Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 1^st, 2006

Focus your mind on one goal and do not allow it to waver. You have to hold on to it till the very end. There is only one Divinity. Stick to any one form of God of your choice and hold firm to it. If you keep transplanting a sapling from one place to another frequently, how can it grow into a healthy tree? You have to plant it in one place and water it regularly until it grows into a strong tree. This is true devotion. If you keep changing your spiritual guides frequently, your devotion gets adulterated. Do not resort to such a course. Choose any one, and trust that God is in all.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 2nd, 2006

Worship God in any form or with any name. In fact, God has thousands of names and a myriad forms. Ek Prabhu Ke Anek Naam (the one Lord has many names). While worshipping the Lord with a thousand names, you should be fully aware that it is the same Divinity you are addressing. Rama, Krishna, Allah, Jesus, etc., all are names denoting the same Divinity. Unity alone is the reality. Ekam Sath Viprah Bahudha Vadanthi (Truth is one, but the wise ones refer to it by many names). Hold this faith firmly in your heart and make your life worthwhile and remain ever in bliss.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 3rd, 2006

It is not necessary to go in search of temples and shrines for worship. Your very body is a temple. Deho Devalaya Proktho Jeevo Deva Sanathanaha (body is the temple and the indweller is the eternal God). God is not confined to any particular place of worship. Find Him in your heart. All of you are embodiments of divinity.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 4th, 2006

What is the proper offering to God? Lord Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita says - Patram, Pushpam, Phalam, Toyam (leaf, flower, fruit and water). What do these signify? Your body is the leaf; your heart is the flower; your mind is the fruit and the tears of bliss is the water to be offered to God. Instead of attaching undue importance to this ephemeral body, emphasise on the Atma tatwa (Atmic principle). The body is to be surrendered unto God by undertaking acts of worship and other sacred deeds.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 5th, 2006

Keep this thought in your mind, "I am not a mere man, I am the embodiment of Divinity." Have this conviction fixed in your mind and you will realise this truth. As it is said, Brahmavid Brahmaiva Bhavathi (the knower of Brahman becomes verily Brahman). If you perceive yourself as Divine, you become Divine. If you consider yourself a human being, you will remain so. While your form is that of a human being, there is the Atmic principle in you. To recognise this Atman, you have to keep your heart pure and empty of negativity. The main aim of these festivities is purification of the mind.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 6th, 2006

Where the six qualities of zeal, determination, courage, intelligence, ability and heroism are present, there divinity becomes manifest. Success and prosperity comes to the one with these six virtues. However, these qualities are put to test from time to time. Just as a student has to face various tests, these qualities are also subject to trials. Such trials should be regarded as stepping stones to higher achievements. These trials are in the form of losses, troubles, pains, sufferings and calumny. One has to overcome these troubles with courage and self-confidence and forge ahead. Without self-confidence, these six qualities cannot be acquired.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 7th, 2006

Education should be divorced from jobs. Its purpose should be the acquisition of Vijnana (the highest knowledge). That is the concept upheld by Bharathiya Culture. Students will become ideal citizens of the nation only when they develop self-confidence and the feeling of spiritual oneness. Develop the spirit of sacrifice and become defenders of the nation's integrity and honour. You must strive to promote the welfare of society. Eschew ideas of "me" and "mine". You will then become one with the Divine. When you identify yourself with all, you can derive infinite joy.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 8th, 2006

Jnana (knowledge) does not mean mere acquaintance with books. Nor is it worldly knowledge. Only the person who has recognised that the individual is not distinct from the universal is a real Jnani (man of wisdom). True wisdom consists in awareness of the unity of the individual and the Samashti (collective whole). How can a man who is not aware of his humanness recognise the Divinity within himself? Hence the first requisite is the recognition by everyone of his human essence.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 9th, 2006

It is the duty of every man to realise the purpose of life and utilise his time in the performance of his duties to sanctify his existence. Given the will, there is nothing that man cannot achieve in this world. But before embarking on any enterprise, man should recognise his abilities and endowments. Mankind has acquired the ability to explore the stars or walk on the moon, but has been unable to understand its true nature; man has become ignorant of his unity with the integral consciousness. This consciousness is not related to knowledge of the external world. It can be experienced only by turning one's vision inward. Only when he has Samagratha Bhavam (integral awareness) will he have the right perception. Such integral vision alone can confer bliss.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 10th, 2006

The Bhagavad Gita declares "Sarvatah Paani Paadam Tat Sarvathokshi Shiromukham, Sarvatah Shruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Thishthati" (God is omnipresent with His hands, feet, eyes, heads, mouths and ears pervading everywhere, He permeates the entire universe). Nothing escapes His attention. Therefore, we should always keep our minds filled with good thoughts as God is constantly pronouncing the blessing of fulfilment saying 'Tathaasthu' (so be it!). When you are subject to misery you blame God, but do not realise that your distress is the consequence of your own thoughts. This is why you should always have good thoughts and seek good company.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 11th, 2006

