Aum Sairam
What is new in the world? Nothing. What is old in the world? Nothing. Everything has always been and will always be.
What comes and goes is a form of illusion, the creation of man's mind and yet at the time it all seems so important, absorbing his attention and distracting him from the truth and the reality of life. A house must be built on solid foundations if it is to last. The same principle applies to man; otherwise he too will sink back into the soft ground and becomes swallowed up by the world of illusion.
That is why the divine Sri Sai Baba is here today, to act as your guide and teacher. He is here on earth for your benefit, to give all mankind the opportunity to learn the truth and establish solid foundations for spiritual growth. It is an opportunity, which you may never experience again, and you should take it while it is there. The divine Sri Sai Baba shows you the way but leaves you to exercise freely your individual will lead to liberation.
With every tide you witness ebb and flow. So it is with life, the ebb and flow of opportunities. Yet another opportunity is offered to you today.
What is that opportunity? It is the chance to move away from the present pattern of life where you live in the twilight world of illusion, a state that constantly obscures the truth and can never bring lasting happiness.
Awaken and see the light. Seize the opportunity that you now have and break away from the grooves of the past. Follow and experience the utter bliss that comes from union with Sri Sai Baba.
Learn the truth, live in truth, open the heart and let your life be filled with love, then you will experience absolute joy, peace and the unity of all mankind.
Allah Malik
Monday, April 30, 2007
The Bird that Talked
There is an old story about a fellow who lived alone and went to a pet store to buy a parrot. He thought the bird might fill some of his lonely hours.
The very next day, however, he came back to complain, "That bird doesn't talk."
The storeowner asked if he had a mirror in its cage, and the man said he didn't. "Oh, parrots love mirrors," he explained. "When he sees his reflection in the mirror, he'll just start talking away." So he sold him a birdcage mirror.
The bird owner was back the next day to gripe that his parrot still hadn't said a word. "That's very peculiar," allowed the pet expert. "How about aswing? Birds really love these little swings, and a happy parrot is a talkative parrot." So the man bought a swing, took it home, and installed it in the cage.
But he was back the next day with the same story. "Does he have a ladder to climb?" the salesman asked. "That just has to be the problem. Once he has a ladder, he'll probably talk your ear off!" So the fellow bought a ladder.
The man was back at the pet store when it opened the next day. From the look on his face, the owner knew something was wrong. "Didn't your parrot like the ladder?" he asked. His repeat customer looked up and said, "The parrot died."
"I'm so sorry," the stunned businessman said. "Did he ever say anything?"
"Well, yes. He finally talked just before he died. In a weak little voice, he asked me, "Don't they sell any bird seed at that pet store?'"
Some of us have mistakenly thought that happiness consists of lining our cages with toys, gadgets, and other stuff. Excessive consumption has become the hallmark of our life. "Whoever has the most toys wins" seems to be the likely candidate to be the bumper sticker for an entire culture. But is it so?
There is a spiritual hunger in the human heart that can't be satisfied by seeing one's own image reflected back in vanity mirrors, playing with our grown-up toys, or climbing the corporate ladder. Our hearts need real nourishment. The love of family and friends, relationships over the pursuit of more things, personal integrity, and a secure connection to God --these are the things that feed the soul.
Have you chosen a life course that leads to a destination that matters?
The very next day, however, he came back to complain, "That bird doesn't talk."
The storeowner asked if he had a mirror in its cage, and the man said he didn't. "Oh, parrots love mirrors," he explained. "When he sees his reflection in the mirror, he'll just start talking away." So he sold him a birdcage mirror.
The bird owner was back the next day to gripe that his parrot still hadn't said a word. "That's very peculiar," allowed the pet expert. "How about aswing? Birds really love these little swings, and a happy parrot is a talkative parrot." So the man bought a swing, took it home, and installed it in the cage.
But he was back the next day with the same story. "Does he have a ladder to climb?" the salesman asked. "That just has to be the problem. Once he has a ladder, he'll probably talk your ear off!" So the fellow bought a ladder.
The man was back at the pet store when it opened the next day. From the look on his face, the owner knew something was wrong. "Didn't your parrot like the ladder?" he asked. His repeat customer looked up and said, "The parrot died."
"I'm so sorry," the stunned businessman said. "Did he ever say anything?"
"Well, yes. He finally talked just before he died. In a weak little voice, he asked me, "Don't they sell any bird seed at that pet store?'"
Some of us have mistakenly thought that happiness consists of lining our cages with toys, gadgets, and other stuff. Excessive consumption has become the hallmark of our life. "Whoever has the most toys wins" seems to be the likely candidate to be the bumper sticker for an entire culture. But is it so?
There is a spiritual hunger in the human heart that can't be satisfied by seeing one's own image reflected back in vanity mirrors, playing with our grown-up toys, or climbing the corporate ladder. Our hearts need real nourishment. The love of family and friends, relationships over the pursuit of more things, personal integrity, and a secure connection to God --these are the things that feed the soul.
Have you chosen a life course that leads to a destination that matters?
Saturday, April 28, 2007
God – A Matter Of Experience
Aum Sairam
Sri Sai Baba's language was truly mystic for he talked back and forth between the absolute mode and the mode of surrendered servant or even bond slave of the Lord. In the former mode, He made such statements as: "I am formless and everywhere" and, "I look equally on all. Not a leaf moves except my grace". In the latter mode of surrendered instrument of God, he declares:" Without God's permission nothing can be made by me", and "Sri Sai Baba is but phaladata [giver of the fruit or dispenser of the result]. However, his message is clear both on fear and hope that if one becomes God or Sri Sai Baba's devotee the one will be under his protective wing and need no fear. If then the devotee has patience, his hopes will be realized and in due course, he will indeed be raised spiritually. This blessing is not to be confused with worldly benefits such as material prosperity, fame, power or even health, although these may in fact occur as by-products. The promise is for the achievement of the Sufi goal of mystical union with God, or the realization that one was never in truth separation from God.
Among many quotations in this vein of protection and guidance, Sri Sai Baba said: "if you make me the sole object of your thoughts and aims, you will gain paramartha - the supreme goal. Some visitors came to see Sri Sai Baba at first merely out of curiosity to see a miracle-worker, and then gradually they started coming to listen to what Sri Sai Baba was teaching. Nana Chandorkar, for example, began listening to Sri Sai Baba this way, and eventually gained complete confidence that Sri Sai Baba did indeed demonstrate the qualities of divinity. Others however, such as Dasganu, although he had great respect for the Saint and had been shown many phenomenal miracles, could never quite come to terms with admitting Sri Sai Baba's divinity.
Allah Malik
Sri Sai Baba's language was truly mystic for he talked back and forth between the absolute mode and the mode of surrendered servant or even bond slave of the Lord. In the former mode, He made such statements as: "I am formless and everywhere" and, "I look equally on all. Not a leaf moves except my grace". In the latter mode of surrendered instrument of God, he declares:" Without God's permission nothing can be made by me", and "Sri Sai Baba is but phaladata [giver of the fruit or dispenser of the result]. However, his message is clear both on fear and hope that if one becomes God or Sri Sai Baba's devotee the one will be under his protective wing and need no fear. If then the devotee has patience, his hopes will be realized and in due course, he will indeed be raised spiritually. This blessing is not to be confused with worldly benefits such as material prosperity, fame, power or even health, although these may in fact occur as by-products. The promise is for the achievement of the Sufi goal of mystical union with God, or the realization that one was never in truth separation from God.
