Peter Paul and Mary, 500 Miles

Song Ashu learnt in PP2.

learn to adapt, adjust and accommodate

Do not worry about the unsatisfactory environment you may be in. Of course, sometimes the place you are in may have drawbacks and may not be ideal. But it is of no use trying to run away from it. You can overcome any obstacle by training your own mind. Stay in your environment and pray to the Lord that He may fill you with His thoughts and vision, enabling you to ignore the defects of your surroundings. Do not seek comfort, for it might not be conducive to meditation. Learn to be comfortable in any place; that is better. Live in joy wherever you are for that is the way. Revel in the realm of your mind, worship there the Lord you have chosen as your goal and be free of all the defects of your natural or human environment! Then no spot will be irksome to you, nor will any place seem disgusting.
- Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character”.
Learn to adapt, adjust and accommodate. - Baba

Get Inspired: NOT JUST AN APPLE FROM GOD- October 2009

Get Inspired: NOT JUST AN APPLE FROM GOD- October 2009

NOT JUST AN APPLE FROM GOD

Haven’t we all experienced delays and denials at some point or the other in our lives? Haven’t you wondered why life has slammed a door shut on your face? Why is there no convincing answer for such questions? “Why me?” is what must have escaped our lips more than once in this journey we call life.

Arthur Ashe, a tennis champion (who won three Grand Slam titles), and also a great human being, could have cursed God for giving him death on a platter in the form of AIDS for no fault of his. His patience, humility and understanding of God and life didn’t shake his faith in good things. He is no more now but one of his quotes that come to mind is:

"If I were to say 'God, why me?' about the bad things,
then I should have said 'God, why me?'
about the good things that
happened in my life too."

Here’s a little story.

A little girl saw people queued up at God’s home in heaven. It was for apples that people waited for, a sweet gift that God chose to give away that day. Just like everyone else there, Katie hopped on the train from earth to heaven and stood there waiting for her turn. It didn’t matter that the queue was rather long. She was determined to taste an apple from God’s very Hands. After a pretty long day, she finally got a chance to be blessed with a shiny, red apple. She stretched out her tiny palms to hold the fruit.

She was obviously delighted to receive this gift from God. Just when she thought her mission was successful, she lost grip of the apple because of which it tumbled out of her hands. “Waaaaaaaaaaah” Katie began to wail and seemed inconsolable till God agreed to give her another apple. This was only if she could join the queue again. It wasn’t exactly the most thrilling thing to do as the people looking for apples had only increased in number. Patience, huge amounts of patience, was what Katie needed.

“Forbearance cannot be learned through the study of books, nor can it be bought. It is only by faithfully sticking to the practice of spirituality when you are under trying circumstances that you will be able to acquire forbearance. It is when you are under test, in situations full of problems and difficulties, that the cultivation of forbearance takes place."

Not willing to go back to earth with empty hands, she decided it wasn’t going to be so bad to wait longer. So, she rejoined the queue and stood for several hours again hoping this time she wouldn’t miss the golden chance. Her little legs ached, but she was as determined. She made friends in the queue with her immediate neighbours and exchanged phone numbers.

Finally, Katie’s turn came again and she looked relieved and focused at the same time. Her tiny hands weren’t going to let her down this time around. Fully prepared for the moment, she opened her little palms and waited for her second fruit. As God gently placed the apple in her palms, He said to her lovingly: “My darling girl, do you know why the first apple fell out of your palms? I willed it because it was a rotten one. You are a lovely girl and treat your friends and family right and I know you deserved a succulent apple. Here’s the right one for you. Eat it with all the joy in your heart and remain a good girl. And you know this is the best apple on the farm. Go on and have a smashing day.”

Isn’t it just marvelous that God decides what’s best for us? He times it perfectly; the good, the bad and the ugly. God wills all the delays and denials we experience. It is His universe and we are parts of His Love and Will. All we need to do is keep the faith and possess patience and forbearance.

Bhagavan Baba lovingly helps us understand: “Forbearance cannot be learned through the study of books, nor can it be bought. It is only by faithfully sticking to the practice of spirituality when you are under trying circumstances that you will be able to acquire forbearance. It is when you are under test, in situations full of problems and difficulties, that the cultivation of forbearance takes place."

