bhavasaagara Taranam." That is to say, first know that you are in 'Bhavasaagara,' this cycle of birth and death. Then resolve on 'taranam' or crossing it. Then fix your mind on a Guru or on the name and form of God which appeals to you. Lastly, dwell on His glory, do Bhajan; do it with all your mind. He who is deluded by this relative reality is the 'Samsaari' (worldly person); he who is aware that it is only relatively real is the 'Sadhaka' (spiritual seeker).
–SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 12th, 2006
Deha Vasana (attachment to the body) impels one to seek physical strength and health and an attractive physique. All the efforts to make up one's face will not serve to alter its natural features. Only that which has been given by the Lord will be enduring. You must be content with that. While taking as much care of the body as is essential, you should not have excessive attachment to that which is inherently perishable and temporary. The body must be taken care of only for realizing the Divinity within. It is no doubt necessary to maintain good health as long as one lives, but obsessive concern for the body is misconceived.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 13th, 2006
The Vedas have taught the means to make life in the world pure and meaningful. They have declared: "Na karmanaa na prajayaa dhane na, thyaagenaike amrutatwamaanashuhu" (not through rituals, progeny or wealth, but only through sacrifice can immortality be achieved). A Thyagi (renunciant) does not hesitate even to sacrifice his body for other's welfare. Sacrifice means something more than giving up of wealth, gold and material objects. Evil qualities like hatred, jealousy, wrath and malice which have become ingrained in man over many lifetimes should be discarded.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 14th, 2006
There are valuable lessons to be learnt from the Sun, Moon, the clouds, the sea - all are teachers of the importance of discharging one's duty. Trees distribute their fruits and grant their shade to every one, even to those who lay their axe on them with intention to destroy them! Mountains suffer heat, rain and storm without demur, and are plunged in meditation for ages. Birds do not hoard for years together, the wherewithal for food or shelter; they do not use more than is absolutely necessary for their survival. Nature (Prakrithi) is your school, your laboratory, the gateway to liberation and the reflection of God's manifold majesty. Seek to know the lessons it is ready to teach; all things in Nature are Brahman just as you are. So, any act is Divine; all work is worship; build the mansion of your life on the strong foundation of the faith that all creation is Divine.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 15th, 2006
Jnana in Vedantic parlance has been defined as "Advaita Darshanam" (recognising the One without a second). That is to see the One in the many, unity in diversity. There may be many names and forms, but you have to recognise that the Atma Principle in all of them is one and the same. It is not enough to say this in words. You must make it a living experience. Only then can one experience enduring Ananda (bliss). Such a person alone can be called a true Jnani (Knower of the Supreme).
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 16th, 2006
What are the qualities of a true devotee? The first of these is desirelessness (Anapeksha). A true devotee should not have desires. But, is it possible for you, endowed as you are with a body, mind and senses, to be without desires? One is bound to have some desire or the other. On the one hand, there are desires pertaining to the senses that confer momentary joy. On the other hand, there is a desire to transcend the senses. Thus, people are filled with many desires. So what is needed to lead a desire-free life? There is nothing wrong in having desires, but all of them must be pleasing to God. You should practise the eternal principles based on Truth, and dedicate all your activities to God. Lead your life without the feelings of 'I' and 'mine' and offer everything to God. Only then can you attain the state of desirelessness.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 17th, 2006
Morality does not merely mean the observance of certain rules in the work-a-day world. Morality means adherence to the straight and sacred path of right conduct. The honour of the community rests upon morality. Without morals, a community decays. Only in an individual who is morally strong does the human personality find its best expression. The term 'personality' can be applied only to one who manifests the hidden unmanifested divinity within him by his conduct. Mere human form does not make one a human personality. It is the behaviour that counts. Only those who lead well-regulated lives and manifest their true divine nature can be regarded as real human beings.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 18th, 2006
In the cavity of the heart of man, in that sublime Akasha (space), God resides associated with the Self principle, as sunshine exists associated with shadow. The shadows are many and varied, though the light is One. When the One is reflected in the many, in the multitude of Jivis (individuals), it appears as the Self in each, which watches unaffected as the Witness. The Atma (Divine Self) is Eternal. The Self is Truth. However, since it is enclosed in flesh, bone and skin, man deludes himself into believing that the outer covering and not the inner core is the source of bliss. The foremost duty of man to himself is, therefore, to penetrate through these sheaths and imbibe the higher bliss which this Atmic core alone can confer. Everyone must, in his own best interests, strive to attain that divine principle that is his inner treasure. Of all Sadhanas (spiritual exercises) this is the most pertinent - the process of achieving this oneness with this principle.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 19th, 2006
The body is a chariot. The charioteer is the principle of Buddhi (intellect). The senses are the horses. The reins that regulate and restrain the horses is the Manas (mind). When the mind wavers and wanders, not having stability of purpose, the horses run helter-skelter, endangering even the charioteer, Buddhi (intellect). So, one has to control the mind and not pollute it with greed for sense pleasures. The mind has to act as the associate of Buddhi. Speech subserving the mind and mind subserving the intellect - this is the way to bring about Prashanthi, the Supreme Peace. And, slowly and steadily, instruct the intellect to turn towards the Atma. Speech guided by a mind, which is in tune with an intellect illumined by the Atma - this will lead to us the ultimate goal.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 20th, 2006
You have no need to run about in search of God, for, you are yourself God. God resides in your heart. He is the All-pervasive motive force. Have firm faith in this truth. Like fire in the matchstick, divinity is latent in man. The fire in the stick becomes manifest when it is struck against the side of the box. So too, when the Jivi (individual) contacts Deva (God), the flame of Jnana (Wisdom) shines brilliantly.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 21st, 2006