Among many quotations in this vein of protection and guidance, Sri Sai Baba said: "if you make me the sole object of your thoughts and aims, you will gain paramartha - the supreme goal. Some visitors came to see Sri Sai Baba at first merely out of curiosity to see a miracle-worker, and then gradually they started coming to listen to what Sri Sai Baba was teaching. Nana Chandorkar, for example, began listening to Sri Sai Baba this way, and eventually gained complete confidence that Sri Sai Baba did indeed demonstrate the qualities of divinity. Others however, such as Dasganu, although he had great respect for the Saint and had been shown many phenomenal miracles, could never quite come to terms with admitting Sri Sai Baba's divinity.
Allah Malik
Friday, April 27, 2007
Mystic Master!
Aum Sairam
Mystic Master Lord Shirdi Sai Baba, with His mystic ways in silence and in words speaks to those loving devotees in their own way and own language and console those intently seek solace in Him. His form in full splendor and radiance is above us, amidst us to teach us the essentials of dharma and to inculcate in us simplicity, humbleness, devotion, dedication, love and bring peace.
The mystic saint can only be realized, only if one follows the principles He taught and demonstrated in His earthly life in day-to-day practice, second to second, minute-to-minute and hour-to-hour. I cannot quote any other saint such as Lord Jesus Christ, Guru Nanak Devji, or others, but my inner consciousness reveals that all masters are in Him.
The Maya in us, around us needs to be observed carefully. The Maya can not be set right until qualities like mada [conceit], matsarya [jealousy], moha [delusion], lobha [greed], krodha [anger], kama [lust], mamakara on worldly things [attachment], abhimana [pride or ego] are overcome.
The only way is a complete surrender to Sri Sai and follows his inscrutable instructions. Parabramha Sai is amidst us in the form of bikshaku, ready to take all our difficulties, remove all negativity, and give us what we want and deserve. He is one of infinite grace and benevolence.
Very long ego, Lord Siva in the form of Adi Shankara was amidst us, restored Sanathana Dharma, distributed pure wisdom, and made us understand His leelas.
Adi Shankara did not suggest idol worship, did not advocate the division of society, and exhorted all people to understand the ultimate, brought unity at intellectual and spiritual levels to understand the divine. Lord Sai, in a similar way distributed the grace, made us aware of Him, and propagated the principle of adhering to simple and practical principles with devotion, dedication, and perseverance. The Ultimate, the Bhagavat-thava lies beyond the principles of one ness and duality can only realized in Sai path.
We need to remember that we have been in touch with Him, the ultimate, the Supreme Master regularly in the process of evolution of our souls. He knows and we do not. We need to remember that we are essentially divine sparks, with soul continually evolving, with a human experience. We can avail His grace, following the dharma principles, treating Maya as guest, which deserves to be treated with respect which alerts us to remind that we stick to Sri Sai path, with assistance from friends [innate or pure qualities] simplicity, humbleness, love, dedication and other good qualities.
Allah Malik
Mystic Master Lord Shirdi Sai Baba, with His mystic ways in silence and in words speaks to those loving devotees in their own way and own language and console those intently seek solace in Him. His form in full splendor and radiance is above us, amidst us to teach us the essentials of dharma and to inculcate in us simplicity, humbleness, devotion, dedication, love and bring peace.
The mystic saint can only be realized, only if one follows the principles He taught and demonstrated in His earthly life in day-to-day practice, second to second, minute-to-minute and hour-to-hour. I cannot quote any other saint such as Lord Jesus Christ, Guru Nanak Devji, or others, but my inner consciousness reveals that all masters are in Him.
The Maya in us, around us needs to be observed carefully. The Maya can not be set right until qualities like mada [conceit], matsarya [jealousy], moha [delusion], lobha [greed], krodha [anger], kama [lust], mamakara on worldly things [attachment], abhimana [pride or ego] are overcome.
The only way is a complete surrender to Sri Sai and follows his inscrutable instructions. Parabramha Sai is amidst us in the form of bikshaku, ready to take all our difficulties, remove all negativity, and give us what we want and deserve. He is one of infinite grace and benevolence.
Very long ego, Lord Siva in the form of Adi Shankara was amidst us, restored Sanathana Dharma, distributed pure wisdom, and made us understand His leelas.
Adi Shankara did not suggest idol worship, did not advocate the division of society, and exhorted all people to understand the ultimate, brought unity at intellectual and spiritual levels to understand the divine. Lord Sai, in a similar way distributed the grace, made us aware of Him, and propagated the principle of adhering to simple and practical principles with devotion, dedication, and perseverance. The Ultimate, the Bhagavat-thava lies beyond the principles of one ness and duality can only realized in Sai path.
We need to remember that we have been in touch with Him, the ultimate, the Supreme Master regularly in the process of evolution of our souls. He knows and we do not. We need to remember that we are essentially divine sparks, with soul continually evolving, with a human experience. We can avail His grace, following the dharma principles, treating Maya as guest, which deserves to be treated with respect which alerts us to remind that we stick to Sri Sai path, with assistance from friends [innate or pure qualities] simplicity, humbleness, love, dedication and other good qualities.
Allah Malik
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Understanding Shirdi Sai in Baba's Own Words
Aum Sairam
Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi uttered certain truths in His lifetime during His talks with various persons on different occasions. These reflect on His 'Sat - Chit - Anand' Swarupa and his omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient character. These truths apart from revealing different aspects of Sri Sai Baba's philosophy and method of functioning, also convey the assurances given by Sri Sai Baba to His devotees: how one should take to Him; what Sri Sai Baba expects from His devotees and finally how one can merge in Him and become one with Him. A study of these passages again and again, reflecting on them in calmer moments and imbibing them in ones own life would certainly help an aspirant onto the path of Sri Sai bhakti as also remove the doubts lurking in his mind. Selections from these utterances are reproduced below for the benefit of the aspirants:
1. I am God. I am Mahalaxmi. I speak the truth sitting as I do in this Dwarkamai. I am Vithoba. I am Ganapati. All offerings made to Ganapati have reached me. I am Dattatraya. I am Laxmi Narayan. Why go for Ganga elsewhere. Hold your palm at my feet, Ganga flows here. I am Maruti.
2. I am the attribute less 'Nirguna'. I have no name and no residence.
3. I embroiled myself in 'Karma' and got this body. 'Brahman' is my father and 'Maya' is my mother. I am formless and in everything. I fill all spaces and solitary wilderness. I am in the fire and ether.
4. I am not the body or the senses. I am the eternal ‘Sakshi’ [witness].
5. I require no doors to enter. I have no form nor do I have any limitations. I am always existent in all animate and inanimate objects. I am the wirepuller of all actions of the man who trusts me and merges in me and ultimately provides him Liberation.
6. Be wherever you like; do whatever you choose; remember this well that all what you do is known to me. I am the Inner Ruler of all and am seated in their hearts.