"There are a number of weaknesses hidden in a person and, under trying circumstances, these weaknesses manifest themselves as anger, fear, arrogance, and hatred. It is at such times that you will have to learn to practise forbearance. If you have not developed forbearance, then you will reap much unhappiness and lack of peace in your life. Also, without forbearance, you may take to wrong and evil ways. It is therefore essential that you recognise the importance of forbearance.”

Katie was blessed and so are we. We all receive only the best there is. Let us always remember that every event and non-event in our lives is only because He designed it in His perfect fashion.

Illustrations: Mrs. Lyn, New Zealand

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life is a game play it

In a game of football, the players on either side continue to kick the ball till it is sent to the goal. They must see to it that the ball does not go beyond the two posts that define the goal. The goal of life too consists of two posts: secular and spiritual. You are born as a human with the goal of not being born again. You must live within the frames of secular and spiritual pursuits. The six bad qualities — lust, anger, greed, desire, pride and jealousy are on one side, and the good qualities — truth, right conduct, peace, love, nonviolence and sacrifice are on the other side. The game is between these two teams. If you tread along the divine path you can experience peace, and also share it with others. Then you will be liberated.

- Divine Discourse, Apr 18, 1998.

Life is a game, play it. - Baba

dhyana vahini-remove defects in character

You will make quick progress in the spiritual path if you overcome the difficult obstacles of anger, pride, conceit, the tendency to look for faults in others, etc. These operate subconsciously, like the currents in the depths of the ocean. You must be vigilant not to lose your temper, be it even in small things, for that will hinder your progress. Anger is the parent of all wrong behaviour and it can turn any person into bad ways, any moment, and in any form. So first and foremost sublimate it by systematic effort. Welcome gladly anyone who points out your defects; be grateful to them. Never entertain hatred against them, for that is as bad as hating the good. You must love the “good” and discard the “bad”. Remember, the “bad” should not be hated but given up or avoided. Cultivate humility and love towards all; undesirable habits will then fall away from you. - Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character”.

Desire destroys devotion, anger destroys wisdom, greed destroys work – hence these bad qualities must be sacrificed. - Baba

anger-dhyana vahini-remove defects in character

Aspirants must always have the inward look; if they allow the mind to wander outward, they cannot identify their own faults. It is hard to get rid of pride and self-love or ego (Ahamkara), for the mind has been allowed to flow in the direction it likes for several ages. Pride prevents the inner vision and confuses the examination of the mind. Some aspirants get very angry when others discover and announce to them the bad traits they possess. If you wish to achieve success, you must bow down to those who point out your faults, and you must endeavour not to entertain those faults any longer. Those prone to anger should to be vigilant even about the most minor matters that might provoke them and remove such impulses; because if they are careless, they cannot progress in the least. Such people must cultivate a humble, loving spirit. Then the bad traits will disappear. -Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character”.

Anger breeds d'anger'. 'Ego’, Edges God Out. Remove these vices in you. - Baba

ego-dhyana vahini-remove defects in character

Egoistic individuals, love to exercise authority over others. They see everything through glasses coloured by the smoke of selfishness and self-love. “My words are true”; “My opinion is correct”; “My deeds are right” - Such attitude is very harmful for spiritual aspirants. Aspirants must look forward eagerly to any objective criticism, suggestion or advice from any quarter. Also, they must minimise all discussions and argumentations as these breed a spirit of rivalry and lead one to angry reprisals and vengeful fighting. Do not struggle to earn the esteem of the world. Do not feel humiliated or angry when the world does not recognise you or your merits. Learn this first and foremost if you are after spiritual success. Do not become elated when praised, for therein lies a deadly trap, which might even lead you astray and endanger your p rogress.

-Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character”.

The person devoted to God knows no failure. The name of the Lord,
if taken sincerely overcomes all obstacles. - Baba

prayer-dhyana vahini-remove defects in character

You must reform your mental traits and habits. Cultivate the habit of never causing pain to others. Try to understand others, sympathise with and help them. Train yourself to take insult and criticism as decorations awarded to you. Be friendly with everyone, whatever be their nature or conduct. A joyous disposition is necessary for spiritual progress, but many things and situations deprive you of the atmosphere of joy. So you must pray sincerely in order to be free from such obstacles. The recital or repetition of prayers (mantras) will be of great help.

-Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character”.

Prayer alone makes life happy, harmonious and worth living in this universe. - Baba

Company meetings-UK Law

Company meetings

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‘Depending on the Guna of the person, Destiny bestows different kinds of rewards on different people. A Tamasic person would be condemned to a state of ignorance, naturally. I mean how can a lazy person ever hope to become wise or knowledgeable?’

