Remember....

1. Faith is the ability to not panic.

2. If you worry, you didn't pray. If you prayed, don't worry.

3. As a child of God, prayer is like calling home everyday.

4. Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of Shape.

5. When we get tangled up in our problems, be still. God wants us to be
still so He can untangle the knot.

6. Do the math. Count your blessings.

7. God wants spiritual fruit, not religious nuts.

8. Dear God: I have a problem. "It's me".

9. Silence is often misinterpreted, but never misquoted.

10. Laugh every day -- it's like inner jogging.

11. The most important things in your home are the people.

12. Growing old is inevitable, growing up is optional.

13. There is no key to happiness. The door is always open. Come on in.

14. A grudge is too heavy a burden to carry.

15. He who dies with the most money and toys is still "just as dead".

16. We do not remember days but moments. Life moves too fast ... enjoy
your precious moments.

17. Nothing is real to you until you experience it; otherwise, it's just
hearsay.

18. It's alright to sit on your 'pity potty' every now and again. Just
be sure to flush when you are done.

19. Surviving and living your life successfully requires courage. The
goals and dreams you're seeking require courage and risk-taking. Learn
from the turtle, it only makes progress when it sticks its neck out.
Your character is what you really are; your reputation is merely what
others think you are.

20. No matter the storm, when you are with God, there's always a rainbow
waiting.

21. Leave gentle fingerprints on the souls of others' for the angels to
read.

22. I don't want to get to the end of my life and find that I lived just
the length of it. I want to have lived the width of it as well.

23. Nothing will ever happen in your life that God and you can not
handle.

24. The "WILL OF GOD" will never take you where the "GRACE OF GOD" will
not protect you.

25. No matter what, always remember "GOD LOVES YOU"!!!!!!

Sai Inspires - 30th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 30th April 2009

What is the relationship between Nature and Spirituality? The Divine Master beautifully explains the unity between the two.

The scriptures (Upanishads and Bhagavad Gita) declare, "All Nature is God" and "The Lord is in all beings". When learning about the sublime secrets of the trees, appreciate the Creator and strive to understand the principles behind creation. Life is a tree. The mutual relationship we cultivate and cherish are symbolized by the branches, twigs and leaves; the thoughts arising in the mind are the flowers; Ananda (Joy) is in the fruit, Dharma is the sweet juice it contains. The tree is held firm by the very roots which fed it...roots that symbolize faith and self-confidence. Nurture the roots well.

- Divine Discourse, February 18, 1980.

The Basis for all Service is Love - Baba

Sai Inspires - 29th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 29th April 2009

What is the difference between co-operation and operation? What qualities should we develop within ourselves? The Divine Master makes it abundantly clear to us today.

Riches beyond reasonable limits will result only in disaster. Unity of minds, mutual love and co-operation - these are the qualities we must develop continuously. One must not learn to live like a drop of oil on a pond, spreading all over the surface and refusing to merge with the water. One must join others in common tasks and contribute one's strength and skill to the common pool. A single thin string cannot stop even an ant, but hundreds of them twisted into a rope can hold back an elephant. This is the effect of united effort. It is a very desirable trait to work for a common cause with others in co-operation; do not believe in mere operation tasks.

-Divine Discourse, Vol 14 Ch 20, Feb 18, 1980.

Make the World a happy home of love - Baba

Sai Inspires - 28th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 28th April 2009

How can we make our living a glorious experience? Swami lovingly explains the concept and its benefits very clearly to us today.

Living becomes a glorious experience only when it is sweetened by tolerance and love. Willingness to compromise with others' ways of living, and co-operation in common tasks - these make living happy and fruitful. Develop the Atmic awareness, the consciousness of the Divine and the acquisition of Divine attributes. Expand love and understanding. When one consciously and steadily strives to develop these distinct human qualities, one gains valuable experience and feels equipped to transform the society. When this happens, the nation and the entire human race benefits.

- Divine Discourse, February 17, 1980.

Life is a market. Giving and taking, bargaining and speculating
are part of the game. Play the game of Life. Enjoy it! . - Baba

Sai Inspires - 27th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 27th April 2009

What is the one key discipline that we must possess for our own spiritual advancement? Swami lovingly explains to us today.

The key discipline you must cultivate is Ahimsa (Absence of Violence). It does not merely mean not injuring a living being. You should not cause hurt even by a word, a look or a gesture. Tolerance, fortitude, equanimity - these help you to be steady in Ahimsa. They will remove all chance of your causing pain to others. This is called Sahana (Forbearance) or Kshama (Forgiveness). Assess the worth of whatever others do to you or say about you, and cultivate fortitude and the understanding to appreciate their behavior and pardon their faults. This capacity is as invaluable as truth, righteousness, renunciation and compassion. This is all that one need to possess for spiritual advancement.

-Divine Discourse, February 17, 1980.

A Pure Heart is all Sadhana - Baba

Sai Inspires - 26th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 26th April 2009

What are the primary needs to lead a happy life? Swami explains very clearly to us today.

Without an ever-present faith in an all-knowing God, life is dry and drab, shadowed by despair and doom. Love for God and fear of sin are the two primary needs for a happy life. Without these two, one becomes a monster. You must be ever ready to sacrifice your selfish needs for the sake of a larger community. Be honest and be proficient in detachment, and with God installed in your hearts, march forward to offer your skills and duties steadfastly.