7. I need no paraphernalia of worship either eight-fold or sixteen-fold. I dwell where there is full devotion.
8. Meditate always on my formless nature, which are Existence, Consciousness and Bliss Absolute. If you cannot do this, meditate on my form, from head to toe, as you see me here night and day. As you go on doing this, your 'Vrattis' [thoughts] will become one pointed and the distinction between the 'dhyata' [meditated upon] 'Dhyari, [meditation] and 'dhaya' [object] will be lost and the meditator will become one with consciousness and be merged in 'Brahma'.
9. Those who are fortunate and whose sins have been washed away turn to my worship. If you always utter 'Sai, Sai', I shall lake you beyond the Seven Seas.
10. My master told me to give bounteously to all that ask. People come to me asking for the petty things of life such as wealth, children, promotion and the like; but nobody comes to ask for the real treasures, I hold. My treasury is full; take away cartloads of it. Be the true sons of the Divine Mother and fully stock yourself. What is to become of us? This body will return to earth and the air we breathe will melt into air. This opportunity will not return.
11. There shall be no dearth of food and clothing in the houses of my devotees. It is my special characteristic that I always look and provide for the welfare of those devotees, who worship me whole-heartedly. If you want to beg of anything, beg for the Lord Himself.
12. Howsoever oppressed and troubled one may be, as soon as he ascends the steps of the Dwarkamai, he is on the pathway to happiness. The 'Fakir' here is very merciful. He provides protection to all with love and kindness.
13. The 'Dwarkamai' wards off all dangers and anxieties of its children. Once a person sits in its lap, all his miseries come to an end. He, who rests in its shade, gets bliss.
14. Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not express resentment by giving a bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.
15. I am the bonded slave of My devotee. I love devotion. He, who withdraws his heart from the world and loves Me, is My true lover and he merges in Me like a river in the sea.
16. All creatures [such as; dogs, cats, flies, and pigs] are My own form. He who seas Me in them, is My beloved. So abandoning the sense of duality and distinction, continue to serve Me.
17. If any one does any evil unto you, do not retaliate. If you wish to do anything, do only good acts unto others.
18. He, who carps and cavils at others, pierces Me in the heart and injures me, but he who suffers and endures, pleases Me most.
19. Do not entertain the sense of doer ship in performing good or bad act; be entirely free from pride and ego in all actions.
20. I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me and always remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvation. I belong to him who thinks of Me, hungers after Me and does not eat anything without first offering to Me. Leaving aside pride and egotism completely; you should surrender to Me, who is seated in your heart.
21. Mysterious is the path of action. Though I do nothing, people hold Me responsible for their actions, which take place on account of destiny. I am merely an observer. The Lord is the sole doer and inspirer.
22. How can the worldly desires and impure inclinations come near persons, who remember Me in their everyday life, worship Me and lovingly listen to and brood over My life stories? I shall draw them out from the jaws of death.
23. Keeping your mind steady continue to do your duty fearlessly and have faith in My words. If My 'Leela's' [deeds] are written, 'avidya' [nascence/ ignorance] will vanish and if these are attentively and devotedly listened to, the consciousness of the worldly existence will abate, and strong waves of devotion will arise. If one dives deep into My 'Leela's', he shall obtain precious jewels of knowledge.
24. My Guru never taught Me any Mantra, how could I then blow any Mantra in your ears? Just remember that Guru's tortoise like loving glance gives us happiness. Do not, therefore, try to get Mantra or sermon [Updesh] from any body. Make Me the sole object of your thoughts and actions and you will, no doubt attain 'Parmartha'-the spiritual goal of life. Look at Me whole-heartedly and I, in turn, will look at you similarly.
25. Give [Charity] with faith and magnanimity [liberally]; give with modesty, sympathy and respectfully.
26. He who loves me most, always experiences my presence. The whole world is desolate to him without Me.
27. If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I shall immediately be with you at any time of the day and night. Though I am here physically yet I know all that happens beyond the seven seas. Seated in your heart, I am in fact your Inner Self. Always worship Him alone who is seated in your heart as well as in the hearts of all beings. Blessed and fortunate indeed is he, who is aware of My omnipresent and omniscient form.
28. If I accept one rupee from anyone as 'dakshina', I have to return many more times of it. I never accept anything gratis from anybody nor do I ask for 'dakshina' indiscriminately. I only ask and take from him towards whom the 'Fakir' (God) points out. If anyone is indebted in his previous birth to the 'Fakir", then only 'dakshina' is received from him. The donor gives and sows the seeds to reap a rich harvest in future. Wealth should only be used to earn 'Dharma'. If it is used for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. Unless you have given charity before, you cannot, get it now. So, the best way to receive is to give. The giving of'dakshina' leads to Vairagya' (non-attachment) and thereby to 'Bhakti and' Gyan.
29. Why should any fear when I am there. Cast all burdens on Me, I shall bear them.
30. Have faith in Me. Even though I give up this body, My bones in My Samadhi will give you hope and confidence. Not only I but My Samadhi would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who surrender to Me whole heartedly. Do not feel disappointed that I would be away from you. You will hear my bones speaking and discussing your welfare. If you remember Me constantly and have faith in Me, heart and soul, you shall be greatly benefited.
Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi uttered certain truths in His lifetime during His talks with various persons on different occasions. These reflect on His 'Sat - Chit - Anand' Swarupa and his omnipotent, omnipresent and omniscient character. These truths apart from revealing different aspects of Sri Sai Baba's philosophy and method of functioning, also convey the assurances given by Sri Sai Baba to His devotees: how one should take to Him; what Sri Sai Baba expects from His devotees and finally how one can merge in Him and become one with Him. A study of these passages again and again, reflecting on them in calmer moments and imbibing them in ones own life would certainly help an aspirant onto the path of Sri Sai bhakti as also remove the doubts lurking in his mind. Selections from these utterances are reproduced below for the benefit of the aspirants:
1. I am God. I am Mahalaxmi. I speak the truth sitting as I do in this Dwarkamai. I am Vithoba. I am Ganapati. All offerings made to Ganapati have reached me. I am Dattatraya. I am Laxmi Narayan. Why go for Ganga elsewhere. Hold your palm at my feet, Ganga flows here. I am Maruti.
2. I am the attribute less 'Nirguna'. I have no name and no residence.
3. I embroiled myself in 'Karma' and got this body. 'Brahman' is my father and 'Maya' is my mother. I am formless and in everything. I fill all spaces and solitary wilderness. I am in the fire and ether.
4. I am not the body or the senses. I am the eternal ‘Sakshi’ [witness].
5. I require no doors to enter. I have no form nor do I have any limitations. I am always existent in all animate and inanimate objects. I am the wirepuller of all actions of the man who trusts me and merges in me and ultimately provides him Liberation.
6. Be wherever you like; do whatever you choose; remember this well that all what you do is known to me. I am the Inner Ruler of all and am seated in their hearts.
7. I need no paraphernalia of worship either eight-fold or sixteen-fold. I dwell where there is full devotion.
8. Meditate always on my formless nature, which are Existence, Consciousness and Bliss Absolute. If you cannot do this, meditate on my form, from head to toe, as you see me here night and day. As you go on doing this, your 'Vrattis' [thoughts] will become one pointed and the distinction between the 'dhyata' [meditated upon] 'Dhyari, [meditation] and 'dhaya' [object] will be lost and the meditator will become one with consciousness and be merged in 'Brahma'.