21. ‘As for the Rajasic person, he might know a lot about the world but his greed and avarice would often plunge him into misery.’

22. Arjuna asks, ‘Krishna, there is something here that I do not understand. My observation is that in this world, it is often the Sattvic person who suffers most and not the Rajasic person. In fact, frequently, it is the Rajasic person who inflicts suffering on Sattvic persons.’

23. Krishna replies, ‘Superficially, what you say might seem to be correct. But know this to be true: The pain that the Sattvic person undergoes is actually meant to purify him and increase his eligibility for God! Everything has a purpose in My Master Plan!’

24. ‘All that I have told you so far is about how these people behave while alive. What is their fate after death? The Tamasic person would be reborn somewhere at the bottom. He might even lose his human form, if his track record has been poor. Does that mean that there is no hope? Not really. Just that in his case the due process of refinement would take longer, that is all. It is like travel; a person would cover distance slower if he walks, than he would if he rides a horse, that is all.’

25. ‘The Rajasic person would be born in an environment of activity. All his life would be immersed in activity, like business, for example. Such people are full of unfulfilled desires. They would therefore be born again and again till their thirst for worldly attractions and pleasures get exhausted.’

26. ‘Worldly desire is the main cause for rebirth. Every person has desires peculiar to his personality. I have not yet said anything about the Sattvic person. What about him? Believe it or not, he too has desires of his own! His desire may not be rooted in greed or avarice, but gentle people too have desires! They want good children, for example.’ 27. Arjuna asks, ‘Krishna, God that is to say, You have to be reasonable! How can man ever get rid of desires? We have stories in the epics that tell us that even great souls succumbed to desires of various kinds. Surely You can’t be serious when You are talking of getting rid of desires.’ 28. Krishna replies, ‘You have a valid point there. But there is one thing that can be done and that is to change the direction of desire. Instead of desiring the pleasures of the world, have an intense desire for God and seek the Bliss that the Lord alone can confer. Thus, by converting one type of desire into another type, all problems get solved!’ 29. ‘A person who desires only God automatically rises above the Gunas. Such a person is called a Gunatheetha. 30. Arjuna asks, ‘Above the Gunas?’ 31. Krishna replies, ‘Yes, above the Gunas!’

32. Arjuna continues, ‘What does that mean?’

33. Krishna replies, ‘It simply means that person is not Tamasic, he is not Rajasic, and he is not Sattvic either. He is beyond all the three standard types.’

34. Arjuna shakes his head and mutters, ‘I can’t understand. What sort of person is this?’ 35. Krishna says in reply, ‘Arjuna, I have in fact already described such a person earlier. Only, I did not use the term Gunatheetha then. Such a person couldn’t care less about the attractions of the world; that is because the only thing he wants is God. He is not bothered about friend and foe, about joy and sorrow, etc. That is to say, he is completely above the pairs of opposites. Things like joy and sorrow bother only a person with a dual mind, or one who is below the Gunas. But our friend has a one-track mind; he is concerned only with God and nothing else. Thus, he is immersed in the world of Oneness. That is why he is said to be beyond the Gunas.’ 36. Sounding skeptical, Arjuna mutters, ‘Sounds like a tough job.’

37. Krishna comments, ‘Oh yes? What is not difficult in this world? Listen, if you want something desperately, you will not really bother about difficulties, obstacles etc. Both you and I have seen people struggling against impossible odds to achieve all kinds of worldly objectives. But when it comes to God, people seem to quit even before trying!’

38. ‘Reaching God is no more difficult than many of the stupid stunts that people are trying all the time. People do many mad things for fame; they want to become immortal! How foolish! Removal of immorality is the proper way to Immortality. Love Me and become one with Me; that is the right and proper and indeed the only way to become Immortal. Let not stunts delude you!’

39. ‘Well, to wrap it all up, people get what they deserve; and that is determined essentially by their Gunas. The Sattvic type get the best deal shall I say? They go to Heaven. However, their stay there will end for sure one day, and they have to come back and face the hassle all over once again! But there is an even better deal, that is, coming to Me! He who makes Me his goal, comes to Me for sure, and stays with Me for ever. That is certain!’

