Sai Quotes-1

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This section of the blog presents well known quotes of Bhagawan Baba, filled with profound wisdom and yet so simple in its presentation. The huge banyan tree lies unmanifest in a small seed. So too the eternal wisdom lies pregnant in these quotes of Bhagawan. Read, hear, introspect and assimilate the wisdom in these quotes.  

Each quote has a graphic presentation of the quote followed by an audio clip that will enable you to listen to the quote in Bhagawan’s own melodious voice. The audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Title relating to the quote, 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. 

Worship picture as God but not God as picture-1.00-1990 May 21

Today there is no Atma Balam (Atmic strength). One’s Self-confidence is subject to bumps and jumps every second to second. There is no steadiness at all. If one’s desires are fulfilled, they keep 10 photos (of God) in the place of one. If, on the other hand, one’s wishes are not fulfilled, they remove even the photos that are currently there. This is not true steadiness. You may worship the picture as a God, but not God as a picture. If we keep changing our feelings like this from every second to second, how can our life gain any steadiness? Whatever losses, difficulties, sorrows or worries we may come across; we must face them courageously and make an effort to overcome them.    
   

Spiritual Arithmetic-3-1=1 - 1.15-1996 September 08

From the worldly point of view how many are there here? You, the mirror and your image – there are three. Now, from this three, if one is removed, how many will remain? If you ask even a first standard boy, he will say if 1 is removed from 3, we get 2. He too knows arithmetic from a worldly point of view. So, he will say 3-1=2. But God will not accept this. He will say it is wrong. How? He will say 3-1=1. Many will make fun of God too that He does not even know mathematics as He has not attended any school.

Here there are three – you, your image and the mirror. O fool, remove the mirror and the image too is gone. Only one is left (the object).   



Sarva Jeeva Namaskaaram Keshavam Pratigachathi-1985 August 15

None should have hatred towards any other person. The reason for this is that if you hate anybody it will amount to you hating your God. Therefore, it is said in the Upanishads, “Sarva Jeeva Namaskaaram Keshavam Pratigachchati”. It means that to whomsoever we salute or pay obeisance, it is equivalent to saluting or paying our obeisance to Keshava (God). In the same way, “Sarva Jeeva Tiraskaaram Keshavam Pratigachchati”. If you abuse or criticize anybody, that also reaches God. When one criticizes others, and that itself reaches God, what would be one’s fate if he/she were to directly criticize God? Thus, we must not hate anybody. It is said in the Bhagavad Gita, “Adveshta Sarva Bhootaanaam” – we should not hate anybody.     



True unity is unity with God-2.07-1985 August 15

Unity with whom? Is mixing with and connecting to our friends, unity? No. no. Primarily, unity must be with God. Once you achieve this (Divine) unity, you will, in a very natural way, get worldly unity.

Worldly unity is only about “Hello, hello, hello, hello”. Is this unity? When there is money in the pocket, when your father’s position is very good, when everything is fine, all will come to you saying “hello, hello”. When the money is gone and the position is gone, there will not be anyone in the world to even say goodbye to you. So long as there is water in the tank, there will be thousands of frogs over there. Once the water dries up, there will not even be one frog over there. Therefore, unity related to the world is all based on money, money and money. Money makes many things, money makes many wrongs. With respect to God, it is “Mann” (mind) and with respect to the world it is money. We must seek unity through the mind. Mind to mind, heart to heart, love to love; not body to body.




W A T C H-1.28-2002 November 20

I tell many students, the spelling of watch is W A T C H. We must advise the students thus – what is this? This is a W A T C H. The first letter is “W” – Watch your Word. You must watch whether you are using sacred words or bad words. The second letter is “A” – Watch your Action. The third letter is “T” – watch your Thought. The fourth letter is “C” – Watch your Character. “H” – Watch your Heart. This the true watch. When we talk of watch, we look at our wrist watch. That is not the real watch. The wrist watch may get spoiled, but this word “W A T C H” will never get spoiled. It will always bestow sacredness on you.



Pleasure is an interval between two pains-2.24-1985 August 15

With good work, one can always achieve victory. In the beginning there may be some difficulties and losses. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. We cannot experience happiness without facing difficulties. Every object in nature teaches this lesson to mankind. Look at the rose flower. The rose flower is so beautiful. Just looking at it gives so much joy. It also gives fragrance. But underneath the rose, there are sharp thorns, which cause pain and pose threat to man. There is no rose plant without thorns. It teaches man that the one who wishes to experience happiness must also be ready to face sorrows. The one who wants to attain God, will necessarily have to face difficulties that are part of human life. One must be ready for it. Without pain, without facing difficulties, without undergoing losses; if one wishes to attain God, it is merely the characteristic of laziness. Today, without moving one’s legs, without spending any money, without even crossing the threshold (of our house); we expect liberation to just pop out and drop into our laps. These are the feelings of a lazy person and not a devotee of God.  