9. Those who are fortunate and whose sins have been washed away turn to my worship. If you always utter 'Sai, Sai', I shall lake you beyond the Seven Seas.
10. My master told me to give bounteously to all that ask. People come to me asking for the petty things of life such as wealth, children, promotion and the like; but nobody comes to ask for the real treasures, I hold. My treasury is full; take away cartloads of it. Be the true sons of the Divine Mother and fully stock yourself. What is to become of us? This body will return to earth and the air we breathe will melt into air. This opportunity will not return.
11. There shall be no dearth of food and clothing in the houses of my devotees. It is my special characteristic that I always look and provide for the welfare of those devotees, who worship me whole-heartedly. If you want to beg of anything, beg for the Lord Himself.
12. Howsoever oppressed and troubled one may be, as soon as he ascends the steps of the Dwarkamai, he is on the pathway to happiness. The 'Fakir' here is very merciful. He provides protection to all with love and kindness.
13. The 'Dwarkamai' wards off all dangers and anxieties of its children. Once a person sits in its lap, all his miseries come to an end. He, who rests in its shade, gets bliss.
14. Let anybody speak hundreds of things against you, do not express resentment by giving a bitter reply. If you always tolerate such things, you will certainly be happy.
15. I am the bonded slave of My devotee. I love devotion. He, who withdraws his heart from the world and loves Me, is My true lover and he merges in Me like a river in the sea.
16. All creatures [such as; dogs, cats, flies, and pigs] are My own form. He who seas Me in them, is My beloved. So abandoning the sense of duality and distinction, continue to serve Me.
17. If any one does any evil unto you, do not retaliate. If you wish to do anything, do only good acts unto others.
18. He, who carps and cavils at others, pierces Me in the heart and injures me, but he who suffers and endures, pleases Me most.
19. Do not entertain the sense of doer ship in performing good or bad act; be entirely free from pride and ego in all actions.
20. I feel indebted to him who surrenders himself completely to Me and always remembers Me. I shall repay his debt by giving him salvation. I belong to him who thinks of Me, hungers after Me and does not eat anything without first offering to Me. Leaving aside pride and egotism completely; you should surrender to Me, who is seated in your heart.
21. Mysterious is the path of action. Though I do nothing, people hold Me responsible for their actions, which take place on account of destiny. I am merely an observer. The Lord is the sole doer and inspirer.
22. How can the worldly desires and impure inclinations come near persons, who remember Me in their everyday life, worship Me and lovingly listen to and brood over My life stories? I shall draw them out from the jaws of death.
23. Keeping your mind steady continue to do your duty fearlessly and have faith in My words. If My 'Leela's' [deeds] are written, 'avidya' [nascence/ ignorance] will vanish and if these are attentively and devotedly listened to, the consciousness of the worldly existence will abate, and strong waves of devotion will arise. If one dives deep into My 'Leela's', he shall obtain precious jewels of knowledge.
24. My Guru never taught Me any Mantra, how could I then blow any Mantra in your ears? Just remember that Guru's tortoise like loving glance gives us happiness. Do not, therefore, try to get Mantra or sermon [Updesh] from any body. Make Me the sole object of your thoughts and actions and you will, no doubt attain 'Parmartha'-the spiritual goal of life. Look at Me whole-heartedly and I, in turn, will look at you similarly.
25. Give [Charity] with faith and magnanimity [liberally]; give with modesty, sympathy and respectfully.
26. He who loves me most, always experiences my presence. The whole world is desolate to him without Me.
27. If you spread your palms with devotion before Me, I shall immediately be with you at any time of the day and night. Though I am here physically yet I know all that happens beyond the seven seas. Seated in your heart, I am in fact your Inner Self. Always worship Him alone who is seated in your heart as well as in the hearts of all beings. Blessed and fortunate indeed is he, who is aware of My omnipresent and omniscient form.
28. If I accept one rupee from anyone as 'dakshina', I have to return many more times of it. I never accept anything gratis from anybody nor do I ask for 'dakshina' indiscriminately. I only ask and take from him towards whom the 'Fakir' (God) points out. If anyone is indebted in his previous birth to the 'Fakir", then only 'dakshina' is received from him. The donor gives and sows the seeds to reap a rich harvest in future. Wealth should only be used to earn 'Dharma'. If it is used for personal enjoyment, it is wasted. Unless you have given charity before, you cannot, get it now. So, the best way to receive is to give. The giving of'dakshina' leads to Vairagya' (non-attachment) and thereby to 'Bhakti and' Gyan.
29. Why should any fear when I am there. Cast all burdens on Me, I shall bear them.
30. Have faith in Me. Even though I give up this body, My bones in My Samadhi will give you hope and confidence. Not only I but My Samadhi would be speaking, moving and communicating with those who surrender to Me whole heartedly. Do not feel disappointed that I would be away from you. You will hear my bones speaking and discussing your welfare. If you remember Me constantly and have faith in Me, heart and soul, you shall be greatly benefited.
Facts About Shirdi Sai!
From the assurances and commitments given by Sri Sai Baba the following facts emerge:-
(a) Sri Sai Baba is an Avtar of Love and Compassion. If one car learn to have unflinching faith in Him, Sri Sai Baba shal] assume full responsibility to look after him and provide him succor at every step in his life. In fact, His devotees have abundant experience of the truth of his commitment.
(b) He has prescribed a code of conduct for His devotees which is simple and easy to follow, yet capable of taking one to the supreme goal of 'Parmarth'. He doesn't want His devotees to take to assiduous practices such as observing fasts, going on pilgrimages, practicing 'Ashtang Yoga' and the like. He lives in Bhakti alone.
(c) Sri Sai Baba's Samadhi is an ever living phenomenon. Sri Sai Baba may not be there in His physical form today but His Samadhi actively lives, moves about, and answers the questions of His devotees. They need not seek answers to they problems elsewhere.
(d) Sri Sai Baba communicates directly with His devotees who have completely surrendered to Him. He gives them guidance answers their questions and comes to their help in times of need in some way or the other, either in their waking or sleeping state. One surely need not seek Sri Sai Baba's Grace through intermediaries, as is being claimed and observed all around.
(e) Sri Sai Baba wants His devotees to demolish the wall of discrimination in every walk of life which would facilitate their becoming one with Him.
(f) Sri Sai Baba has given great stress on 'Shrawari (hearing), and 'Manana' (contemplation) of his Leela's (deeds). He has again and again said that if His Leela's are listened to and meditated upon, purity of head and heart will follow and the seeker will acquire oneness with Him.
g) Sri Sai Baba had said, "I give to My devotees what they want, so that they may learn to want what I want to give to them." Let us, therefore, refrain from asking from Sri Sai Baba the mundane things of life for which he has already taken responsibility and develop an urge to ask for a little chunk out of that great and sacred treasure, which He is holding and wants to share with us.
(h) Let us not allow ourselves to be distracted from the path shown by Sri Sai Baba by taking to and seeking the help of persons claiming nearness to Him. Sri Sai Baba is omnipotent and omnipresent and if He can hear the movement of even an ant, surely He can hear the voice of my and your heart and scatter on us the bread of His Grace, provided we have taken to Him heart and soul.