 END OF CHAPTER 14

Anger Management

You will make quick progress in the spiritual path if you overcome the difficult obstacles of anger, pride, conceit, the tendency to look for faults in others, etc. These operate subconsciously, like the currents in the depths of the ocean. You must be vigilant not to lose your temper, be it even in small things, for that will hinder your progress. Anger is the parent of all wrong behaviour and it can turn any person into bad ways, any moment, and in any form. So first and foremost sublimate it by systematic effort. Welcome gladly anyone who points out your defects; be grateful to them. Never entertain hatred against them, for that is as bad as hating the good. You must love the “good” and discard the “bad”. Remember, the “bad” should not be hated but given up or avoided. Cultivate humility and love towards all; undesirable habits will then fall away from you. - Dhyana Vahini, Ch 14: “Remove Defects in Character”.

Desire destroys devotion, anger destroys wisdom, greed destroys work – hence these bad qualities must be sacrificed. - Baba

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QUOTE

Your heart is like a vessel. Fill it with qualities of Truth, Love and Sacrifice. - Baba

destiny

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love as sadhana

Love is the most important factor in life. If you pray to God with intense love and devotion, your prayers will certainly be answered. Such is the power of love. Devoid of love one cannot achieve anything, even in this mundane world. Love is God, live in love! The whole universe becomes a vacuum without love. Realise this truth! There is no greater power than humanness in this world. All that we experience in the outside world is only a reaction, reflection and resound of the inner being. Let the flame of your love be steady, and unwavering. There is no greater sadhana (spiritual practice) than love. That is the spiritual practice you have to adopt at all times. Divinity is omnipresent. Practise Divine Love, so you can realize the omnipresent Divinity within your own self.
- Divine Discourse, Oct 25, 2004.

An ounce of practice is better than a ton of preaching. - Baba

One can imbibe spiritual lessons only to the extent of one’s patience and intelligence. The ancient texts of India insist on the value of actual practice; they reiterate the importance of confirming the truths learnt from the scriptures by experiencing their impact personally. After mastering the texts and gaining experience by putting into practice the lessons learnt, you not only receive bliss and grace, but can also share the wisdom and the joy with others.

- Sathya Sai Vahini, Ch 22: ”Eternal Truths”.

An ounce of practice is better than a ton of preaching. - Baba

Feature Articles: Harnessing the Heart, Part 20 - October 2009

Feature Articles: Harnessing the Heart, Part 20 - October 2009

worship & love

You will be confronted with many Vighnas, or obstacles, in the journey of life. Prayers offered to Vighneswara will help you by removing such obstacles and minimising your problems. Love is the most important aspect in life; it is only love that can unify the world. Absence of love causes hatred, and undermines your human nature. People tend to foster their resentments, which leads to all sorts of problems; they forget the simple path of love. From today give up swaartha (selfishness), turn your mind towards the Parartha (the Supreme); lead a life of Yadaartha (Truth) and sanctify your lives. Place your faith in God and do your duty to the best of your ability. Immerse yourself in God’s love and share it with all. If you earn the love of God even to the slightest extent, you will experience infinite joy. - Divine Discourse, Sep 15, 1988.

To worship God as immanent in every atom or cell in the body is the highest form of worship. - Baba

the winds of grace blow all the time, all we need to do is to set our sails-Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa

It is the mind that makes one wise or ignorant, bound or emancipated. One is holy because of his mind, one is wicked because of his mind, one is a sinner because of his mind, and it is the mind that makes one virtuous. So one whose mind is always fixed on God requires no other practices, devotion or spiritual exercises.

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All about truth

Uttering the truth is easy, but lying is full of problems. One has to take a lot of trouble to cover up one lie with more lies. That is why it has been said: Sathyam brooyath; priyam brooyath; na brooyath sathyam apriyam - ‘speak what is truthful and pleasing and do not mention unkind truths’. God is the embodiment of Truth and Truth is the foundation of the Universe. This Truth is beyond the mind and it transcends space and time. You must live up to this Truth and realise that the Divine is present in everything. Only when you can recognise the omnipresence of the Divine, will you be able to experience God.
- Divine Discourse, Sep 15, 1988

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contentment

Contentment is a pure (sathwic) quality; it will not transform you into an idler; no. Instead, it will bring you closer to God and grant you peace. You will also find yourself less selfish and being able to overcome many pitfalls of the path. You will be able to discern the impermanent in life and reject their temptations. Discrimination, renunciation, and the spirit of inquiry, all develop through contentment. The contented person will become very pure (sathwic) and will attain a rich inner life in communion with the Atma. They will be able to undertake any work without rest and complaint and will acquire one-pointedness of mind. Contentment gives all spiritual aspirants the enthusiasm and vigour necessary for treading the path, that leads to Sakshathkara (realisation of God).
- Sathya Sai Vahini, Ch 21:”The Inner Inquiry”.

