This section of the blog presents a message of
Bhagawan Baba every week. Mostly, it is the form of a question that is answered
by Bhagawan, giving us the correct understanding and interpretation of a concept
or a term or a practice. So watch out every Sunday for a special message from
Bhagawan Baba that could serve as your driving force throughout the week. Wish
you a happy week!!
The audio clip of the message has a name that
adopts the following code: Title relating to the message, Duration of the clip,
Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the English translation of the message.
Below the English translation is the audio player.
08 July to 14 July 2013
Can we hold the mind responsible for all our bad
actions?
Can we
hold the mind responsible for all our bad actions-3.48-1990 May 24
 |
| Mind is responsible for both Bondage and Liberation |
The mind may
be compared to a cat. It is indeed a cat. If we enquire correctly into the
nature of a cat, we will find the impact of mind very similar to it. In order
to protect its kittens, the cat gently catches hold of them with its mouth and takes
them to a safe place. With the same mouth, when it catches a rat, it takes away
its life. The mouth is one, but in the former case, because of the feeling that
they are her kittens, she takes them to a safe place. And in the case of the
rat, thinking that it is its food, it punishes it (by killing it).
The mind too
is similar to this. For those who contemplate on God, perform noble activities,
entertain a noble mind and walk along the righteous path; the mind takes them
along the appropriate path to a safe destination. On the other hand; it
inflicts suffering on the wicked and the evil and on those who engage in
unrighteous conduct.
Therefore,
though the mind is one, it assumes many forms. This is just like mono acting.
Each thought takes its own unique form.
24 May 1990
01 July to 07 July 2013
What are the four roles played by the human mind?
What
are the four roles played by the human mind-4.18-1990 May 24
 |
| Four manifestations of the mind |
In the same
manner when the mind is engaged in wavering thought processes, it is called Manas (mind). When the mind is engaged
in the process of enquiry with discrimination, so as to arrive at some
decision, it is named as Buddhi (intellect).
This form of enquiry based on discrimination is also called Discrimination
knowledge. The third aspect is Chitta.
When the mind functions as a repository of memories, it is known as Chitta (memory). When the mind
identifies itself with the physical body, it goes by the name of Ahamkara (ego). Thus, it may be seen
that the same mind, although basically one, displays these varied forms on account
of the different roles and positions assumed by it. In fact, the mind alone is
the cause of all things. This entire world is based on the mind - “Manomoolam Idam Jagat”.
24 May 1990
24 June to 30 June 2013
What is true purpose of listening to Scriptures and
Masters?
What is
true purpose of listening to Scriptures and Masters-2.31-1996 August 22
 |
| What is true listening? |
“Lord,
forgive me, I will return in 5 minutes”, said the Minister to the king. The
king replied, “The idols are here only. Why then do you need 5 minutes? Do you
need to go to the bathroom? What other work do you have?” The Minister went in
and came out with a metal wire. He took the wire and inserted it into the ear
of one of the idols. It came out of the other ear of the idol. He said this is
the worst idol and pushed it aside. He then inserted the wire into the ear of
the second idol. The wire came out of the mouth. He said, “this idol must
receive the second prize”. Next, he inserted the wire into the ear of the third
idol. The wire went inside. He said, “this must receive the first prize”.
What does
this mean? Taking things that we hear into us (i.e. assimilating what we hear
and learn) begets the first prize. The one who repeats whatever she/he hears,
like a parrot, would get only a second prize. In this modern world, there are
many who listen through one ear and let it out through the other ear. There are
others who repeat like a parrot, what they read in scriptures or hear from
Swami. There are yet others, who absorb what they hear and assimilate the same.
22 August 1996
17 June to 23 June 2013
What is the freedom that we human beings must
strive for?
What is
the freedom that we human beings must strive for -3.59- 1990 May 22
 |
| What is true freedom? |
We are
trying to give several wrong meanings, misleading interpretations and definitions
to the word “freedom”; thus forgetting its true meaning. This is not true
freedom. What is the meaning of freedom? Is to be free to wander around wherever
you want? Is it to be free to indulge in your senses as you wish? No, no, no, no.
Atma Jnanam (knowledge of the Self), Atma Nigraham (self-control or
self-restraint), Atmaanandam (bliss
of the Self) – is true freedom.
However,
some stubborn people claim that it is God’s mistake to have given an outgoing
orientation to man’s senses. There is no mistake of theirs in it. They argue
that God has given them eyes, but He provided the eyes with doors that open to
the outside (world) and not inwards; He gave ears that turn outwards towards
the external world (to hear external sounds) but did not turn them inwards; He gave
noses that can only inhale the air from outside and not from within. They
contend, therefore, that the fault lies with creation only and there is no
fault of humans in this. This is wrong.
People make
many mistakes and say, “I am after all a human”. This is so wrong. It is a sin.