Sai Brothers and Sisters! Sri Sai Baba is an ever living phenomenon. Let us learn to make Sri Sai Baba the focal point of all our thoughts and actions. Sri Sai Baba is our God; Sri Sai Baba is our Guru. Let us learn to live in Sri Sai Baba, think of Sri Sai Baba, breathe of Sri Sai Baba, dream of Sri Sai Baba, read of Sri Sai Baba, eat with Sri Sai Baba and become one with Him. Let us seek His Grace to make every pore of our body emit the fragrance of His love and bhakti. Whosoever smells it, should feel drawn to Him and in ecstasy exclaim, "Sri Sai Baba! you are indeed wonderful, great and unique. You are Love and Compassion Incarnate. It is only because of our 'Prarabdha' and your Grace that we have come in your Sharan'. Make us, your children surrender whole heartedly at your lotus feet in this life and in lives hereafter, if any.
Allah Malik
(a) Sri Sai Baba is an Avtar of Love and Compassion. If one car learn to have unflinching faith in Him, Sri Sai Baba shal] assume full responsibility to look after him and provide him succor at every step in his life. In fact, His devotees have abundant experience of the truth of his commitment.
(b) He has prescribed a code of conduct for His devotees which is simple and easy to follow, yet capable of taking one to the supreme goal of 'Parmarth'. He doesn't want His devotees to take to assiduous practices such as observing fasts, going on pilgrimages, practicing 'Ashtang Yoga' and the like. He lives in Bhakti alone.
(c) Sri Sai Baba's Samadhi is an ever living phenomenon. Sri Sai Baba may not be there in His physical form today but His Samadhi actively lives, moves about, and answers the questions of His devotees. They need not seek answers to they problems elsewhere.
(d) Sri Sai Baba communicates directly with His devotees who have completely surrendered to Him. He gives them guidance answers their questions and comes to their help in times of need in some way or the other, either in their waking or sleeping state. One surely need not seek Sri Sai Baba's Grace through intermediaries, as is being claimed and observed all around.
(e) Sri Sai Baba wants His devotees to demolish the wall of discrimination in every walk of life which would facilitate their becoming one with Him.
(f) Sri Sai Baba has given great stress on 'Shrawari (hearing), and 'Manana' (contemplation) of his Leela's (deeds). He has again and again said that if His Leela's are listened to and meditated upon, purity of head and heart will follow and the seeker will acquire oneness with Him.
g) Sri Sai Baba had said, "I give to My devotees what they want, so that they may learn to want what I want to give to them." Let us, therefore, refrain from asking from Sri Sai Baba the mundane things of life for which he has already taken responsibility and develop an urge to ask for a little chunk out of that great and sacred treasure, which He is holding and wants to share with us.
(h) Let us not allow ourselves to be distracted from the path shown by Sri Sai Baba by taking to and seeking the help of persons claiming nearness to Him. Sri Sai Baba is omnipotent and omnipresent and if He can hear the movement of even an ant, surely He can hear the voice of my and your heart and scatter on us the bread of His Grace, provided we have taken to Him heart and soul.
Sai Brothers and Sisters! Sri Sai Baba is an ever living phenomenon. Let us learn to make Sri Sai Baba the focal point of all our thoughts and actions. Sri Sai Baba is our God; Sri Sai Baba is our Guru. Let us learn to live in Sri Sai Baba, think of Sri Sai Baba, breathe of Sri Sai Baba, dream of Sri Sai Baba, read of Sri Sai Baba, eat with Sri Sai Baba and become one with Him. Let us seek His Grace to make every pore of our body emit the fragrance of His love and bhakti. Whosoever smells it, should feel drawn to Him and in ecstasy exclaim, "Sri Sai Baba! you are indeed wonderful, great and unique. You are Love and Compassion Incarnate. It is only because of our 'Prarabdha' and your Grace that we have come in your Sharan'. Make us, your children surrender whole heartedly at your lotus feet in this life and in lives hereafter, if any.
Allah Malik
Thursday! Baba's Day!
Aum Sairam
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
Even the mighty ram bows its head before the blow. One of the strongest positions we can take as we begin something new is humility. "Humble" not in a way of thinking less of yourself, but rather from the sincerest form of pride.
Be thankful All too often, if it's something we already have, we don't seem to think very much of it. We don't appreciate it until it's gone. Other times, we can become boastful because we think it makes us better than everyone else. In all cases, we're blind. Taking just a moment to say thank you opens our eyes to the gift called Life. Be honest with yourself you may actually be the best in the world at something or you might actually be the worst. After all, someone has to be, right? More than likely, though, it isn’t you. You're somewhere in the middle in the world scale… but that should never stop you from becoming the best that you can be. You're the only one in the world who can do that. See the greatness in yourself don’t you see it? I mean, look deep inside. Get away from all your opinions and the opinions of others. Look at that spark inside you. That's greatness. Look! See the greatness in others I always say that true humility doesn't come with seeing yourself as less than others, but rather seeing how great everyone else is as well as you.
Namaste "Namaste" means the spirit in me recognizes the spirit within you. There is no greater gift than to whole heartedly acknowledge the existence of another. Okay, maybe there is one thing that is greater than acknowledging another… it's loving them unconditionally, without expectations or opinions. The spirit in me loves the spirit in you. Nice. Balance yourself out with greatness and you will have pride in what you do and who you are, without ego going off in a wrong direction. It truly is a humbling experience
Let us pray on This Beautiful Thursday [Baba's Day] at the feet of Sri Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him
Allah Malik
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
Even the mighty ram bows its head before the blow. One of the strongest positions we can take as we begin something new is humility. "Humble" not in a way of thinking less of yourself, but rather from the sincerest form of pride.
Be thankful All too often, if it's something we already have, we don't seem to think very much of it. We don't appreciate it until it's gone. Other times, we can become boastful because we think it makes us better than everyone else. In all cases, we're blind. Taking just a moment to say thank you opens our eyes to the gift called Life. Be honest with yourself you may actually be the best in the world at something or you might actually be the worst. After all, someone has to be, right? More than likely, though, it isn’t you. You're somewhere in the middle in the world scale… but that should never stop you from becoming the best that you can be. You're the only one in the world who can do that. See the greatness in yourself don’t you see it? I mean, look deep inside. Get away from all your opinions and the opinions of others. Look at that spark inside you. That's greatness. Look! See the greatness in others I always say that true humility doesn't come with seeing yourself as less than others, but rather seeing how great everyone else is as well as you.
Namaste "Namaste" means the spirit in me recognizes the spirit within you. There is no greater gift than to whole heartedly acknowledge the existence of another. Okay, maybe there is one thing that is greater than acknowledging another… it's loving them unconditionally, without expectations or opinions. The spirit in me loves the spirit in you. Nice. Balance yourself out with greatness and you will have pride in what you do and who you are, without ego going off in a wrong direction. It truly is a humbling experience
Let us pray on This Beautiful Thursday [Baba's Day] at the feet of Sri Sai Baba who is the incarnation of all gods and protector of all, to show mercy on us, and increase our devotion towards him
Allah Malik
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Sri Sai Baba’s Promise
Aum Sairam,
Sri Sai Baba blesses us all on this day. May He protect us and our loved ones away from the harms way. May our love for Him grow everyday.