Several fuels like petroleum, coal, etc. are extracted from deep within the earth. Wherefrom did they arise in the first place? Over a long period of time, they have accumulated deep inside. Now they are making their appearance outside. In the same way, evil tendencies like desire, anger, hatred, etc., are accumulated in you, hidden in you. Sometime or the other, they are bound to come out. So, take care that they do not even make their entry into you. You should discriminate and ensure that only good qualities enter you. This is the true human value. The very attempt to control or restrain your anger is a sign of weakness. In fact, you have to cultivate your nature in such a manner that the very feeling of anger does not enter you.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 12th, 2006

You have to develop human values. Without this, you are human merely in form. Man is filled with qualities such as anger, desire, greed, jealousy, etc. These are animal qualities. Anger is the nature of a dog. Wavering mind is the quality of a monkey. You are neither a dog nor a monkey. When you are in a fit of anger, remind yourself that you are not a dog and your anger will diminish. Many animal qualities are rampant in human beings today. What we need to cultivate are the human qualities of compassion, truth, forbearance, empathy, etc.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 13th, 2006

The rope is mistaken to be a snake and the perceiver flees in fear. This tells us that the eye is but a window through which the soul sees the external world. The soul is the motive force of all the senses. Of what use is the eye, when you do not possess 'Samadrishti'. 'Sama' means Brahman, the Absolute Reality; 'Samadrishti' means seeing only Brahman, the One, in all things at all times. This Ekathwam (Oneness) is the fundamental truth. All other experiences are false. Dwell on that in your meditation. Fix it in your inner consciousness. That is the path of Liberation.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 14th, 2006

Men are born with a helpless lamenting cry; they should depart from the world with a smile of joy. That is the purpose of the years of life in between. But those years are wasted now. God, who is the anchor that saves man from the tempests of grief and despair, is neglected and ignored. Man is tossed about from one want to another, one grief to another, until he is blinded by despair and exhausted by foiled pursuits. Most illnesses are due to this despair and this exhaustion.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 15th, 2006

The human being is referred to as 'Nara'. 'Ra' means that which is perishable. 'Na' means not. 'Nara' refers therefore to that which is imperishable in man, the Atma (Spirit). Consequently, sorrow should be alien to him. He should shed no tear. Deem yourself as Divine. Live with this firm conviction. The divinity in every being should be revered. You have to recognise unity in diversity. Do not give room to any bad thoughts. The body is a temple of the Divine and no evil thoughts should be harboured within it.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 16th, 2006

Man is the repository of divine energy. Durga (Goddess of energy), Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth) and Saraswati (Goddess of wisdom) are present in him. Human life is highly sacred. Man has all the capacity to experience divine bliss. Man considers himself to be a weakling because he has forgotten the principle of the Self. His evil qualities, wicked deeds and misconduct have brought him down to this sorry state. This is the effect of evil company. As is the company, so are the thoughts. Hence, it is said, "Tell me your company, I shall tell you what you are." Your friendship influences your nature. Evil propensities are impediments in the spiritual path. Hence, man should distance himself from all evil actions and undertake good deeds. Only then will he have the right to call himself a human being.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 17th, 2006

Lord Krishna has said in the Bhagavad Gita, "Mamaivamso Jeevaloke Jeevabhuta Sanathanah" (all beings are an eternal part of My Self). God is present in the heart of one and all. It is because of Bhrama (delusion) that man is unable to realise his divine nature. In the first instance, man should make efforts to overcome this delusion and realise that God is always with him, in him, around him, above him and below him. There cannot be any defects or imperfections in such a divine principle. Whatever defects you think you see are purely the result of your imagination.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 18th, 2006

You should realise the truth that the principle of Atma that is present in all beings is one and the same. As man is unable to understand his true nature, he is facing all kinds of problems in life. He is deluded by thinking that he is the body. When one realises that the same Atma that dwells in him also dwells in other living beings, one will experience and enjoy Divine proximity always. One who realises the Atmic principle leads his life with the firm conviction that Daiva Sannidhi (divine proximity) is his Pennidhi (greatest wealth).

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 19th, 2006

What is the message of SAI? ‘S’ stands for Spirituality, ‘A’ for Association and ‘I’ for Individual. It means that you must give first priority to spirituality; next, to society (association) and only lastly attend to one's individual interest. But, today man follows the reverse order, i.e., he holds his individual interest above his social responsibilities and gives least priority to spirituality. Consequently, he is distancing himself from God. In the first instance, man should take to the path of spirituality and then serve society, understanding the principle of unity. Only then will there be progress at the individual level.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 20th, 2006

Losing Vishwasa (faith in God) amounts to losing Shwasa (life-breath) itself. Come what may, one should continue to do one's Sadhana with unflinching faith. This is the sign of true devotion. Devotion does not constitute merely singing Bhajans, performing rituals and chanting the Divine Name. You should firmly install Divinity in your heart. You should take care that worldly desires find no place in your mind. Burn to ashes all desires completely in the fire of wisdom. Even if a trace of worldliness is left in you, it will multiply manifold and lead you astray. In order to free yourself from bad deeds and bad habits, make sure that you do not have even a trace of desire in you.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 21st, 2006

You may be performing a number of spiritual practices, but do not feel proud of them. Firstly, purify your heart. Do not give scope for the foul smell of worldly desires. Fill your heart with the fragrance of virtues. You do not get much benefit by merely reading books or listening to discourses. And, what is the use of chanting the Divine Name with a polluted mind? Today the world is afflicted with all types of pollution. Man’s thoughts, words and deeds are also polluted. Make your hearts pure. Develop Shraddha (steadfastness) and Bhakthi in you, for Shraddhavan Labhate Jnanam (with faith, wisdom is won).