-Divine Discourse, March 29 , 1979

"Promote devotion through duty and discipline." - Baba

Sai Inspires - 25th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 25th April 2009

What is the difficulty we face by amassing wealth? What is the real purpose for which it should be used? Swami clears all the doubts in very simple terms today.

Today, our lives are tainted by a desire for wealth. Wealth makes a man intoxicated. Money is necessary, but it must have a limit. Excessive money can be harmful to the mind. It is more difficult to spend money than to earn it. It is even more difficult to take care of money earned. This difficulty has an advantage. Put the money to good use by spending it for the rural folks, and for the people in distress. Money is not the basis of this mundane world (It is not Dhana moolam idham Jagath), but it is (Dharma moolam idham jagath). Righteousness is the foundation of this world. If money grows, unrest also grows, and money brings sorrows with it. Give your money in charity and make it purposeful.

- Divine Discourse, March 28, 1979 .

Compassion can achieve ends, which money cannot. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 24th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 24th April 2009

How can we tame the tongue to help us develop the goodness within us? Swami teaches us the fundamentals of speech today.

Talkative persons easily slip into scandal mongering. Too much talk and a tongue addicted to scandal are twins; for they work together in unison. A poet addressed his tongue thus, "Oh tongue, knower of taste, relisher of sweetness, always prefer the Truth and God." Even when speaking the truth, one should not inflame passion, diminish enthusiasm, or inflict injury. Follow this tenet in your life: Speak the truth, and say it pleasantly (Sathyam Bruyath, Priyam Bruyath). If it is unpleasant, do not speak the truth. (Na bruyath, sathyam apriyam). Even if it is pleasant, do not speak falsehood. (Priyam cha na anritham bruyath).

-Divine Discourse, Feb 17, 1980.

All are One. Be alike to everyone - Baba

Bhagwan has left for Kodaikanal

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Bhagawan left for Kodaikanal this morning. Accepting Arati from the car at the Mandir at 7.45 am, Swami drove to the airport where His flight - a small business jet - took off at 8.20 am. The students and others who are to join Bhagawan at Madurai for the Kodai trip had left yesterday. From Madurai, the entire party will go to proceed up the Kodai hills once Bhagawan reaches Madurai this morning.

Sai Inspires - 23rd April 2009

Sai Inspires - 23rd April 2009

Why should we be intolerant of falsehood? What are its evil effects? Swami explains to us very clearly today.

Whenever any person is ill-treated or harmed, it is God who is the target of that sacrilege. Resorting to falsehood is a demon that possesses and overpowers the weak. Indulging in unnecessary talk, talk for its own sake, is a morbid habit. It is also a waste of energy. It disperses company, for no one likes to listen to a bore. If a talkative person is tolerated for a minute, he will stick to you for days. There are also others, who spread rumors and gossip, and spoil your peace of mind and poison the spring of love. You must stay away from these habits, weed the bad in you, and be engaged in developing the good in you, heightening your purity and holiness.

- Divine Discourse, February 17 , 1980.

Practice speech that does not offend. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 22nd April 2009

Sai Inspires - 22nd April 2009

What is the difference between inner purity and outer cleanliness? Which of these is more important? Swami explains clearly the difference between two and shows us the right goal.

The body is cleansed by soap and water, but true cleanliness can be achieved only from within. The cleansing of the body may keep physical illness away, but the disease of the mind requires inner cleanliness. A perfume applied to the body might please the company around, but good thoughts and sweet conversation will please them more for a long time. As the soap is for the body, truth is for the speech, both have a high cleansing effort. The mind has to be cleansed by proper education in the crucible of renunciation. Education is the process of gaining illumination - it is the light that dispels the darkness of ignorance and doubt. It confers humility and discipline.

- Divine Discourse, February 17, 1980.

The highest discipline is to bring about unity in one's thought, word and deed. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 21st April 2009

Sai Inspires - 21st April 2009

What should be the motivating factors for us to work hard? What are the key wins everyone should attain in life? Swami explains very clearly to us today.

Cultivate not riches, or comfort, or luxuries, but Divine virtues. Speak sweetly, shed comfort with every glance of yours. Do not be slaves to your sensual desires. You should conquer lust and vanquish anger. Exile from your mind greed, hate and jealousy. Dedicate your hand to the service of the fellow human beings. To resurrect infinite love and compassion, you must kill jealousy and selfishness, and purify your hearts. Earn the true mercy of the Divine. Follow the path shown by the Lord and reach the position He holds for you.

- Divine Discourse, December 25, 1979.

Cultivate virtues and become eligible to receive God's Grace. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 20th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 20th April 2009

How can we experience Oneness with the Divine? Swami lovingly explains the path to experience the Divine in this vast universe.

God incarnates to inspire human beings to follow higher ideals in the Universe. Human beings may have different languages and life styles, but God is One and He is present everywhere. All religions speak of Him as Love and as attainable through love. Forms of worshipping God differ, for they are shaped by time and place, but love is the basic content of all the forms. The language of love is understood and spoken by all hearts. There is only one race, the race of mankind. One must not consider petty distinctions of nationality, race, religion and language, and withhold love. Love must flow to everyone from the heart. Nurture this love in your hearts and experience the Divine.

- Divine Discourse, December 25, 1979.

Follow the Master. Face the Devil. Fight to the end and Finish the game. You are verily God.- Baba

Sai Inspires - 19th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 19th April 2009

What is the path to realizing Divine within oneself? The Divine Master shows us the way today.