Promises made by man have selfish intent and often broken resulting in pain, grief, anger and mistrust. While the promise made by Sadguru comes out for selfless love towards His devotees. This promise comes only when there is implicit trust of devotee towards their Sadguru. It is this love for Guru, and faith in Him that evokes a promise from the Master towards His children. Promises are not made in vain. It is only when Guru knows the worth of His children and their sincerity in their feelings towards Guru, this promise is made.
The promise thus made by Guru is to save the man from the worldly pain, and grief and help His achieve man's ultimate goal. Hence it is better for us, as humans to crave for His love and blessings, which stand us in good stead in all walks of life. This can be earned to sincerity in love towards Sadguru.
Here is Sri Sai Baba's promise to His devotees.
For a greedy man there is no peace, neither contentment, nor steadiness. If there be even a little trace of greed in mind, all the spiritual endeavors are of no avail. Even the knowledge of a well-read man, who is not free from the desire of the fruit or reward of his actions, and who has got no disgust for the same, is useless and can't help him in getting self-realization. The teachings of a Guru are of no use to a man, who is full of egoism, and who always thinks about the sense objects. Purification of mind is absolutely necessary, without it, all our spiritual endeavors are nothing but useless show and pomp. It is, therefore, better for one to take only what he can digest and assimilate. My treasure is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give. If you listen to Me carefully, you will be certainly be benefited. Sitting in this Masjid, I never speak any untruth." Chapter XVI and XVII Shri Sai Satcharitra.
Allah Malik
Sri Sai Baba blesses us all on this day. May He protect us and our loved ones away from the harms way. May our love for Him grow everyday.
Promises made by man have selfish intent and often broken resulting in pain, grief, anger and mistrust. While the promise made by Sadguru comes out for selfless love towards His devotees. This promise comes only when there is implicit trust of devotee towards their Sadguru. It is this love for Guru, and faith in Him that evokes a promise from the Master towards His children. Promises are not made in vain. It is only when Guru knows the worth of His children and their sincerity in their feelings towards Guru, this promise is made.
The promise thus made by Guru is to save the man from the worldly pain, and grief and help His achieve man's ultimate goal. Hence it is better for us, as humans to crave for His love and blessings, which stand us in good stead in all walks of life. This can be earned to sincerity in love towards Sadguru.
Here is Sri Sai Baba's promise to His devotees.
For a greedy man there is no peace, neither contentment, nor steadiness. If there be even a little trace of greed in mind, all the spiritual endeavors are of no avail. Even the knowledge of a well-read man, who is not free from the desire of the fruit or reward of his actions, and who has got no disgust for the same, is useless and can't help him in getting self-realization. The teachings of a Guru are of no use to a man, who is full of egoism, and who always thinks about the sense objects. Purification of mind is absolutely necessary, without it, all our spiritual endeavors are nothing but useless show and pomp. It is, therefore, better for one to take only what he can digest and assimilate. My treasure is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give. If you listen to Me carefully, you will be certainly be benefited. Sitting in this Masjid, I never speak any untruth." Chapter XVI and XVII Shri Sai Satcharitra.
Allah Malik
Sunday, April 22, 2007
Thanx Giving to Sai!
For all that God, in mercy, sends;
For health and children, home and friends;
For comfort in the time of need
For every kindly word and deed
For happy thoughts and holy talk,
For Guidance in our daily walk—
For everything GIVE THANKS!
SAIDEVA THANKS FOR THIS LIFE........
For health and children, home and friends;
For comfort in the time of need
For every kindly word and deed
For happy thoughts and holy talk,
For Guidance in our daily walk—
For everything GIVE THANKS!
SAIDEVA THANKS FOR THIS LIFE........
Sri Sai Baba's Form!
Aum Sairam
Baba said, "All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world, is My body or form" in chapter III and "Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away but receive them well, and treat them with due respect" in chapter. XVIII & XIX of Shri Sai Satcharitra.
If any of God’s creatures ever sustains the least injury or suffers pain at your hand, repent for your action from the bottom of your heart. Do not argue in the following strain; "He was destined to suffer, I served only as an instrument; had I not allowed myself to serve as an instrument, how could he awarded the fruit of his evil Karma? It is his fate which is responsible for his suffering, I am not in the least to blame for it" You have nothing to do with what is in store for him; the injunction of God as well as of the scriptures so far as you are concerned is clear; it is that you should injure none. If you injure anybody, you perpetrate a sin, and for this you will have to suffer. For awarding him the fruit of his evil Karma, God would have chosen His own instrument; why should you have taken this sin upon your head by allowing yourself to serve as an instrument in this case?
Remember how bitterly you resent the slightest pain inflicted on you by another. The victim who suffers pain at your hands experiences the same feeling. Therefore, do not entertain even the thought of injuring another. Always pray to God thus: "Lord, guide me in such a way that I may never allow myself to serve as an instrument in inflicting injury or pain on any of Your children in this creation of Yours."
Always wish well of others, and cultivate the spirit of serving them to the best of your ability. When you see a leper, an invalid, or one who is in distress or poverty, never ignore him thinking that he is suffering for his past misdeeds; for whatever he sowed, he is reaping. Do not hate him; nor add to his suffering by your cold behavior. Whatever be the magnitude of sins committed by him in the past, your function is not to look at his sins. Your duty is to do him good and serve him to the best of your power and ability. Such is the command of God for you. If you cannot do any positive good to anybody, at least take care that you do not inflict pain or injury on anyone. If you inflict pain on anyone through hatred, you commit a sin for which you will have to suffer.
If anyone suffers through your conduct, crave his forgiveness. Shaking off all pride, approach him respectfully and crave for his mercy. Do not hesitate to acknowledge your guilt even before a multitude. Do not try to defend yourself even under changed circumstances; win his sympathy and love by gratifying him and rendering him good offices. Never entertain the idea: "Who can do me any injury? I am strong and invulnerable in every way. I am superior in wealth, learning and position. He is weak and powerless before me and can do me no harm." Divine Justice makes no distinction between great and small; your wealth, position and learning will not be able to influence His judgment. The sighs of the afflicted and the poor will easily succeed in smashing your pride. Even the slightest act of injury done by you to others should prick your heart like a dart. Then alone will your heart attain peace and you will be absolved of sin.
Allah Malik
Baba said, "All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world, is My body or form" in chapter III and "Unless there is some relationship or connection, nobody goes anywhere. If any men or creatures come to you, do not discourteously drive them away but receive them well, and treat them with due respect" in chapter. XVIII & XIX of Shri Sai Satcharitra.
If any of God’s creatures ever sustains the least injury or suffers pain at your hand, repent for your action from the bottom of your heart. Do not argue in the following strain; "He was destined to suffer, I served only as an instrument; had I not allowed myself to serve as an instrument, how could he awarded the fruit of his evil Karma? It is his fate which is responsible for his suffering, I am not in the least to blame for it" You have nothing to do with what is in store for him; the injunction of God as well as of the scriptures so far as you are concerned is clear; it is that you should injure none. If you injure anybody, you perpetrate a sin, and for this you will have to suffer. For awarding him the fruit of his evil Karma, God would have chosen His own instrument; why should you have taken this sin upon your head by allowing yourself to serve as an instrument in this case?