In-Dependence-1.00-1985 August 15

What is the meaning of the word “Independence”? Dependence means being under the control of others. Not just other people but being under the control of anything is dependence. Therefore, “Dependence” is being under the control of anyone or anything and “Independence” is not being under the control of anybody or anything. Thus we must not be “dependent”; we must be “in-dependent”. This is what is called Swaatantram.   



Swatantrata and Swaatantrata-2.46-1985 August 15

Body is the yantra (machine), breath is the mantra (sacred formula) and heart is the tantra (mystical text). Therefore, humanity is the combination of yantra (body), mantra (breath) and tantra (heart). We have been able to get freedom from foreign rulers. Bondage by foreigners alone is not bondage; being bound by one’s own country men also amounts to bondage. Are we truly free and independent today? No. We have obtained freedom from foreigners (videshi) but we have not obtained freedom from our own people (swadeshi). We must get freedom from our own country people (swadeshi) and then from our own self (swabandhana). Swabandhana (self-bondage) is living under the control of our senses. Only when we get freedom from Swabandhana (self-bondage), will we achieve Swaatantram. Externally it is Swatantram (outer independence) and internally it is Swaatantram (inner freedom). A true human being is the one who achieves both these.     

Since God is both inside and outside, we must experience freedom both internally and externally. Antar Bahischa Tatsarvam Vyaapya Naarayanaha. The same God is present both inside and outside. Therefore, when man truly wishes to attain freedom, he must recognize the control of senses, truth of God, and broadmindedness of man.



Richest person and poorest person-2.14-1998 April 26

In this worldly life, in this physical world, it is not just a one-way traffic. We must receive and give. We must receive from God and we must give to the world. This is the primary duty of every human being. But today people are not following such a path. Wherever they go, they just want to receive, receive and receive. One cannot see in them any aspect of giving at all. That is why people are becoming victims of different types of sorrow.  

Receiving from God is the path of richness, but receiving from the world is the path of poorness. Once Lord Buddha questioned within himself as to who was the richest man in this world; his father or the kings? No, this is a great mistake. He who has much satisfaction is the richest man. Who is the poorest man? He who has many desires is the poorest man. Therefore, when we reduce these desires gradually, we gain the right to receive the love of God. We need to reduce this selfish love. We need to reduce our desires gradually.       
    

Smarana and Anusmarana-1.06-1998 April 26

You feel that you are thinking of Me constantly. Maam Anusmarana Cha - you are doing Smarana but not Anusmarana. Smarana or contemplation is bound by a particular time, discipline and place. But Anusmarana is Sarvada Sarva Kaaleshu Sarvatra Harichintanam – contemplation of God always, at all times and everywhere. You will be able to recognize My Divinity only when you practice and experience Anusmarana. Then, these worldly problems will not affect you anymore.





Mother is God-Father is God-0.45-2003 April 15

We need to respect the elders. First we need to salute God – Adi Devo Bhava. Then we need to salute our friends, our mother and our Guru. Matru Devo Bhava (Mother is God), Pitru Devo Bhava (Father is God), Aacharya Devo Bhava (Preceptor is God), Athiti Devo Bhava (Guest is God). If you respect all of them today (now), others will respect you tomorrow (later). If you do not give respect today, later other fellow beings will not respect you. Give respect and take respect. 
  

Speak always obligingly-0.18-2000 August 22

To start with man must exercise control over his ten senses. The words that come forth from the mouth must be sacred. You cannot always oblige, but you can speak always obligingly. Utter your words peacefully. Do not use harsh words.




The 4 Fs-Follow the Master-1.08-1998 April 26

God is not different from us at all. God is shining brilliantly in all as the Atma Swaroopa (the Self). This is called the conscience. Therefore, you must follow your conscience. This is what I tell the students often – the 4Fs:  F-F-F-F

Follow the Master. Who is your Master? Your God is your Master. That is, your conscience is your Master. Therefore, follow your conscience. Face the devil. Who do you think is the devil? It is all the wealth. Do not have excessive desire for wealth. Throw out this desire. Next, the third F. Fight to the end. Finish the game. That is Mukti (liberation).



