Sacred Opportunities

There are many unfortunate people who are not able to utilize the sacred opportunities that come their way.  For one who cannot enjoy happiness and bliss, what does it matter what opportunity he gets?  For a dog which can only lap out water, what is the use of a river with a large quantity of flowing water?  We really get many sacred opportunities on occasions in our life.  Without using those opportunities and discussing their values, we waste our time and our life.

(Summer Showers in Brindivan, 1977, pg 242)

GEM 826

Destroy your ego, you have no need to seek liberation; you will be liberation itself.

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

The Gift

There once lived a great warrior. Though quite old, he still was able to defeat any challenger. His reputation extended far and wide throughout the land and many students gathered to study under him.

One day an infamous young warrior arrived at the village. He was determined to be the first man to defeat the great master. Along with his strength, he had an uncanny ability to spot and exploit any weakness in an opponent. He would wait for his opponent to make the first move, thus revealing a weakness, and then would strike with merciless force and lightning speed. No one had ever lasted with him in a match beyond the first move.

Much against the advice of his concerned students, the old master gladly accepted the young warrior's challenge. As the two squared off for battle, the young warrior began to hurl insults at the old master. He threw dirt and spit in his face. For hours he verbally assaulted him with every curse and insult known to mankind. But the old warrior merely stood there motionless and calm. Finally, the young warrior exhausted himself. Knowing he was defeated, he left feeling shamed.

Somewhat disappointed that he did not fight the insolent youth, the students gathered around the old master and questioned him. "How could you endure such an indignity? How did you drive him away?"

"If someone comes to give you a gift and you do not receive it," the master replied, "to whom does the gift belong?" 

~ Author Unknown ~

I Have Learned

Swami, from You... I have learned...

To see beauty in all Your creations

and treasure the uniqueness in diversity.

To hear gentle music that pervades the air

and cherish the bliss in pure silence.

To taste both sweet and bitter experiences

and find peace in equanimity.

To feel through my heart, not the mind

and cultivate love for all existence.

I have learned that Divinity dwells in All

and will ultimately return to the only ONE...

~ adeline108 ~

Our Human Body

Our human body is temporary,

A passing ship across the ocean of life;

The more we try to possess the world,

The harder will be our journey to strive.

From emptiness we came and to thus we shall go,

The circle will keep on revolving;

Awaken and seek your answers within,

"Who am I?  Whither am I going?"

~ adeline108 ~

The Reality

Jungle Of Life

Life is a jungle, where there is a great deal of dry wood which harbors worms and insects.  No one cleans the floor of the forest or cuts away the undergrowth of bush and bramble.  To wade through the thorns and the leech-ridden floor of the jungle, one has to wear the boots of sense-regulation, if one has to pass through the jungle of life, without harming oneself.

(Gems of Wisdom, Discipline, pg 411)

CREATIVE

"I am creative, for God has given me talents and abilities."

I can accomplish great things, for God has given me special talents and abilities. However, I choose to express my creativity, I have confidence that I will succeed.

Just as I can use my creativity to make a material object, so can I create a positive, spirit-filled climate around me. By focusing my thoughts on my ability to communicate effectively with others, I help create a friendly, harmonious environment.

I do not compare my talents to those of others, considering others to be more talented than I am. I am talented in my own way, just as others are talented in their own ways. God gives each of us talents and abilities, and I use mine creatively.

"They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither."

- Psalm 1:3

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

GEM 825

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

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

Q532

Which of the two paths - Jnana and Bhakti, brings Grace of the Lord more easily?



Through devotion to God (Bhakti) alone can that knowledge (jnana) be attained.  Bhakti purifies the heart and universalises the vision.  It also brings down the Grace of God; for, the clouds have to come over the fields and pour rain; the plants cannot rise up to drink the life-giving fluid.  The mother has to bend to the cradle to fondle the child.  Bhakti has that power, to bring the Lord down.

(SSS Vol 4, pg 69)