Hugs

There's something in a simple hug

That always warms the heart;

It welcomes us back home

And makes it easier to part

A hug's a way to share the joy

And sad times we go through,

Or just a way for friends to say

They like you 'cause you're you

Hugs are meant for anyone

For whom we really care,

From your grandma to your neighbor,

Or a cuddly teddy bear

A hug is an amazing thing -

It's just the perfect way

To show the love we're feeling

But can't find the words to say

It's funny how a little hug

Makes everyone feel good;

In every place and type,

It's always understood

And hugs don't need new equipment,

Special batteries or parts

Just open up your arms

And open up your hearts

~ Author Unknown ~

GEM 758

One must be eager to serve others, not eager to be served by them.

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

Prayer For Loved Ones

The love between husband and wife, between parents and children, is just the least little bit of God, as pushed forth through visible form into manifestation.

- H Emilie Cady

As I think about my family and friends, I feel so very grateful for them.  They have given me love and acceptance, and I want to bless them in return.  So I take this opportunity to give thanks for them and to remember them in my prayers.

"God, from the depths of Your love in my heart, I give thanks for my loved ones.  They are Your unique creations, and I thank You for the privilege of loving them and being loved by them.  Wherever they go this day, my loving thoughts go with them.

"God, Your spirit glows within my loved ones and lights their way.  They are Your beloved, and I give thanks that they live in the shelter of Your presence."

The spirit of God glows brightly within my loved ones, lighting their way.

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

Accusations

Passion For Power

The second evil is the passion for power.  From the villager to the top most man in a city, everybody is after power.  Power carries with it limits and obligations.  There are five kinds of power (or strength) : the power of knowledge, intellectual power, the power of fame, the power of character, and the power of sacrifice.  Only a person who has all these five attributes should aspire for a position of authority.

(Sanathana Sarathi, December 1994, pg 311)

GEM 757

Man should serve not with the feeling that he is doing favour to others, but with the understanding that he is repaying his debt to God.

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

Sai Darshan II, Part 1 - Message 27

Sai Darshan II, Part 1 - Message 27

God will show Himself to you

Once you have given up

Outward pomp and insincerity.

A pure heart

That desires nothing

Other than God

Shall bring the presence of His Divine Self

To him instantaneously.

God cannot be found

By an outward search.

The one that opens

His heart to God

Weeps the tears

Of pure love and devotion.

Sees his Master

Before him

And when the Master asks

"O Child what is it

That I can do for you?"

The pure one sobs

At the feet of the Master

And replies

"Beloved God, ask me

For I have waited

To serve Your Lotus Feet...

What is it that I can do for You?"

(Extract from : Sai Darshan II written by Seema M Dewan)

Faith

Purity Of Consciousness

Through activity, man attains purity of consciousness.  In fact, man has to welcome activity with this end in view.  And why strive for a pure consciousness?  Imagine a well with polluted and muddy water so that the bottom of the well cannot be seen.  Similarly within man's heart, deep down in his consciousness, we have the Atman.  But it can be cognized only when the consciousness is clarified.  Your imaginings, your inferences, your judgments and prejudices, your passions, emotions and egoistic desires, muddy the consciousness and make it opaque.  How then can you become aware of the Atman that is at the very base?  Through seva (service) rendered without any desire to placate one's ego and with only the well-being of others in view, is it possible to cleanse the consciousness and have the Atman revealed.

(Sanathana Sarathi, November 1977, back cover)

GEM 756

Man has to recognize the indebtedness to the society and his duty towards it.

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