Shradhaavaan Labhate Jnaanam Sanshayaatma Vinashyate-0.43-1990 May 26

On one side is the eight lettered mantra – Shra-ddha-vaan-La-bha-the-Jnaa-nam (Shraddhavaan Labhathe Jnaanam: the man of faith acquires supreme wisdom). On the other side is the eight lettered mantra – Sam-shay-Aat-ma-Vi-nash-ya-te (Samshayaatma Vinashyathi: the one filled with doubts will perish). Human life can reach its goal only when there is Shraddha (faith) on one side and Nisamshayam (doubtlessness) on the other side.




You are the Master-rest are all instruments-0.19-1997 July 18

You are the Master. Body, mind, senses are all instruments. You are here to make use of these instruments. Make good use of these instruments.



Vishwaasa must be our Shwaasa-0.09-1997 July 18

Today we must develop faith. Faith must be our very life breath!




Self-confidence-Self-realization-Foundation-Building-0.15-1997 July 18

Self-confidence is the first – it is the foundation. Self-satisfaction is the walls. Self-sacrifice is the roof. Self-realization is life.




You are not one but three-0.28-1997 July 18

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 – that is Atma. We are forgetting that reality today.

Pleasure is an Interval between two Pains - Part-I - Underlying Philosophy

Pleasure is an interval between two pains. This is a phrase Bhagawan has used so often in His Discourses to drive home the fact that we live in world that is dual. It is impossible to get joy without sorrow or profits without loss. Duality is the very nature of this creation. It is not without reason that Bhagawan states, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains” and not “Pain is an interval between two pleasures”. This conveys the truth that life is essentially full of difficulties and challenges. That is why Lord Buddha too, after all his spiritual investigations, came to the conclusion that – Sarvam Dukham Dukham, Sarvam Kshanikam Kshanikam – Everything is sorrow and ephemeral. But then, what is life all about? The goal of life is to transcend these opposites and acquire bliss which is permanent and everlasting. Bhagawan gives us several prescriptions about how to lead our life in this world of duality and how to go beyond the opposites. 

This blogpost is presented in two parts. Part-I with seven audio clips deals with the Underlying Philosophy and explanation of the context in which Bhagawan uses the statement, "Pleasure is an Interval between two Pains". In the six audio clips of Part-II, Bhagawan gives simple prescriptions of how human beings can transcend the duality of life and go beyond joy and sorrow to experience everlasting bliss. In all the thirteen audio extracts in this blog post, spanning across Discourses delivered in the last 2 decades, Bhagawan refers to the phrase, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains”, and highlights different aspects about the same. The seven audio excerpts in Part-I have been taken from the Discourses delivered by Bhagawan during the years 1996, 2000, 2002 and 2007. 

Clip-1 lists the 12 worries which engulf the life of human beings. Clip-2 talks about the true purpose of life and the need for equanimity. Clip-3 explains how duality is inevitable in this world. There cannot be light without shadow. In Clip-4 Bhagawan gives the example of Prahalada and explains how he was able to overcome all difficulties to which he was subjected, by immersing his mind and body in the thoughts of God. In Clip-5 Bhagawan presents two powerful analogies to explain the predicament of man today. One is that of the sugarcane and the other is that of the goldsmith. Clip-6 reminds us that the human body has been given for the very purpose of facing difficulties. Clip-7 consoles us stating that all sorrows and pains in life are like passing clouds. 

Each audio clip has a name that adopts the following code: Serial number, Title appropriate to the key content, Duration of the clip, Year-Month-Date of the Clip. Below the title is the translation in English of the select excerpt of the Discourse, followed by the audio player. The post ends with a short quiz that would help you evaluate your assimilation of Bhagawan's Message from these extracts. 

Note: Those receiving this blog by email may see words bunched together due to a technical glitch. That is beyond my control. Please click on link at the top of the email to read the blog directly. Sorry about this. If anyone has a solution to this please help me out.

UNDERLYING PHILOSOPHY

01-There cannot be Happiness without Worries in life-1.43-2002 September 10    

No Worries - No Happiness

Sometimes bad things do happen to man. There is no time when man is free from worry. We have to worry for every task. Human life is filled with twelve types of worries. Birth, life on earth, family life, death, childhood, old age, living, failure, all actions, difficulties, happiness and worry itself (Birth-Death, Childhood-Old age, Life on earth-family life-living, Happiness-Failure-Difficulties-Worry, and All actions). The root cause of all these is worry itself. Without Chinta (worry), there cannot be Santasa (happiness). Man is able to derive happiness through these difficulties only. It is said, “Pleasure is an interval between two pains”. You get happiness only between two difficulties. It is impossible to get happiness without going through difficulties.