Develop knowledge about the higher levels of consciousness and the higher planes of existence. Knowledge leads to skill. From skill in using such knowledge, one acquires balance. You must recognize that this life is a stage in the long pilgrimage, and that we are now at a hotel, a temporary resting place. There is a watchman to the hotel, which is your mind. Do not feel permanently attached to the mind or the body. This "negative" body has the "positive" Divinity within it. When you become all embracing infinite Love, the Divine will manifest in and through you. Try to be like the Divine.

- Divine Discourse, December 25, 1979.

Death is the dress of Life. During the brief span of life, glorify God and do God's work - Baba

Sai Inspires - 18th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 18th April 2009

What is the fundamental truth that we should believe in, in our journey to the Lord? Swami teaches us kindly with a wonderful example today.

Every living being is on a pilgrimage - whether he/she or it is aware or not. The Sun causes clouds in the sky by raising water from the sea as vapour; the waters of the sea fall as rain, the rain water accumulates and flows as streams and rivers, until it merges with the source, the sea. It is faithful to its destiny; it confronts bravely all the hurdles and obstacles on the pilgrim path. Every human being has come into this world as a Messenger of God.

-Divine Discourse, December 25, 1979.

Virtue alone will bring the Grace of God. - Baba

BALANCE SHEET OF YOUR LIFE.

BALANCE SHEET OF YOUR LIFE.

What Comes is Your CREDIT,What Goes is Your DEBIT.
The Birth is your OPENING STOCK,
Your Ideas are your ASSETS,
Your Views are your LIABILITIES.

Your Happiness is the PROFIT,
Your Sorrow is the LOSS,
The Soul is Your GOODWILL,
The Heart is Your FIXED ASSET.

Your Duties are your OUTSTANDING LIABILITIES,
Your Friendship is your HIDDEN ADJUSTMENTS.

Your Character is your CAPITAL,
Your Knowledge is your INVESTMENT,
Your Patience is your INTEREST.

Bad Qualities to DEPRECIATE.

Your Mind is your BANK-BALANCE,
Your Thinking is your CURRENT ACCOUNT,
Your behavior is your JOURNAL ENTRY.

Be Good or Be Taxed....

BALANCE SHEET OF YOUR LIFE.

BALANCE SHEET OF YOUR LIFE.

What Comes is Your CREDIT,What Goes is Your DEBIT.
The Birth is your OPENING STOCK,
Your Ideas are your ASSETS,
Your Views are your LIABILITIES.

Your Happiness is the PROFIT,
Your Sorrow is the LOSS,
The Soul is Your GOODWILL,
The Heart is Your FIXED ASSET.

Your Duties are your OUTSTANDING LIABILITIES,
Your Friendship is your HIDDEN ADJUSTMENTS.

Your Character is your CAPITAL,
Your Knowledge is your INVESTMENT,
Your Patience is your INTEREST.

Bad Qualities to DEPRECIATE.

Your Mind is your BANK-BALANCE,
Your Thinking is your CURRENT ACCOUNT,
Your behavior is your JOURNAL ENTRY.

Be Good or Be Taxed....

Swami inspires one foreigner ... read on ...

 

My Inspirations Include Spiritual Leaders

 

Published by dougkueffler at 5:05 pm under Culture, Spirituality Edit This

Autobiography of a Yogi is one of the most influential books to come out of the eastern spiritualism of India. The author, known as Paramahansa Yogananda, founded the Self Realization Fellowship organization in the United States and spent many years in the USA inspiring thousands of seekers to look within for guidance.

 

Another religious leader that has influenced my life is Sri Sathya Sai Baba, of Puttaparthi, India. This modern day “avatar” has established hospitals and schools, and is looked upon by his devotees as an incarnation of a fully enlightened being. Sai Baba has inspired millions and has devoted followers in ashrams around the globe. Thousands of pilgrims travel to Puttaparthi each day to simply be in his presence.

 

The current Tibetan Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, has authored books on peace and the compassionate heart. I re-read his work frequently and greatly admire his efforts to peacefully reach an accord with China so that Tibetans can be free to live in their own country without fear of persecution or reprisal.

 

Mother Teresa showed the entire World that material possessions provided no satisfaction in the spiritual realm and her work amongst the poor, the diseased and the downtrodden people of Calcutta inspired the Roman Pontiff to recognize her saintliness.

To find our own path, each of us may explore history and belief systems, readings, great books, the lives of the saints, world religions, and however else we realize our true selves, which eventually we find within our own hearts and minds.

 

Sai Inspires - 16th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 16th April 2009

How quickly can you progress towards your goals? How do you derive strength to march towards your destination? Swami explains very clearly to us today.

Protect your mother tongue and Motherland with all your energy. Make yourselves fit for this, by making the best use of the opportunities. Progress as much as you can, without any hesitation. Develop character as well as intelligence and health. The most reliable source of strength is in you, not in money, or kinsmen or physical acumen, but in the Divinity within you. Know it, delve into it, and draw sustenance from it. See it in all, serve it in all.

-Divine Discourse, December 8, 1979.

"All are One; Be alike to every one." - Baba

Sai Inspires - 15th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 15th April 2009

What is the difference between what we think and how we act? How can we steady our conduct and improve ourselves? Swami explains to us in very clear terms today.

Have high ideals. Strive to elevate yourselves. Work to attain the highest goal, God Himself. Whatever the obstacle or the opposition, do not be disheartened. Give up the animal in you, stabilize yourselves in human virtues, and proceed boldly towards the achievement of Divinity. Do not waver - having devotion today, tomorrow seeking sensual gratification, and then the day after, back to devotion again. When something goes wrong, you are filled with despair. When discipline is enforced, you start holding back, and when love is showered, you are first again. This dual attitude must be given up.