Do not serve for the sake of rewards, attracting attention, or earning gratitude, or from a sense of pride at your own superiority in skill, wealth, status or authority. Serve because you are urged by love. When you succeed, ascribe the success to the Grace of God, who inspired you as the Love principle within you. When you fail, ascribe the failure to your own inadequacy, insincerity or ignorance. Examine the springs of action, disinfect them from all traces of ego. Do not blame the recipient of the Seva (service), or your collaborators and co-workers, or God.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 22nd, 2006
Through right action, one achieves purity of heart, which leads to the acquisition of Jnana (wisdom). It is only when attachment to the fruits of one's actions is discarded that the action becomes Yoga (Divine communion). One should overcome the sense of 'mine' and 'thine'. When one embarks on service activities, one should regard it as a privilege to serve others and look upon it as a form of worship of the Divine. One should consider service to society as the means of finding self-fulfillment in life. One should face whatever problems may arise, with faith and courage, and carry on one's service activities without fanfare in a spirit of humility and dedication.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 23rd, 2006
Birth as a human being is a rare and unique opportunity. For, man is endowed with a discriminating intelligence, the power to reason out the best among alternative courses of action. The tongue that does not chant the name of God, the hand that knows no charity, the years of life that know no peace of mind, talents that do not find fulfillment, a life that has not garnered wisdom, a temple where there is no atmosphere of reverence, speech that does not communicate knowledge - all these are of no value.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 24th, 2006
God is said to be a stealer of hearts! The whole world is God's. All of you belong to Him, though you may not know it. Therefore, He can take anything from anyone. He is the Master of the ether, wind, fire, water and earth; He can change the sky into the earth and the earth into the sky. He can also take hold of the hearts of people and fill them with Love. Once people taste the sweetness of His Love, they will not desire anything else. That is why He is called Chiththa Chora (stealer of hearts). Pray to Him, "O God! Enter my heart too and fill it with Love, so that I may love all your children, in all lands. Never covet what belongs to others. Do not talk about others but, if you must, talk only of the good in them.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 25th, 2006
Little children are trained to walk, by means of a walker, which they hold and push along. The Pranava is such a contraption, with the three wheels of 'A', 'U' and 'M'. Holding it, man can learn to use the two feet of Bhakthi (Devotion) and Vairagya (Detachment). If he gives up his hold on the Omkara, he plumps down on the ground helplessly. If he walks on with the help of the Pranava Japa (repetition of "Om"), he can certainly realize the glory of the Brahman (God), which is the very substance of the Universe.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 26th, 2006
Dhrishti (sight) decides attachment, sorrow, passion, etc. You are the noblest being ever created, and so, you have to develop the vision that sees no high or low, that sees all as suffused with divinity, and therefore, not different from one another. Adi Shankara declared, "Make your Dhrishti charged with Jnana (wisdom); then, the seen will appear in its true light as Brahman". The God in you is in each of them, too. Do not imagine the others to be distinct, they are only you, in so many different forms. The world is filled with your kith and kin; all are sparks from the same flame.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 27th, 2006
Every object in nature, every incident in time, is really speaking, teaching you a lesson. Lord Dakshinamurthy was one morning walking in slow steps along the beach. He saw the waves slowly, but systematically, carrying towards the shore a bit of straw, passing it on from one crest to another, until it was deposited on land! The sea is a broad expanse, it is deep and mighty. But, yet, it is constantly engaged in purging itself from all extraneous things. You too must therefore not permit even a small desire to enter the mind. Force it out of your being, so that it can do you no harm. Eternal vigilance is the price of peace and happiness.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 28th, 2006
Saturate every breath of yours with love. Love knows no fear. Fear drags man into falsehood, injustice and evil. Love does not crave for praise. Only those who have no Love in them itch for reward and reputation. Love is its own reward. When you are eager to place offerings before the Lord, let it be love instead of mere material objects. Love is no merchandise; do not bargain about its cost. Let it flow clear from the heart, as a stream of Truth, a river of wisdom. Let it not emanate from the head, nor from the tongue. Let it emerge, full and free, from the heart.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 29th, 2006
Why does man wail when he arrives into the world, whimper throughout his life and groan out, into the beyond, lamenting that his sojourn here was a waste of years? Man does so, because he is unaware of his glory, of his high destiny! He is the Divine poured into the human mould. It is the privilege of man alone, to be able to become aware of this precious truth! This is the message of the Upanishads to man, echoed in scriptures, and in the declarations of countless saints. Yet, man turns a deaf ear to it, perhaps, due to his own misfortune created by his own misdeeds in past lives. What an inexhaustible source of bliss lies within you! You only have to develop the mind that will respond to the call, that will recognise the Truth.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 30th, 2006
Caught in the coils of the 'created,' man is blind to the fact that he is part of the Divine Creator. Identifying himself with the physical sheath in which he is encased, he is blind to the unity of all beings in the One Universal Absolute. Man has written and studied countless texts on spiritual discipline and discovery, and confounded the confusion, indulging in dialectical rivalries and argumentation. But, he who has put at least a page or two of these tomes into practise, is rendered silent and innocent of any desire for fame or victory. He is happy in the depths of his being. He ploughs the field of his heart, sows the seeds of love and reaps the harvest of fortitude and equanimity.
-SAI BABA




Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – July 31st, 2006
Man's life is like a garland, with birth at one end and death at the other. Between the two ends are strung together flowers of all kinds - joys and sorrows, pleasures and pains. Few are aware of the string that runs through all the flowers. Without the string, there can be no garland. Only the person who recognises this truth can truly be called a man. The Divine Atmic principle is the string which is found in all human beings and which is the source of all potencies in them.
-SAI BABA