They justify themselves stating that they are humans and to err is after all
natural to humans. This is very wrong. Being humans, you must actually not make
mistakes. If animals commit mistakes, it is quite understandable. As it is an
animal, it behaves like an animal. Being a human being, you must not make such
mistakes. To consider that making mistakes is natural to human beings is only a
defensive attitude. Being born as an animal, it behaves like an animal. It is
so contradictory that we are born as human beings and we behave like animals.
Therefore, conduct yourself as human beings.
22 May 1990
10 June to 16 June 2013
How do we divert the mind away from undesirable
thoughts?
How do
we divert the mind away from undesirable thoughts-3.28-1990 May 22
 |
| Divert mind towards good thoughts |
The driver replied,
“Sir, close to the level crossing, some stones painted in white have been
placed. The horse gets frightened when it sees these white stones. Now the fear
of being beaten with my stick overpowers the fear of those white stones. In
order to get the horse rid of that fear (of white stones), I am making it face
this fear. At that moment, Thomas thought to himself that he had learnt how to
divert the mind from a horse carriage driver.
When the
mind or the senses runs behind one object; in order to make it escape from that
object and make it run behind some other object, it needs to be given
appropriate training. The mind (and senses) goes in various foolish directions.
When it is shown something in the opposite direction and even more powerful, it
will leave its current path and will travel along the right path.
Take for
example a stray cow. It goes to some field to graze. If we offer it better
fodder, more green fodder at our own home, it will never go to graze any other
grass. It will stay at home only and eat. When we offer something much more
than what it desires, its original desire will become a disappointment and it
will move on a nobler path.
22 May 1990
03 June to 09 June 2013
Why should we exercise control over our senses?
Why
should we exercise control over our senses-4.22-1990 May 22
 |
| The ten senses need to be kept under restraint |
It is well known that even when an
individual has just one wife, the family has to face lot of challenges. If one
has two wives, nothing more needs to be said!
King Uttanapaada had two wives. On account of difference of opinions between
them, the child Dhruva had to be sent to the forest. King Dasaratha had three
wives. Here again because of difference of opinions, it was not possible for
Dasaratha to treat them equally and keep them all comfortable. In order to please
his wife (Kaikeyi), he had to send his own son Sri Rama to the forest and he lost
his life in turn. If these are the dangers being faced by those having just two
or three wives, imagine what more dangers will one having ten wives be
subjected to!
This very important person, namely the
mind, has ten wives – the ten senses (the five sense organs–Jnaanendriyaas and the five organs of
action- Karmendriyaas). Each sense organ
insists on enjoying objects of its own choice. For example, the nose is
attracted by the smell of masala dosa
(a South Indian delicacy) and wants to have it. The ear wants the radio to be
tuned, so that it can enjoy melodious music. The eyes hanker after a newly released
film. Thus when all of them are keen on enjoying their own particular desires,
how can the master (the mind) satisfy them all at the same time? Unable to
satisfy them, the mind gets frustrated. How can this husband (mind) wedded to
ten wives enjoy peace? Peace is very far away from it, because it is very
difficult to fulfil the desires of these senses. It is only when the senses are
kept under proper control that man can be happy and those around him can also
be happy.
22 May 1990
27 May to 02 June 2013
What is the true meaning of Brahmacharyam?
What is
the true meaning of Brahmacharyam-2.57-1996
January18
 |
| Brahmacharyam means being in Brahman |
A married man is called Girhastha (house-holder). There is Brahmacharyam even in a householder's
life. This consists in his leading the conjugal life with his wife (Ardhaangi) alone. If a married man leads
a promiscuous life he is not observing Brahmacharya.
Not just physically, even in thoughts and feelings, one should observe
continence. Brahmacharyam acquired
its importance as a human value because of its strict observance by our ancient
sages. Therefore, there is lot of inner significance in this aspect of Brahmacharyam. Unconsciously or
otherwise, human beings tend to waste their energies. All these are lapses from
Brahmacharya. Sense control is vital
in practising continence. It is easier to conquer Indra (the Lord of Gods) than
to subdue the Indriyas (senses).
18 January 1996
20-26 May 2013
Is this Life Real or a Dream?
Is this
life real or a dream-2.35-1996 July 05
 |
| Life is a dream, realize it! |
Thus during
the day time, the night dream does not exist and during the night sleep, we can
never remember the day time experience. Therefore, this is day dream and that
is night dream. In the day dream, there is no night dream and in the night
dream, there is no day dream. But in both, the night dream and the day dream,
you are there. Therefore, you are omnipresent. Both the states are dreams only.
Therefore, as both day and night is a dream; life is a dream. Realize it. That
is religion. To realize is religion. To recognize the truth, is religion.
05 July 1996
13-19 May 2013
Why and What is the tax we need to pay to God?