-Divine Discourse, March 7, 1978 .

A man with dual mind is half blind. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 14th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 14th April 2009

How can we be happy at all times? And what is the relationship between the thoughts we entertain and our happiness? Swami shows us the direct relationship between these today.

We become what we contemplate. By constant thought an ideal gets imprinted on our hearts. When we fix our thoughts all the time of the evil that others do, our mind gets polluted by evil. On the contrary, if we fix our mind on the virtues or well-being of the others, our mind is cleansed of wrong and entertains only good thoughts. No evil thought can penetrate the mind of a person wholly given to love and compassion.

-Divine Discourse, March 7, 1978.

I have a definition of a devotee that I expect.

Those devoted to Me have to treat joy and grief, gain and loss with equal fortitude. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 13th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 13th April 2009

What is the real reason for chanting the Names of the Lord? What benefits will accrue to us when we chant the Names of the Lord? Swami teaches us kindly today.

You must realize that bhajan, namasmaran and puja (chanting the Name and worshipping God) are not for pleasing or making God happy, but for our own spiritual progress. Frequently, people flatter the rich and the powerful - especially when they are in their employment or are beholden to them for some precious help - in order to induce them to shower gifts on them. But God does not shower Grace on people because they sing His praises. Nor does He come down upon them because they do not worship Him. Recitation of the Divine attributes only enable us to dwell on elevating ideals and approximate ourselves more and more to the Divinity that is our true nature.

-Divine Discourse, March 7, 1978.

The thoughts we indulge in, shape our Nature. - Baba

So Says Sai...Chant Namasmarana continuously at all times

So Says Sai....

Parthi means effulgence. So Puttaparthi is the place of effulgence. It is the beacon of light. Earlier it was called Puttavardhini. Putta means anthill. There used to be anthills and snakes everywhere. The Ramayana has close relationship with the anthills in the sense that anthills grew over its composer, Sage Valmiki. He was completely covered by anthills and snakes were moving in and out of them. There are many snakes of wicked qualities in the anthill of your heart. When you do namasmarana (remembering the Divine name), all the snakes of the bad qualities will come out. Namasmarana is like Nadaswaram, which attracts snakes and bring them out of anthills. The nadaswaram is your jeevanaswaram and pranaswaram (breath of life). One has to repeat God's name in order to get rid of evil qualities.

Source: Sathya Sai Speaks Vol. XXXV. P. 105.

Sai Prerna (10th April, 2009, 9.15pm, Saiprem)

Sai Prerna (10th April, 2009, 9.15pm, Saiprem)

The session commenced with three omkars and a small video clipping on Bhagwan by the name 'Yadein'

In the last session we discussed on the importance of namasmarana and we decided that we would consciously try to do namasmarana 24*7.

We shared our experiences on the activity and this is the summary of the same-

1) We realized that doing namasmarana is not an easy activity as perceived to be, coz, our minds are caught in so many routine and mundane activities that we have to put conscious efforts to chant the lords name.

2) Some of our brothers could start the activity but could not sustain it coz the mad monkey mind again played its evil tricks of getting caught in the worldly activities.

3) Many of us did find some change in terms of calming our mind and regaining peace through increased frequency of chanting the lord's name.

As we were finding out the reasons as to why we found it difficult to consciously do namasmarana we found out that our mind has become a major hurdle between us and the lord.

To train our mind on the importance of chanting the lord's name, let's analyze a simple situation….

We try to give time to Swami's activity as each one of us has a busy schedule. In life we would face with tough situations during which we would intensely crave for the divine intervention. Let's presume if you happen to fall at Bhagwans feet during the stressful time of your life and ask for his grace and Bhagwan replies I do not have the time now to help you.

Isn't this thought fearful? If your mind is filled with this fear, then namasmarana would become a part of you during the journey of life.

One of the brothers posted a question? How do I chant the name of the lord when I am working at the office?

Namasmarana should become a part of our sub conscious mind. So even if we are doing any activity or faced with sudden danger, what appears on our lips is the name of the lord. All of us utter the name of mother or amma on every occasion, in the same way the name of the lord should be on our lips always. To get on to this level we should first practice to chant the name of the lord consciously 24*7.

Post this the discussion went to the newly created blog for Sai Prerna…

In our blog http://sathyasaiprerna.blogspot.com/ we have put an important statement which is 'DARE TO BE DIVINE'. Swami is asking each one of us this question; do you have the guts to become divine? When we ponder as to the answer for this question we realize, Do I really have the strength to become divine coz if we do have then we would follow the twin basic divine principles stated by Bhagwan which is-

"Satyam Vada, Dharmam Chara" (Speak the truth and follow the path of righteousness)

Our mind invites thoughts and ideas wherein we can see material benefit and all these thoughts have only one outcome which is fulfillment of 'TEMPORARY' desires.

Can we train our mind towards the path of spirituality and have the mental strength and conviction to become divine? If we can, then lets be assured of a permanent solution which is winning the grace of the lord and there-by attaining the 'PERMANENT' goal of Moksha or Liberation.

To be Divine requires the first step of following the principles of truth.

