Bend

Divine Within

Pomp and pride have to be given up to experience the Divine.  People talk about meditation, but how much of it is concentrated on God?  Nor is formal meditation necessary when you realize that the Divine is within you.  The purpose of meditation is to recognize one's unity with God.  This realization can come only when one removes the three-layered cloak that covers the Atma in the form of the three Gunas (influences) : Thamas, Rajas and Sathva.

(Sanathana Sarathi, December 1995, pg 321)

Growing Faith

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.

- Dorothy Bernard

When everything seems right in my world, I may feel that it is easy to have faith, and I do not question whether my life will continue to unfold in a positive direction.  However, what happens when a crisis or a challenge comes along?  Do I begin to doubt God's presence in my life?

I won't doubt when I remember that every challenge can be a new opportunity for growth and that even the smallest amount of faith on my part is enough to fuel tremendous courage - certainly enough to get me through whatever I need to get through.

My faith may seem small, but, like the tiny mustard seed, it contains astonishing potential for growth.  And the more my faith grows, the more I rejoice over being in God's loving presence.

I have faith in God and in God's presence in my life.

(From : 'Daily Word' magazine by Silent Unity, a world wide prayer ministry) 

GEM 772

Service rendered to villagers who are denied the ways and means of decent lives, draws Divine Grace.

(From : Garland of 1008 Gems, Bhagawan Shri Sathya Sai Baba's Sayings)

Your Devotion

Inner Reality

The divinity in you is changeless, blemishless, without beginning or end.  Just as a dhoby removes the dirt in a cloth and restores its original whiteness by washing with soap and beating it on stone, man should try to regain his vision of the pure effulgent Atma by washing his heart in the water of love with the soap of earnestness on the stone of sacrifice.  This is the way to realize one's Inner Reality.

(Sanathana Sarathi, May 1993, pg 126)

GEM 771

Service (seva) must be regarded as a yagna (a ritual sacrificial act) to atone for one or other type of lapses one may have committed.


(From : Garland of 1008 Gems, Bhagawan Shri Sathya Sai Baba's Sayings)

Q511

Is it true that Name is like an armour and a shield for the devotee ?



Namasmarana saved Prahlada from the agony of torture... The Name was his armour, his shield, his breath, his life.  Anjaneya (Hanuman) too demonstrates the might of the Name.  With the Name imprinted on his heart and rolling on his tongue, he leapt across the sea to distant Lanka where Sita was.  He had no space in mind for anything other than the Name of his master.

(SSS Vol 5, pg 247)

My Life Is Your Message

Swami, I'm feeling so lost without You,

My heart grieves as tears flow freely.

Yet, even through all these pain,

Your Voice whispers in my ear,

"Stay strong... There is still much to do."

I know You are there within my heart,

Still guiding and guarding me.

Take my hand, dearest Lord,

Lead me onwards in Your Mission,

Make my life to be Your message.

~ adeline108 ~

(written on April 28, 2011)

The Teacher