Why and
What is the tax we need to pay to God-2.28-1996 May 20
 |
| God has bestowed all Gifts on mankind |
We may place
any number of light bulbs, but can it ever equal the light of the sun? One may
use any number of pumps for pumping water, but can any human being provide the
water equal to that which we receive during one night of heavy rains? You may
place any number of large fans, but who is the one who provides air to the
entire world and protects all the beings therein? Therefore, God bestows on all
the beings, gifts in varied forms that are beyond the capacity of human beings.
When an
electric connection is provided from the grid to our homes (for the purpose of
supplying electric current), we are charged tax for it. When water provided by
God in the lakes, wells and reservoirs is supplied to us, water tax is
collected from us. When we pay tax and express our gratitude for all such trivial
things, is it not necessary to express our gratitude to God who has supplied
this air, this water and this light to this entire vast universe? Thus, we need
to express our gratitude for all the five elements. They are the very form of
God!
20 May 1996
06-12 May 2013
What is True Education?
What is
True Education-0.49-1990 May 25
 |
| Adhyaatma Vidya Vidyaanaam |
Magidi Tannerugadu Mandamatudu
Enta Chaduvu Chadivi Ye Neeti Unnanu
Heenuni Gunambu Manaledu
Tarachi Chaduvu Chaduva Tarka Vaadame Kaani
Purna Jnaanambepudu Pondaledu
Chaduvu Chaduvu Chadivi Chaavanganetiki
Chaavileni Chaduvu Chaduvavalayu
After having
studied all types of education and becoming a great intellectual, the foolish
person does not know who he truly is. Whatever education one may acquire, with any kind
of principles, he does not give up his mean qualities. While
discriminating all kinds of education, it only leads to argumentation but never
gives you complete wisdom. Why keep on studying such education and dying? It is
far better to study that education (Atma Vidya) which confers
immortality (liberation) on you.
25 May 1990
29 April– 5 May 2013
Why should we sing Bhajans?
Why
should we sing Bhajans-4.04-2000 May 20
 |
| Why sing Bhajans? |
Students, as
is the fire so is the smoke. As is the smoke, so is the (formation of the)
cloud. As is the cloud, so is the rain. As is the rain, so is the crop. As is
the crop, so is the food. Therefore, we must have a good fire (flame, to start
with). If we put all bad material in the flame, the smoke will also be bad.
That will get transformed into a bad cloud. When it gets transformed into a bad
cloud, the rain we receive will also be bad. When there is bad rain, the crop
will also be bad. When the crop is bad, we will get to eat bad food only. When
we eat bad food, we will get bad diseases. Therefore, all the defects are in
the (preparation of the) food.
The sun
transforms (the water) into water vapour. When the sun transforms the sea water
into water vapour, though the sea water is salty; the water vapour has a sweet
taste. The vapour is then transformed into cloud. The cloud has also got sweet
water in it. The cloud then comes down as rain, the good rain of love! This
rain of love gets transformed into the water of the Ganges.
Thus, the
sun of the intellect should transform the water of our bad feelings into
vapour. Only then, the vapour of good qualities will arise in us. When the
vapour of good qualities increases in quantity; there will be the rain of love.
The rain that falls is the rain of Love. The cloud that forms is the cloud of
Truth. The rain of love - the love drops, come from the cloud of truth. These
love drops go and merge in the ocean of grace.
Therefore,
all our efforts must be sacred. When we think of God continuously, the entire
air will become purified. The air is one with the sound waves. It travels all
around the world. If somebody is singing in the radio station at Delhi, within
a minute it can be heard even here (at Puttaparthi). How does the sound reach
us? It reaches us through the sound waves. The bad too gets mixed up in this
manner. Therefore, develop good sound, good sound waves. It will bring good
air. We inhale this good air and the sound waves (along with it), which goes inside (our body) and transforms all the bad
feelings therein.
20 May 2000
22-28 April 2013
What must we truly offer to God?
What
must we truly offer to God-1.49-1996 July 01
 |
| God needs your heart! |
The leaf of
the (physical) body, the flower of the heart, the fruit of the mind and the
water of bliss (tears of bliss), must be offered to the Lord, not tears of
sorrow. In this manner, there are so many things that we need to offer to God.
But we are not making an effort to recognize such eternal truths. We offer only
those things that we can see or are visible to our
physical eyes. All that is visible to us is ephemeral.
01 July 1996
15-21 April 2013
What is True Solitude (Ekaantam)?
What is
true Solitude-3.21-1996 July 11
 |
| True Solitude!! |
Many people
think about solitude in a distorted manner and give it wrong interpretations. Many
consider solitude as sitting all alone in a room, closing all the doors and windows.