Bhagwans name starts with the word SATHYA which means truth.
In the year 1996, Summer Course on Indian Culture and Spirituality was conducted at Brindavan and one evening Swami was rendering the divine discourse which was on the universal principles of Satya, Dharma, Shanti and Ahimsa. One of the elder devotees got a thought as to why Swami mentions the same points in every discourse which he renders. This thought just vanished in seconds and the program continued. After the discourse, Bhagwan came to the hostel for the dinning session and this elderly gentlemen happened to be seated along with the other VIPs.
Swami stopped by his side and spoke to the person sitting next to this VIP and he said....

Swami-How was my discourse?
Devotee-Very beautiful Swami
Swami-I have to keep telling the same points again and again as truth is permanent and never-changing and whatever I utter is TRUTH.

He looked at the VIP who had got this thought earlier during the discourse and he smiled.

So, the message is clear Truth is permanent. Truth has no fear. Bhagwan work is going on on such a huge magnitude all over the globe. Have we ever seen him worried or stressed? He is ever smiling and he is verily the embodiment of Truth & Ananda.

One of the brothers emphasized on the point that the mind becomes so stressed during uncertain situations that the name and form of the lord just disappears coz fear overtakes hope…

Swami has repeatedly assured "Why Fear When I Am Here"….do we have the conviction on this assurance and if yes the word fear and worry should be out of the dictionary of our life.

Towards the end of the session, we decided that we would continue to consciously do the activity of namasmarana for the next two months and again discuss the benefits of the same.

In the next session we would view and discuss on the discourse given by Bhagwan to the western devotees in 1991 at Kodaikanal.

All are requested to share all that we discussed in the Sai Prerna session and continue our divine journey towards SAI.

The next Sai Prerna session would be held on the second Saturday i.e 9th May 2009.

Sai Bless Us All

Sai Inspires - 11th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 11th April 2009

Why do we like some and dislike others? Are there some basic principles which explain these? The Divine Master explains to us in absolute clear terms today.

Ignoring the unity of all mankind in the Divine Soul, one relishes in quarrels and factions. He classifies some among his contemporaries as friends and some as his foes. Duality is the making of an individual. It is their own likes and dislikes, prejudices and passions that is reflected, and that creates all these reactions of love and hatred - it is the resounding echo of faction and friction. Friendship and enmity arise from your heart; they are labels fixed by you, not marks which other people are born with. The same person is the thickest friend of one and the mortal enemy of another - both because of his one act or word. Realize this truth and live in unity.

- Divine Discourse, May 11, 1975.

Love is God. Live in Love. - Baba

Sai Inspires - 10th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 10th April 2009

What are the underlying reasons for illness? What is the remedy? Swami explains to us today.

Illness is caused by the malnutrition of the mind than of body. Doctors speak of vitamin deficiency; I will call it the deficiency of 'Vitamin G' and I will recommend the repetition of the Name of God with accompanying contemplation of the glory and grace of God. That is the 'Vitamin G'. That is the medicine. Regulated life and habits are two-thirds of the treatment, while the medicine is only one-third.

- Divine Discourse, April 28, 1975 .

Do not reduce spiritual effort to a mere daily routine. - Baba

Swami on Namasmarana

Namasmarana is an instrument to realize the Lord. Thyagaraja started the Namajapa of Sri Rama in his twentieth year; he recited it ninety six crores of times, and took twenty one years and fifteen days for the vow to be finished. As a result, he had the darsana of Sri Rama, "the letters of the Name taken shape", he says. The Name signifies the quality of the Lord, His guna, and so constant contemplation arouses the same guna in the reciter. For Namasmarana, no expense is involved; no materials are needed; there is no special place and time to be provided. No qualification of scholarship or caste or sex has to be proved. When a bit of iron is rubbed to and fro on a slab of stone, heat is generated: only the rubbing has to be vigorous and continuous. When you do so at intervals and with poor pressure, the iron will not get hot. So too, in order to get sufficient heat to melt the soft heart of the Lord, rub the name Ram Ram Ram vigorously and
unintermittently. Then, the Lord will shower His Grace.

The Name is more efficacious than the contemplation of the Form. Droupadi did not send a chariot to bring Krishna to her rescue; she uttered the Name in her agony and Krishna responded and saved her from imminent dishonor. In the Threthayuga, when the Ramayana story was gone through, Nala and his monkeys were building a bridge over the sea to Lanka; the boulders on which they inscribed the sacred Name, Rama, floated on the waters, but, they found that the boulders floated away due to wind and wave. They did not form a continuous bridge, for the army to pass over. Some ingenious person gave a suggestion to write RA on one boulder and MA on another and they found that the two stuck hard together. The Name will serve as a float for you too; it will keep you attached to God and bring on you His Grace.

- Swami

Sai Inspires - 9th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 9th April 2009

What can you do to spread joy and prosperity in the society? Swami teaches us small little steps which will make a difference.

Cultivate unity and brotherhood. A single fiber of hemp cannot bind even an ant. Thousands rolled into a rope can tame a wild elephant into quiet submission. In unity lies strength, joy and prosperity of the entire society.

- Divine Discourse, Feb 23, 2009.

Sai Inspires - 8th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 8th April 2009

What should we do to make our days on earth a path of flowers? Swami kindly gives us the answers today.

You have it in your power to make your days on earth a path of flowers, instead of a path of thorns. Recognize the Lord present in every heart, and all will be smoothness, softness and sweetness for you. The Lord will be the fountain of Love in your heart, and in the hearts of all with whom you come in contact. Know that the Lord is Omnipresent in You, and in every other being. Adore everyone as you adore the Lord. Allow the others as much freedom as you like to enjoy, and do unto him just as you would like to be done to you. Don't do unto him anything you don't like to be done unto you. This is the sum and substance of your spiritual effort.