02-Pleasure and pain go hand in hand in life-Life is quest for Truth-1.47-2002 December 25

Pleasure and Pain go Hand in Hand

Gradually, as we grow, none can escape the difficulties related to the world (made up of five elements). Some difficulties, sorrow and worry will keep coming our way. Man cannot live without these in this world. Happiness and difficulties go hand in hand in human life. One who is born cannot escape death. Happiness cannot come without sorrow.

Sukhaduhkhe Same Kritva Labhalabhau Jayajayu (Bhagavad Gita, 2.38)

Treat pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat with equanimity.    

Therefore, pleasure is an interval between two pains. Man cannot live without this (duality).

Human life has been given for the pursuit of Truth. It has not been given merely for roaming around, drinking, and just living. These are worldly principles that come in between. But the human being who has come must realize his own truth. He must understand his true form. Life does not end with just being born, growing, moving around, (eating and) drinking and dying.

03-One can never escape duality in this world-No pleasure without pain-3.13-1996 February 17

Na Sukhaat Labhyate Sukham  

God is present in both good and bad, in truth and falsehood and in sin and merit. In these circumstances, how can we ascertain what is truth, what is sin and what is adharma?

The Bhagavad Gita preaches: Mamaatma Sarva Bhootaatma – My Atma (soul) is the same that is in every being. The one who understands this truth will derive the happiness of equanimity. However, the one who lives this physical, ephemeral and worldly life can never escape the differences of truth and untruth, dharma and adharma, good and bad, sin and merit. Therefore, as long as we lead a worldly life, we cannot leave this path of duality.

Peace and security is stationed in the midst of happiness and sorrow. Happiness is embedded in sorrow. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. Happiness lies between two difficulties.

What is life? Life is a combination of light and shadow. We cannot experience happiness without sorrow. Only when we return from extreme heat, can we understand the value of the other aspect (of coolness or of shadow). Human life assumes the form of a combination of happiness and sorrow. You cannot desire for exclusive happiness in such a life. There is no happiness in happiness.

Na Sukhaat Labhyate Sukham  - One cannot get happiness from happiness.

You cannot derive happiness out of happiness. We can derive happiness only out of sorrow.

04-Body is bound to face difficulties-Never forget God-Story of Prahalada-3.52-1996 May 20

Prahalada immersed his mind in God
Image Source

Whatever difficulties, loss or sorrow we may face at any point of time, we must never distance ourselves from God. Today, on account of worldly reasons, we are distancing ourselves from God who is eternal, who is the Truth. This is not true devotion. Let anything happen; once we have donned this physical body, several difficulties, losses and sorrows may come our way. This body is never permanent. We must safely protect our Love that is eternal and true.    

You know the history of many devotees. Whatever difficulties came their way, they were able to face them and move forward, and thus were able to set a brilliant ideal to the whole world. They forget their own body. You know the history of Prahalada in Bhagavatha. The very father of Prahalada subjected him to so much suffering. Why? Because Prahalada cherished that which the father did not cherish. Hiranyakasipu hated God. Prahalada loved God. Because of that love (for God), Prahalada was able to forbear all the suffering. The teachers too came and pleaded in front of Hiranyakasipu, “When he was attacked by all the demons, the son of (your majesty) Hiranyakasipu, started singing in praise of God and extolling God. O King, he never had any fear, nor did he shed any tear”. 

Such a young boy; can he bear all these difficulties? No, but he immersed his mind and body in the thought of God. He became oblivious to all the suffering that his body was subjected to. When you are operated after administering chloroform, you would not know whether it is a 5” cut or a 50” cut. Similarly, a mind that is merged in God, is not concerned about any difficulty or suffering. This is what brings success.

That is why, the pleasure is an interval between two pains. We can get that happiness only between two difficulties. However, today our education, our devotion and faith is such that if difficulties come, we keep changing the photos (of God) and if happiness comes we add a couple of more photos! This is not true devotion. Whatever difficulties come, it is to be taken as (God’s) Prasadam. It is all Your (God’s) gift. Happiness is Your gift, sorrow is also Your gift. Without happiness, where is the value for sorrow and without sorrow, where is the value for happiness? We must see the unity in the two. That is culture.      

05-Unless the sugarcane of the body is refined with difficulties-Sweetness cannot be experienced-5.39-1996 July 17

The Gold has to be Hammered to make an Ornament
Image Source

There is oil in the sesame (til) seeds; but we need to know the method by which the oil can be extracted from the seeds. The sugarcane will not give you jaggery merely by asking for it; it has to be thrashed and squeezed to get the sweet juice. There is juice in the sugarcane. But by merely saying, “O sugarcane, please give me jaggery”, will it give jaggery? Only if we crush it well, remove the juice, put it on fire and heat it well, it will get transformed into the long lasting jaggery. Thinking that “Oh! Why should we subject this sugarcane to difficulties”, if we keep it aside in the corner, within three days it will get dried. The juice of compassion and love in it will also get dried. It will become useless.