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Why is it important to stay away from the blame game, in all walks of our lives?

If you blame and find fault with others in a conversation, you will be criticised in turn. You will then become disturbed by this situation, which will disrupt your spiritual progress; in addition, the atmosphere will become stressful. Therefore if you really wish to find joy through your spiritual practices, the first step is to keep your conversations calm and to think positively. Sweet and soft conversation will help you immeasurably. You must cultivate such character, for character outlasts the body. Virtues are your strength and glory. Character is power. So train your mind and use it to hold fast to the goal of achieving oneness with God.
- Dhyana Vahini, Ch 10: “Innocence, Purity and Humility”.

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Why it is important to be pleasant at all times to progress spiritually? Swami lovingly explains to us today.

You must cultivate the quality of always being joyful, with a smile on your face; this will give you a special virtue. People will also warm to you naturally and the Lord too will be joyful on seeing you. Therefore carry out your spiritual practices with innocence, purity, and humility. Once you do this you will be able to attain your heart’s desire without fail. Do not lose your temper or courage in any situation. Respect everyone, whatever be their status. You will then develop the quality of universal love (prema) and as a result, your spiritual practices will progress unhindered.
- Dhyana Vahini, Ch 10: “Innocence, Purity and Humility”.

Even the nature of speech and the manner in which one converses can influence one's spiritual progress. Bhagawan explains how.

It is very important to remember that the full power inherent in your words can be utilised through speaking softly and sweetly. For those anxious to visualise God in all, such gentleness of speech will be of immense help. Through words of affection and regard, and by the practice of softness of expression, not only will your minds be calm and light, you will also grant great joy to others! And when you carry out meditation and other spiritual practices in such a happy atmosphere, concentration will come easily.
- Dhyana Vahini, Ch 10: “Innocence, Purity and Humility”.

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Forgiveness

A person who sincerely loves the Almighty should forgive someone who wronged him when that person asks for forgiveness. He should do his best to return to the previous state of loving-friendship that existed before the other person erred.

We find in the Torah (Genesis 50:21) that Yosef forgave his brothers for selling him into slavery as soon as they asked his forgiveness. He told them that because he fears God they need not worry.

Is there anyone you have not yet forgiven? If yes, imagine that the person has the wisdom and courage to ask you for forgiveness. Visualize yourself forgiving that person. The next time you encounter that person act with the friendliness of someone you have forgiven.

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Quotes

Through prayer and contemplation on God, you should try to control the evil qualities in you. - Baba

Student's Experiences

Later on I was to learn how I joined. Bhagawan gave us MBA boys an interview after the summer course (on Indian Culture and Spirituality) in Brindavan. On this occasion He asked me, “How did you come here?”  I looked at Swami and said, “Swami! I don’t know.” He said, “You came here because I put a tick on your name.”

Excerpt from interview with Sri Kota Shiva Kumar in Radio Sai

Actions that reach God

Three types of activity reach God and earn His Grace: (1) those not prompted by personal desire, (2) those emanating from unselfish love and (3) prayer arising from pure hearts. The Lord pays heed only to these and they reach God direct. The rest are the concern of the various deities who preside over their disposal. Therefore, prayers have to be unselfish, saturated with love, and free from the taint of attachment to the gift that the prayer would bring.

- Sathya Sai Vahini, Ch 19: “Prayer”

About Karma

The lives of individuals are determined by the actions performed by them in previous lives and the present one. The entire load of accumulated karma that is slowly being worked out over many life times by the individual is called sanchitha karma. That karma which directly influences the current life is called praarabdha karma. The actions being performed, which is bound to affect the future is called aagaami karma. While the actions one is engaging in is referred to as karma, being inactive is called akarma! If you are not attached to the fruits of your actions, but carry it out as your duty and as your way of worship; then you can practice akarma even though physically engaged in Karma. This is the highest sadhana.
- Sathya Sai Vahini, Ch 18: “Activity and Action”