- Divine Discourse, May 11, 1975.

Life is a game, Play it. Baba

Sai Inspires - 7th April 2009

Sai Inspires - 7th April 2009


The body that man bears is essentially the receptacle of God. It is a temple, where God is installed and where God is the Master. It does not deserve all the attention you now pay to fulfill its urges, needs and whims. The Divine is the core, the essence of your being. God is everywhere; when He is recognized and adored as the Indweller of your body, it becomes a Temple and it is no more a burden. God is shining, announcing Himself through you. He is expressing Himself through every thought, word and deed that emanates from you.

- Divine Discourse, April 28, 2009.

Develop the habit of listening to your inner voice. Baba

Sai Inspires - 6th April 2009


Rig Veda teaches the lesson of serenity. Peace is like rose water scent; when it is sprinkled on you, smell it but don't drink it - that is to say, accept it and thrive on it. Blame is like a medicine. Examine yourselves whether you have the illness and if you have, accept the blame and benefit by it.

-Divine Discourse, April 20, 1975.



Fill your heart with Love and Light. - Baba

Prayer of Surrender

Prayer of Surrender

Why get agitated? Let Me take care of all your business. I shall be the one who will think about them. I am waiting for nothing else than your surrender to Me, and then you do not have to worry any more about anything. Say farewell to all fears and discouragement. You demonstrate that you do not trust Me. On the contrary, you must rely blindly on Me.

To surrender means: To turn your thoughts away from troubles, to turn them away from difficulties you encounter and from all your problems. Leave everything into My hands saying "Lord, Thy will be done. Thou think of it." That is to say: "Lord I thank you for you have taken everything in your hands, and you will resolve this for my highest good."

Remember that thinking of the consequences of a thing is contrary to surrender. That is to say, when you worry that a situation has not had the desired outcome, you thus demonstrate that you do not believe in My love for you. You will prove that you do not consider your life to be under My control and that nothing escapes Me.

Never think: How is this to end?... What is going to happen? If you give into this temptation, you demonstrate that you do not trust Me. Do you want Me to deal with it...yes or no? Then you must stop being anxious about it! I shall guide you only if you completely surrender to Me and when I must lead you into a different path than the one that you expect, I carry you in My arms.

What seriously upsets you is your reasoning, your worrying, your obsession, your will to provide for yourselves at any price. I can do so many things when the being, as much in his material necessities as in his spritual ones, turns to Me saying: "You think of it." then he closes his eyes and rests quietly. You will receive a lot but only when your prayer will rely fully upon Me. You pray to Me when in pain so that I intervene, but in the way you desire it. You do not rely on Me, but you want Me to adjust your requests.

Don't behave like sick ones who ask a treatment to the doctor, all the time suggesting it to him. Do not do that; but rather, even in sad circumstances, say: "Lord I praise and thank You for this problem, for this necessity. I pray You to arrange things as You please for this terrestrial and temporal life. You know very well what is best for me."

Sometimes you feel that disasters increase instead of diminish. Do not get agitated. Close your eyes and tell me with faith: "Thy will be done. You think of it." And when you speak thus, I accomplish a miracle when necessary. I only think of it when you trust me totally. I always think of you, but I can only help you completely when you rely fully on Me.

—Sathya Sai Baba

"Never take lightly the transformation that is taking place as I walk among you."

"Reach the point where churches, temples, mosques do not matter, where all roads end, from where all roads run."

—Sathya Sai Baba

Swami advises to continuously chant Rama Naama

Sai Ram,

 The Ramayana contains thousands of slokas. Since it was not possible to remember all the slokas of the Ramayana, the sages recommended the chanting of the Name of Rama. When the disciples of Vasishtha asked him what Divine Name to chant, the sage said, "It is enough if you chant the name 'Rama'. The Name of Rama will make you free from raga (attachment) and roga (disease)."

 

I often tell the students that the name Rama has two syllables, Ra and ma. These two powerful syllables are derived from the names of Vishnu and Siva. The syllable , Ra comes from the ashtakshari (eight syllabled) mantra Om Namo Narayanaya. It is the life-breath of the ashtakshari mantra. Similarly, ma is the very soul of the panchakshari (five lettered) mantra Om Namah Sivaya.

 

The ashtakshari mantra Om Namo Narayanaya and the panchakshari mantra Om Namah Sivaya become meaningless when ra and ma are respectively removed from the words of these mantras. Without ra, the ashtakshari mantra becomes Om Namo Nayanaya, which is meaningless. In the same way, the panchakshari mantra without ma becomes Om Nah Sivaya, which is inauspicious.

The Name Rama is the life-breath of both the Vaisanavites and Saivites.

 

- From Swami's 2004 Rama Navami Discourse 

Miraculous Escape

 

Sairam Everyone

 

 Wanted to share a live instance witnessed by us personally and depicting how Bhagwan is with us 24/7 taking utmost care of us.

 

After finishing the wonderful Medical camp at Talawadi, Sapoli everyone had sumptious lunch with the villagers and started back for home, like any other car we were also cruising on the Mumbai Pune Expressway listening to Bhajans, had a brief halt at the Food Plaza midway and had some buttermilk to beat the  afternoon heat, a couple of us tired were dozing, somewhere near Talegeaon suddenly the car lost balance and went off tack and hit the dividers on the outer track, the impact was such that it bounced back on the track and again hit the divider felt like a  roller coaster ride but the moment this happened each one of us impromtu called out to bhagwan for help chanting Sairam, Sairam stretching  our throats as much as possible, one thought was that this was the last moment for us never no what would happen next but the strong faith in Bhagwan that he would rescue us from this, Sairam chants became louder and with a fraction of a second the car came to a grinding halt with the front bonnet stuck in a duct running through th middle of the expressway.