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 22nd, 2006

Mathru Devo Bhava, Pithru Devo Bhava (Revere your mother and father as God). You must understand that parents are verily God. If you make your parents happy, the whole world will be happy. It is meaningless to worship God without revering one's own parents. First of all, offer worship to your mother as she is the one who has given you birth. It is because of the nobility of the mother that the children attain good fortune. The parents have given you their blood, their wealth and have brought you up with great love and care, sparing no pains. So, you must love your parents and be grateful to them. That is true Bhakthi (devotion). There is no greater Bhakthi than this.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 23rd, 2006

Janthunam Narajanma Durlabham - there is no greater blessing than human birth. To call oneself a human, first and foremost, one must show humanness in action. Having been born and brought up in society and having earned one's wealth from it, one should show gratitude to it by working for its welfare. The world is facing problems because man does not show his gratitude to society. Society's well-being is your well-being too. Give up selfishness and work for the welfare of the society. The world will enjoy peace and security only when everyone serves society and has devotion towards God.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 24th, 2006

If you want peace to reign in the world, then you should first develop peace in yourself. Where is peace? It emanates from our heart. The heart is the source of peace, truth, righteousness and love. You are ignoring the heart and are searching for peace in the external world. Only when you fill your heart with love will there be peace in the world. Whatever work you do, do it with love. The world is in turmoil today as man lacks pure love. Peace will reign supreme in this world only when man develops pure love.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 25th, 2006

Man has forgotten love and is hankering after worldly things. Money comes and goes but morality comes and grows. Does your wealth accompany you when you leave this world? No! Only the results of your actions will accompany you. Only the wealth of merit will protect you. Paropakaraya Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam (one attains merit by serving others and commits sin by hurting them). Do not accumulate sin. Instead, earn the wealth of merit.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 26th, 2006

The significance of the offerings made in the holy fire of a Yajna (sacrificial ritual) is that whatever is offered is transformed into Amrutha (Divine Ambrosia) and conveyed to the gods. When man sacrifices his bad qualities, he is transformed into the Divine. With this in view, the Upanishads declare: "Lead me from untruth to Truth, from ignorance to Knowledge, from death to Immortality." Thus the Yajna helps man to progress to the summit of eternal bliss.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 27th, 2006

If you earn the wealth of pure love, you become the richest person in the world. He who is contented is the richest man in the world and the one who has many desires is the poorest man in the world. Today, man is filled with desires from top to toe. As long as one has desires, one can never be happy and peaceful. Give up desires and see for yourself how much love and bliss you get. The bliss you experience will be far superior to all the happiness you have experienced before. All the bliss is within you. But you are imagining that it is outside. What is outside is only the reflection, reaction and resound of what is within you.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 28th, 2006

God is the embodiment of love. If you want God, you should have selfless love for God. You should not love God for material benefits. Love Him for the sake of love. Only then can you attain Him. Do not develop attachment to the body. Body is bound to perish one day or the other. Why are you deluding yourself with this impermanent body? That which is permanent is the Atma. In order to experience Atmic bliss, love is essential. If you cultivate love, you become divine. Do not think that God is different from you. Have the conviction to say "I am God".

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 29th, 2006

The same Atma, the same love and the same divinity is present in all beings. All are one. The heart is like a tank and all the senses are like taps. When the 'tank' is full of love, all that comes out of the 'taps' will also be love. Whatever you see in others is only a reflection of your inner being. Understand this truth. If you see evil in others, it is actually the reflection of your own evil feelings. What is outside is only the reflection, reaction, and resound of what is within you. If you wear blue glasses, you see everything blue. If you wear red glasses, you see everything red. If you are a good person, you will see goodness all around.

-SAI BABA

 

 

 

 

Thought for the day as written at Prasanthi Nilayam – Sept. 30th, 2006

Good and evil, happiness and misery, merit and sin depend on man's actions. As is the action, so is the result. But today man ignores the law of action and acts as he pleases. It is easy to indulge in sinful deeds but it is extremely difficult to bear the bad results they yield. The Upanishads say, "Thasmai Namah Karmane" (my salutations to action). Offer your Namaskar (salutation) to the action you perform. What is Namaskar? It is giving up the sense of ego. You should offer your salutation to the action you perform so that it becomes sacred, brings you good name and contributes to the welfare of the world. One who aspires for the welfare of the world should see to it that his thoughts and actions are in accordance with his noble aspirations.

-SAI BABA