True Picture

What makes humility so desirable is the marvellous thing it does to us; it creates in us a  capacity for the closest possible intimacy with God.

- Monica Baldwin

One challenge in an otherwise perfect day can seem to overshadow my whole day - but only if I let it.  So, I concentrate on holding a true picture of myself in mind.  And the truest picture of me is always one in which I am vitalised, strengthened, and guided by the very spirit of God.

During times when I am asked to do more than I may believe I can do, I bring to mind my true picture.  And this is who I see : a calm and powerful, loving and compassionate being infused by Spirit.  Then, a new resolve and a new energy rise up from the depths of my being.

I carry a true picture of my loved ones in my mind and heart.  With every thought, word, and act, I encourage the fulfilment of our spiritual reality.

I hold my spiritual identity in mind - a true picture of me.

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

GEM 727

When the mind is pure, unselfish and unwavering, the Divine appears in all His purity and fullness.

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

Divinity

When divinity is immanent in everything, conscious and un-conscious, in every form of being, how can a thing be condemned as bad or commended as good?

Water quenches thirst and can also drown people.  Fire gives light and warmth, but can also burn a thing to ash.  Sound terrifies and also thrills.  They are all three Divine.  Divinity is not so easily understood.

To recognize this Unity, one needs training, though to be deluded by diversity one doesn't need any.  For grass to grow quickly, no effort on our part is needed, but if grain is to be harvested, the field must be ploughed, weeded, watered, manured and fenced.  So also to get a harvest of virtue, intense sadhana is needed, though no such effort is necessary to contract vices.  Man has to struggle hard in order to attain the higher stages of spiritual development.  He has to overcome many hurdles and put up with many difficulties and disappointments.

(Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol X, pg 186)

Love The Mother

Q493

What is Likhit Japa?  What is the fruit of this sadhana ?



"Likhit Japam" has been recommended for purifying one's mind.  It is a form of spiritual exercise in which one is engaged in writing the name of the Lord.  This should be performed in a spirit of devotion...  It is not quantity that counts.  Even the writing of a few names with sincere devotion is better than filling pages mechanically.

(SSS Vol 27, pg 285)

GEM 726

When the mind is clear, the world organized by it will also appear clean.

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

Poor Rich

The Soul

One Only

One only, not two.  If it is not two, it could be three; so it is defined also as One only.  It is the inner motivator of all, like the string running through all the beads.  If it is inside all, why is it not visible to all?  Picture a rosary... if different types of beads - coral, pearl, tulsi, crystal, rudraaksha, conch, etc., the string passes through each and holds all the beads together no doubt; but it is only in the transparent beads that it is visible.  So too, you have to make yourself transparent, free from wish and will that hide or befog; then only the inner motivator be seen.  You cannot say that since it is not visible, it is not there.  To earn transparency, purity of intuition impulse and instinct is essential.  That can be achieved by systematic and sincere discipline.

(Gems of Wisdom, Sins and Repentance, pg 356)

Love Is A Force

Love is a force more formidable than any other. 

It is invisible, it cannot be seen or measured, 

yet is powerful enough to transform you in a moment, 

and offer you more joy than any material possession ever could.

- Author Unknown -