 

Everyone came out of the car shocked from the impact but Bhagwans will and grace prevailed none of us had a scratch on our physical body, on inspecting the car we got to know that 3 tyres both the front and rear of the driver side had torn and blown out of the Rim the front bonnet and side panel smashed, we understood and thanked bhagwan that because of his divine intervention we survived the accident.

 

The Mobile medicare van which was some kilometers behind us came in and the doctors checked us and other youth brothers consoled us and Thanked Bhagwan from averting a fatal accident.

 

Truly its Rebirth for us and indebted to Bhagwan for giving us this opportunity again to serve at his lotus feet.

 

 

Jai Sai Ram 

 

SAI RAM,

 

About Namasankeertanam Swamy says:-

 

"Remember that there is nothing in this world as powerful as the Lord`s name.  It is not arms and bombs that will save the world. Only God`s grace can protect the world. It is man`s foremost duty to pray for God`s grace. Prayer is of supreme importance. Together with melody and rhythm, you have to impart feeling to your singing to make Namasankeertanam a sacred offering to the Divine"

 

According to Bhagawan Baba a ragam(tune) without bhavam(feeling) is a rogam ( an infliction).  Swamy says,"Giving up conceit and exhibitionism, you must sing the Bhajan  in a spirit of humility and devotion.  That is the right way to perform bhajans. Saint composer Thyagaraja  in one of his songs advised the mind to chant Lord Rama`s name with full awareness of the power of the name. In daily life also awareness is needed in every step and prayer.  When all the participants in a Namsankeertanam session sing in unison, sacred vibrations are produced and Divine energies are released.  When these vibrations fill the world, imagine what changes they can bring about. When one sings alone, his heart is merged in the song. But when many sing to-gether,it acquires a Divine power.  That is why Guru Nanak commended community singing".

 

Namasankeertanam or Bhajan is one of the processes by which one can train the mind to expand into eternal values. Let us teach our mind to revel in the glory and majesty of God and wean it away from petty horizons of pleasure. Namasnkeertanam induces in us a desire for experiencing the truth, to taste the bliss that is God. It encourages us to dive into ourselves and be genuinely our real Self. Exercises like Bhajan elevate the mind and exhort the individual to seek and find the source of eternal joy that lies within him. Namasankeertanam gladdens the singer and showers joy on those who listen. It cleanses and purifies atmosphere by its vibrations

(to be continued)

Name of the Lord

SAI RAM,

 Most of us attend Sai Bhajan sessions regularly.  How many of us view attending Bhajan sessions as a Sadhana?  How many of us give loud chorus to the namavalis  sung  by lead singers without paying attention to the person leading? If one happens to be   a lead singer does he or she repeat the BHAJANS lead by other lead singers?  Are we attending Bhajan sessions to assert our ego or for losing it? Do we observe any discipline at all during such sessions?

 

Are we indulging in unnecessary talks or exchanges during the sessions? Do we maintain punctuality and avoid late attendances during  Bhajans? Do we  not expect out of turn chance to lead Bhajans even though we are late in arrival? Are we right in singing lengthy  and uncommon Bhajans and try to dominate   the Bhajan sessions? Is the Bhajan session a forum for showing off one`s singing  singing skills?

 

 These and many more questions are required to be put to ourselves if we were  to call ourselves as devotees  of Swamy. Swamy has been laying emphasis on  singing of simple Namavalis which contain NOTHING BUT  God`s names and not LENGTHY Bhajans containing requests and orders to God such as "Aanaa Hi padega", "Mere Ghar Aao" , "Dil mein Pyar Bharo" etc. etc.

 

 Instead one can sing Namavalis which contains God`s names only. I would like to share my understanding on the importance of taking Lord`s name.

Thought of the Day 4th April 2009

It is only when the mind is completely under control that man can grasp his real identity. Then all troubles and travails, doubts and dilemmas, come to an end. Man then overcomes sorrow, delusion and anxiety. He is established in the holy calmness of Shanti (peace). Spiritual life is not a matter of meaningless talk. It is an experience of pure Ananda (bliss).

- BABA

Importance of Namasankeertanam

SAI RAM,

 Baba says,"Service to God has been described as devotion(Bhakti). The heart of the devotee overflows with love for the Lord through constant remembrance and recitation of His name. Out of this stream of love,devotion emerges. One who is nourished by the nectar of Bhakti will not desire anything. The hallmark of true devotion is to remain unaffected by joy or sorrow,gain or loss,praise or blame,remaining steadfast and unwavering in faith.  Affection, attachment,desire are natural to man. However, when these qualities are directed towards God and when one is continuously engaged in good deeds,these qualities acquire purity and sacredness. Then one becomes not just a great soul but God Himself."

 SriKrishna Chaitanya  said,"The chanting of Krishna`s name is the chief means of attaining Krishna`s feet in the Kali Yuga. Sankeertan of the Name is the supreme healer  in the Iron Age. Sankeeratan tantamounts to Vedic sacrifice. Sankeertan destroys sins and purifies the heart and creates Bhakti. Chant the name while standing,sitting,walking,eating, in bed and everywhere. The Name is omnipotent. You can repeat the Name at any place, any time."