Remember how bitterly you resent the slightest pain inflicted on you by another. The victim who suffers pain at your hands experiences the same feeling. Therefore, do not entertain even the thought of injuring another. Always pray to God thus: "Lord, guide me in such a way that I may never allow myself to serve as an instrument in inflicting injury or pain on any of Your children in this creation of Yours."
Always wish well of others, and cultivate the spirit of serving them to the best of your ability. When you see a leper, an invalid, or one who is in distress or poverty, never ignore him thinking that he is suffering for his past misdeeds; for whatever he sowed, he is reaping. Do not hate him; nor add to his suffering by your cold behavior. Whatever be the magnitude of sins committed by him in the past, your function is not to look at his sins. Your duty is to do him good and serve him to the best of your power and ability. Such is the command of God for you. If you cannot do any positive good to anybody, at least take care that you do not inflict pain or injury on anyone. If you inflict pain on anyone through hatred, you commit a sin for which you will have to suffer.
If anyone suffers through your conduct, crave his forgiveness. Shaking off all pride, approach him respectfully and crave for his mercy. Do not hesitate to acknowledge your guilt even before a multitude. Do not try to defend yourself even under changed circumstances; win his sympathy and love by gratifying him and rendering him good offices. Never entertain the idea: "Who can do me any injury? I am strong and invulnerable in every way. I am superior in wealth, learning and position. He is weak and powerless before me and can do me no harm." Divine Justice makes no distinction between great and small; your wealth, position and learning will not be able to influence His judgment. The sighs of the afflicted and the poor will easily succeed in smashing your pride. Even the slightest act of injury done by you to others should prick your heart like a dart. Then alone will your heart attain peace and you will be absolved of sin.
Allah Malik
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Faith
Aum Sairam
Baba said, “My treasury is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give” in Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. XVI, XVII.
“From where shall we get Rs. 25,000/- for our daughter’s marriage?” said an anxious husband to his wife. He worked as an assistant in a government office, was strictly honest and never accepted a bribe. His salary was just enough to balance the expenditure.
The wife, however, was unperturbed. Quietly she said to her husband, “I have sent a telegram to my father. He will answer it at the right time.”
The husband could not understand. His father-in-law had passed away a few years ago, without leaving anything for his daughter. In sheer wonderment, he asked his wife, “To whom have you sent the telegram? Your father is no more!”
“To my heavenly Father, of course,” said the wife. “His stores are always full. He will send us the required money at the right time.”
The husband said, “I didn’t know you were that senseless! You didn’t realize the gravity of the situation. The date of the marriage is fast approaching. And we have no money. What shall we do?”
Some days passed by. The husband worried and fumed and fretted, but could do nothing. Then, one evening, as he returned from work, he was exited. “Your Father had received the telegram,” he announced. “And the answer has come today!” He proceeded to tell his wife that one of his distant relatives, whom he had almost forgotten, passed away leaving him a legacy of a lakh of rupees.
The woman’s happiness knew no bounds. And, lifting her tear-touched eyes in gratitude to God, she sang a song of praise.
Her faith had triumphed. Faith is not believing that God can: faith is believing that God will.
Allah Malik
Baba said, “My treasury is full, and I can give anyone, what he wants, but I have to see whether he is qualified to receive what I give” in Sri Sai Satcharitra, Ch. XVI, XVII.
“From where shall we get Rs. 25,000/- for our daughter’s marriage?” said an anxious husband to his wife. He worked as an assistant in a government office, was strictly honest and never accepted a bribe. His salary was just enough to balance the expenditure.
The wife, however, was unperturbed. Quietly she said to her husband, “I have sent a telegram to my father. He will answer it at the right time.”
The husband could not understand. His father-in-law had passed away a few years ago, without leaving anything for his daughter. In sheer wonderment, he asked his wife, “To whom have you sent the telegram? Your father is no more!”
“To my heavenly Father, of course,” said the wife. “His stores are always full. He will send us the required money at the right time.”
The husband said, “I didn’t know you were that senseless! You didn’t realize the gravity of the situation. The date of the marriage is fast approaching. And we have no money. What shall we do?”
Some days passed by. The husband worried and fumed and fretted, but could do nothing. Then, one evening, as he returned from work, he was exited. “Your Father had received the telegram,” he announced. “And the answer has come today!” He proceeded to tell his wife that one of his distant relatives, whom he had almost forgotten, passed away leaving him a legacy of a lakh of rupees.
The woman’s happiness knew no bounds. And, lifting her tear-touched eyes in gratitude to God, she sang a song of praise.
Her faith had triumphed. Faith is not believing that God can: faith is believing that God will.
Allah Malik
Peace Through Sense and Mind Control
Aum Sairam
You can experience Bliss only when you have learnt to control the Mind. To control the Mind, you have to engage in good deeds. As you go on performing good deeds, you will develop good thoughts and feelings; and when you have good thoughts, you will acquire true understanding of the Real.
Sanctify the time given to you with good thoughts and good actions. To achieve this, you have to cultivate the company of the good, and all of this, in due course, would lead to liberation. Filling your mind with thoughts of Sri Sai Baba and engaging in good actions is true Sadhana.
People claim to spend hours in meditation. But of what use is it if there is no concentration of the Mind? Far better it is to render social service or participate in Bhajans, and through such means subject the Mind to some discipline. This also is how work gets transformed into worship. When you dedicate all your thoughts and actions to Sri Sai Baba, your actions automatically get purified.
You can experience Sri Sai Baba through the performance of your duties and proper actions. Shri Bhagawad Gita says that the body and the Atma together constitute the human personality. Similarly, the scriptures refer to the human body as the temple and the Indwelling Spirit as Sri Sai Baba residing in that temple. Even a mere intellectual understanding of this fact is enough to make you happy. But you would be happier still, when you put this understanding into practice in your daily life. You should try to seek continuous satisfaction and fulfillment by basing even your mundane activities on spiritual values. Whatever be the activity with which you are preoccupied in Society, you must be steadfast in holding on to the spiritual ideal. This alone will bestow lasting peace.
Offering all the actions performed through them to Sri Sai Baba should sanctify the sense organs. You can surely achieve that sanctified state, provided you have strong determination. Unfortunately, man does not evince such a firm determination and tenacity of purpose in respect of spiritual matters, as he does for the sake of mundane things. Man is prepared to make any amount of effort to undertake a journey of millions of miles into outer space, but he hardly ever endeavors to go even an inch within, towards his Inner Self. What is the use of intelligence and worldly acquisitions when they cannot give Atma Shanti [the untrammeled peace of the Atma or the Spirit]? Sri Sai Baba alone can confer such enduring peace on man.
As far as possible, avoid causing harm or pain to others. As you sow, so shall you reap.
Whenever you feel disturbed by a sense of anger, envy, pride, jealousy and the like, become alert and resort to the contemplation of Sri Sai Baba.
Allah Malik
You can experience Bliss only when you have learnt to control the Mind. To control the Mind, you have to engage in good deeds. As you go on performing good deeds, you will develop good thoughts and feelings; and when you have good thoughts, you will acquire true understanding of the Real.