This is not Ekaantam (solitude); it
is Ekaanki (loneliness). Others think
that we can live in solitude, all alone, by going to the forest and sitting
below a tree, or in a bush or in some caves. This is not solitude.
Being amidst
all, being anywhere, either sitting in the bazaar, or sitting in an assembly;
wherever you may sit, keeping your mind concentrated on God is true solitude.
You must direct your mind towards God. Your mind must not waver, thinking about
your body, your feelings, or your family. The mind should be the link between
you and God. Solitude is that which relates (connects) you and God. Nothing
should come in between as an obstacle, not even a mosquito. That is real Ekaantam (solitude).
Therefore,
people give rise to many different meanings for (the word) solitude. You may do
anything, you may travel in a bus, train or plane; you may go anywhere, but
your mind must be focused on God. That is called solitude. Not keeping any
connection with others, at the time of Dhyaana
(concentration) or thinking of God; it must be you and God alone. There must
be no scope for anybody (or anything) else (to come in between).
11 July 1996
08-14 April 2013
Why is every limb of God compared to the Lotus?
Why is
every limb of God compared to the Lotus-2.00-1996 July 11
 |
| Why is every limb of God compared to a Lotus? Image Source |
Where is the
lotus born? It is born in mud. Where do they live (grow). They exist (bloom)
over the surface of water. The lotus does not allow the mud, from where it is
born, to get into it. Nor does it allow the water, where it exists, to get into
it. However, without the mud or the water, the lotus cannot live even for a
moment.
Similarly, I
was born in the mud of My past births - Kruta Yuga, Treta Yuga and Dwapara
Yuga. Past is like the mud. Present is like the water. I stand on the surface
of the water (present). There is no use of My existence without the past or the
present. But with both the past and the present being there, I do not allow
them to affect Me. What is the reason? To be right in them but yet not allow
them to influence us is the true meaning of the Lotus. Therefore, you live in
the present. You live on the water of the world. But do not allow the water of
the world to get into you.
Divine Discourse
11 July 1996
01-07 April 2013
What is the True Spirit of Narayan Seva
(Feeding of
the Poor)?
What is
the true spirit of Narayan Seva-2.37-1975 November 21
 |
| What is the true spirit of Narayan Seva? |
The word you
utter is “Daridra Narayana Seva”
(service to God in the form of the poor). Who is Narayana? He is the very form
of God. You offer every day, in your worship room, some Naivedyam (offering), to God. Instead of doing this, before you
cook or your wife cooks at home, every day, take one handful of rice or any
other grain and keep it aside as alms for Swami. In a week this will accumulate
into a considerable amount. Then, once a week, all Sai devotees can get
together and use this for feeding the poor. This is the right approach to Narayan Seva (You must have the feeling
that you are putting this grain aside for the sake of Swami). There is nobody
poor in this world; Swami is truly the poorest person. Make an effort to offer
alms to (the poor in the form of) Swami Himself.
Divine Discourse
21 November 1975
25-31 March 2013
Why should we clap while singing Bhajans?
Why
should we clap while singing Bhajans-0.43-1996 July 06
 |
| Why should we clap while singing Bhajans? |
Divine Discourse
06 July 1996
18-24 March 2013
Why do we always chant Shanti (Peace) three times?
Why do we chant Shanti three times-0.44-2000 January 01
 |
| Why do chant Shanti three times? |
Shaareerika Shanti (Physical
peace), Maanasika Shanti (Mental peace)
and Atma Shanti (Peace of the Soul).
That is why, you
are not one person but three –
The one you think
you are – Physical body;
The one others
think you are – Mental body;
The one you really
are – Atma.
We need peace for all
these three levels. Not just for these three levels, even for three thousand, or
three crores or thirty crores; the solution for all is Love alone.
Divine Discourse
01 January 2000
11-16 March 2013
Who is a true Sadhaka?
Who is a true Sadhaka-3.17-1975 November 21
 |
| Who is a true Sadhaka? |
The one who has missed his Guri (goal) is the one who keeps
changing the Guru (Master). Truly, the one who has a single goal, will stick on
to just that goal, that target, throughout one’s life. How much ever difficulty,
loss, pain, criticism or tough challenges they may face, they will never change
their goal. Such people are true Sadhakas and ideal devotees.
When one has happiness, joy and
profit; one hangs some 10 photos of Swami on the wall. When there is difficulty,
when one’s desire is not fulfilled, or when there is loss, even the photos that
are hanging are turned (in the) reverse (direction). Is this the characteristic
of devotion? It is only the characteristic of bad quality and not of good
feelings. It is necessary to recognize this. This is only Guna Jeevitam (life based on our Gunas) and not Manas Jeevitam (life based on a pure
mind). If we entertain such feelings, we will never get salvation at any point
of time. The one who desires salvation must be ready to bear any type of difficulty.
Divine Discourse
21 November 1975