 In regard to the mental attitude with which the Name should be recited, Sri Krishna Chaitanya said, "Hari`s Name should be chanted by one who is humbler than a blade of grass(which is trodden upon), by one who is patient, forbearing and more charitable than a tree(which does not cry out even when it is cut down, and which does not beg for water when scorched to death, but on the contrary,offers its treasure to whosoever seeks it,bears the sun and rain itself but protects those who take shelter under it) and one who, however worthy of esteen should, instead of claiming respect for himself, gives respect to all.  He who thus takes Krishna`s Name gets Krishna-prem." 

 It is high-time that each one of us(who claim ourselves as  Devotees) to conduct a self-audit  whether we meet the standards described above by our beloved  Baba and Saint  Chaitanya Mahaprabhu respectively. Namasankeertanam is thus the only salvage for us in Kaliyuga and hence has to be done as  a prescribed duty.

(to be continued)

Namasmarana

NAMASMARANA 

Words have tremondous power. They can arouse emotions and the can also calm them. They direct or infuriate, they reveal or confuse. They are potent forces that bring up great reserves of strength and wisdom. The tongue should be used for pronouncing the Name of the Lord. It should not be used to hiss like a serpent, or growl or roar with intention to strike terror. That is not the purpose for which the tongue is granted to man. Dwell on the Name, and its sweetness will saturate your tongue and improve your taste. Speech is so powerful that it indicates one's character, reveals one's personality, educates others and communicates experience and information. So be vigilant about words. Slip while walking, the injury can be repaired; but slip with talking, the injury is irreparable. 

The present age is described in the scriptures as very conducive to Liberation for, while in past Ages, rigorous penance was prescribed as the means, the present Kali Age requires only Namasmarana to win Liberation. When the Name of the Lord is remembered with all the Glory that is associated with It, a great flood of happiness wells up in the mind. The Lord is full of Bliss and in fact He is Bliss Itself. All this Bliss is to be tasted through the Name. Vyasa himself knew this, for when some sages once went to him to find out which Yuga is most conducive to success in man's efforts for Liberation, Vyasa anticipated their question and repeated to himself aloud, `How fortunate are those destined to be born in the Kali Yuga! It is so easy to win the Grace of the Lord by Namasmarana in the Kali Age.' 

The Name of God, if recited with Love and Faith, has the power to bring upon the eager aspirant the Grace of God. The Name has the over-mastering power of even leaping over the ocean. It can award unimagined strength and courage. When questioned whether it was Ramanama that strengthened Hanuman to cross the ocean, Rama replied 

that since His Body was called Rama, the Name that combines the Bijaakshras of both Siva and Vishnu, He Himself was able to conquer Ravana and his hordes. The name has such efficacy. By repeating the Name, the Lord and His Attributes can easily be identified. The tongue must be sanctified by repetition of the Name. It has also to be used for sweet expressions which will spread contentment and joy. Remember that God, in whom you move, the God Who makes you move, the God who is all this Vast niverse- every little atom and every huge star, rememeber Him! Select some Name and Form for this All-pervasive Immanent God and keep It on your tongue andbefore your mental eye. That is what is called Japa-sahita- dhyanam.

Recitation of the Name-cum-meditation . When you select one Name and one Form for Smarana, do not talk ill of other Names and Forms. Behave like the woman of a joint family. She respects and serves the elders of the family, such as the father-in-law and his brothers and her own brothers-in- law, but her heart is dedicated to her husband, whom she loves and reveres in a special manner. If you carp at the faith of others your devotion is fake. If you are sincere, you will Names.

 

There is no Name that is not His. Krishna, Shrinivasa, Sai Baba- all Names are of the same Entity

SAI PRERNA : Namasmarana

 

 

Sairam to All

Swami has yet blessed us with the opportunity to share our thoughts

and live our precious moments with him. It is said only fortunate few

have the chance of being a part of the Bhagvatha session (talking

about God) and with Sai's blessings we have commenced this divine

journey.

 

We had discussed Namasmarana as a topic which Swami himself choose by

making brother Shibu, an instrument in his divine session.

 

Some key points covered which come my mind is as follows-

 

Benefits of namasmarans which help each individual to commute the

spiritual path wherein each one experiences a supreme spiritual

upliftment and the entire enviornment is filled with divine peace and

love.

 

Swami has said that namasmarana is a sacred seva activity where-in

each and every soul participates directly and in-directly to

communicate with the lord.

 

Bhava is the primodial requirement in namasmarana. Bhagwan is Gana

Priya and he responds easily to his devotees prayers provided the

important element of Bhava is present. One of our brothers explained,

How Swami listened to a Lady's Bhajan even though the voice quality

was not up to the mark.

 

We as a group have consciously decided to do this activity

24*7 and we would spend some time discussing the benefits of the same

in our next session.

 

I am also attaching a simple presentation on namasmarana and it covers

most of the points discussed yesterday.

 

Please feel free to express your comments on this topic and our

discussion doesnt end at the closing of yesterday's session...the same

can be carried out through the virtual mode of E-mail.

 

The next discussion session would be held on the 2nd Saturday, 11th

April 2009 between 9-10pm at Saiprem.

 

Spread and share the discussion points of our sessions amongst other

youth whom you meet daily so that we help ourselves and others to

march step-by-step on the spiritual path.

 Sairam and Seek Bhagwans Blessings For All.

 L Rajesh