Similarly, our physical body is like sugarcane. Only when the body is subjected to lot of difficulties, losses and sorrows; the sweetness within it, in the form of the juice of compassion, love and sympathy becomes available. This (process) is called Sanskaara (refinement). Only when it is refined, we can get the sweetness from within it. Therefore, right from the ancient times, our country of Bharath has set an excellent ideal for Sanskaara (refinement).

If we go to a goldsmith with some gold and ask him to make a chain, what will he do? He will put it into fire and heat it. He will beat it with a hammer. He will extend it by placing it in a machine. When it gets transformed into a thin wire, he will bend it, shape it and prepare beautiful ornaments from it. Instead, if you give the gold into the hands of the goldsmith and tell him, “Sir, you must not put my gold into the fire, you must not beat it with the hammer, you must not draw it into a wire, but you must get my ornaments ready”; how can it be made ready?

In the same manner, if we say, “Oh God, I am giving You my heart with all twists and turns, it is highly disfigured”.

Chanchalam Hi Manah Krishna Pramathi Balavad Drdham

(Bhagavad Gita, 6.34)

This mind is restless, turbulent, obstinate and very strong, O Krishna.

“I am giving You such a mind. Kindly prepare a beautiful ornament and give me”. When we offer our heart / mind thus, what He does with it, is His wish.    

But on account of the influence of the Kali age, when we say, “O God, I am offering this mind to You. Without subjecting it to any difficulties or any challenges, please purify it nicely and give it to me”, no God will be able to do that.

Therefore, “Kashte Phali” – Difficulties alone lead to fructification. Happiness is gained only in difficulties. Unless it is hot, you would not put on the fan or buy an air-conditioner. If you do not have hunger, you will never desire for food. Thus, it is difficulties only which give us happiness.

Sukhamunandu Nannu Koraru Manavul

Kashtasamayamulandu Kaavalayu Nenu

In times of pleasure and happiness, people do not desire for Me, but they want Me in difficult times. When difficulties transform into happiness, the ego increases. Therefore, the true nature of the life of man is that the pleasure is an interval between two pains. First of all, we must forbear these difficulties, bear these pains and sorrows. Only then courage and happiness will manifest from within us.  
   

06-Human body is given to face challenges-Welcome difficulties in life-1.13-2007 February 16   

The Human Body is given to face Challenges

The one’s who face challenges with the human body and emerge victorious are ever ready for further challenges. The human body has been given to exert and undertake challenges (difficulties). If there are no difficulties, we must actually draw them towards us. Without troubles, we will never get happiness. The pleasure is an interval between two pains. Therefore, we will get some happiness only between two difficulties. Wherever we meet difficulties, we will get happiness. The troubles last only for some time and not for long. Therefore, in order to have long lasting happiness, we must be ready to face some difficulties.  

   

07-Good and bad come and go like passing clouds-1.04-2000 January 01

All Difficulties are like Passing Clouds
Image Source

Many are anxious as to what consequences and what happiness the new year will bring with it. There are no difficulties in the New Year. But some things will come and go. It is not possible to live in this world without happiness and sorrow. But nothing is bad for the world. The pleasure is an interval between two pains. If there are no two difficulties, where can you get happiness? It comes and goes. All are like passing clouds. We do not need to worry about this. We must face these challenges. We must develop and transform them with love. We must become the embodiment of Love. Then the whole world will be peaceful. 

A Short Quiz

01-What are the 12 types of worries in human life?

02- Sukhaduhkhe Same Kritva Labhalabhau Jayajayu - Where is this phrase sourced from and what does it mean?

03-What is the way to escape the path of duality?

04-What is the meaning of the phrase - Na Sukhaat Labhyate Sukham?

05-What was the secret behind Prahalada being able to bear all the suffering that he was subjected to by his own father Hiranyakasipu?

06-What is the analogy that Bhagawan gives using the example of operating a person after administering chloroform?

07- Explain the analogy between the sugarcane and the human body. What is the equivalent of crushing the cane and what is the equivalent of the sugarcane juice?

08- Explain the analogy between the goldsmith making ornaments and God purifying our minds/hearts.

09- Chanchalam Hi Manah Krishna Pramathi Balavad Drdham - Where is this phrase sourced from and what does it mean?

10-What is the meaning of the phrase - Kashte Phali?