Sanctify the time given to you with good thoughts and good actions. To achieve this, you have to cultivate the company of the good, and all of this, in due course, would lead to liberation. Filling your mind with thoughts of Sri Sai Baba and engaging in good actions is true Sadhana.
People claim to spend hours in meditation. But of what use is it if there is no concentration of the Mind? Far better it is to render social service or participate in Bhajans, and through such means subject the Mind to some discipline. This also is how work gets transformed into worship. When you dedicate all your thoughts and actions to Sri Sai Baba, your actions automatically get purified.
You can experience Sri Sai Baba through the performance of your duties and proper actions. Shri Bhagawad Gita says that the body and the Atma together constitute the human personality. Similarly, the scriptures refer to the human body as the temple and the Indwelling Spirit as Sri Sai Baba residing in that temple. Even a mere intellectual understanding of this fact is enough to make you happy. But you would be happier still, when you put this understanding into practice in your daily life. You should try to seek continuous satisfaction and fulfillment by basing even your mundane activities on spiritual values. Whatever be the activity with which you are preoccupied in Society, you must be steadfast in holding on to the spiritual ideal. This alone will bestow lasting peace.
Offering all the actions performed through them to Sri Sai Baba should sanctify the sense organs. You can surely achieve that sanctified state, provided you have strong determination. Unfortunately, man does not evince such a firm determination and tenacity of purpose in respect of spiritual matters, as he does for the sake of mundane things. Man is prepared to make any amount of effort to undertake a journey of millions of miles into outer space, but he hardly ever endeavors to go even an inch within, towards his Inner Self. What is the use of intelligence and worldly acquisitions when they cannot give Atma Shanti [the untrammeled peace of the Atma or the Spirit]? Sri Sai Baba alone can confer such enduring peace on man.
As far as possible, avoid causing harm or pain to others. As you sow, so shall you reap.
Whenever you feel disturbed by a sense of anger, envy, pride, jealousy and the like, become alert and resort to the contemplation of Sri Sai Baba.
Allah Malik
Friday, April 20, 2007
Divine Angels! Divine Lord!
Oh divine Lord open my heart
Seed my consciousness with your sublime radiance and love
May my breath be always in thy breath
May my soul be filled with light
May laughter radiate from my mouth
Love, joy and beauty from my eyes.
Oh divine angels come through us into the world to bless mankind
I bow to the Lord Amen.
-
Raghav
Seed my consciousness with your sublime radiance and love
May my breath be always in thy breath
May my soul be filled with light
May laughter radiate from my mouth
Love, joy and beauty from my eyes.
Oh divine angels come through us into the world to bless mankind
I bow to the Lord Amen.
-
Raghav
Spiritual Definations!
Many of the following terms are the subject of books. The definitions offered here are very simple, to enable a reader unfamiliar with these terms to read with a reasonable degree of understanding.
Aarati - that portion of the Hindu worship service in which fire, air, water, earth, and ether are offered before an image of God, as a symbol of light overcoming the darkness of human ignorance.
Asan - Generally, a mat or blanket on which a person sits, cross-legged, on the ground or floor. Also refers to a more elaborate seat on which a yogi or saint sits to perform worship or to receive devotees.
Ashram - in modern usage, a religious community, a place for spiritual training or renewal.
Baba - A renunciate or saint; Father, in the sense of priest or God.
Bhakta - A devotee of God, or of a guru. A person filled with devotion.
Bhagavad Gita - Religious scripture which contains the essence of Lord Krishna's teaching in the form of a dialogue between Lord krishn and Arjuna, Krishna's greatest devotee. The Gita is a segment of the Mahabharata.
Bhagwan - God or Lord
Bhajans - Generally, hymns to the Divine. Also used in the sense of expression of worship through several forms, including the devotee's prayers, meditation. Worship is also work dedicated to the Divine.
Bhandara - A joyous festival feast
Bhole Baba ki Jai! - Honor or glory (jai) to the simple (bhole) father.
Brahma - One of the triumvirate of hindu forms of God who are responsible for creating, maintaining/sustaining, and destruction/purification/restoration of the universe. Brahma is the Creator.
Brahman - The Hindu concept of God as beyond or above the form of human attributes-- totally detached, Pure Consciousness, the blissful Source from which comes everything that exists.
Danda - God's punishing stick or rod; also used as a walking stick.
Darbar - A meeting of a king's or of God's royal court.
Darshan - the enjoyment of the presence and vision of a respected or revered person or of God, in any of His forms.
Dharma - Duty or Religion or Way
Gita - See Bhagavad Gita
Guru - A spiritual teacher who undertakes to guide his disciples to realization of God.
Gurudev - A disciple's affectionate term for his or her guru. It refers to the guru as God (deva), reflecting the disciple's surrender to the guru, who then leads the disciple to God.
Guru Grantha Sahib - The Holy scripture of the Sikh Faith.
Herakhan (Haidakhan; Hairakhan) Vishwa Mahadham - Shri Babaji's ashram and the surrounding sacred area. The words translate as Herakhan, the most wonderful or greatest place in the universe.
Jai Maha Maya Ki - Honor or Glory to the Great (maha) Illusory Force. Hail to the Primordial energy of the Universe. Hail to the Universal Mother.
Jap, or Japa - The continual repetition of a mantra. (verbal or mental).
-ji- A suffix reflecting respect and love, as Babaji, Prabhuji, etc.
Kali Yuga - The Age (Yuga) in which materialistic forces dominate the activities of the world and spiritual values decline.
Karma - Cause and effect from life to life. Work or activity offered to God, as in Karma Yoga.
Kirtan - Religious songs which repeat the names of God. For example, the mantra Om Namaha Shivaya is sung for minutes on end to any of a dozen or more tunes.
Krishna - Lord Krishna, a manifestation of God on earth, in India in prehistoric times. The Mahabharata, a great Indian epic, contains the stories of His lifetime. The Bhagavad Gita, which is contained within the Mahabharata, summarizes Lord Krishna's spiritual teachings.
Leela (or Lila) - The activities of God in one of His human forms. What we see as specifically God's action.
Mahabharata - The story of Lord Krishna's period in human form on earth. The era was a time of a great war symbolic of the destruction of evil in society.
Mahaprabhuji - Maha means great; prabhu means Lord, or God. Mahaprabhu means the Supreme God. The suffix ji is used as an added term of reverence and love.
Mahavtar - An avatar is a Being divinely sent to earth, born of a womb. A mahavtar (maha avatar) is a manifestation of God, not born of a woman.
Mahesh - One of the many names of Lord Shiva, who is seen by some as the destructive or purficatory aspect of the Hindu trinity of Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara).
Mantra - "Man" means mind; "tra" means control; a mantra is a means for the control of the mind. A mantra is a Sanskrit phrase used to quiet, then to control the mind - to keep the mind from racing unproductively from thought to thought, which keeps it and the soul of the person attached to the material world rather than to the spiritual world.
Maya - Illusion.
Muni - An enlightened person.
Om Namah Shivaya - Also written and pronounced Om Namah Shivai. Said to be the first words uttered by the Creative Source; the oldest mantra. It can be translated as I bow to/ surrender to/take refuge in Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as the Doer of Good, and the mantra is also interpreted to mean, I bow to whatever Good is happening and to Whomsoever is doing it.
Prabhu - Lord; God, Master.
Pranam - a form of obeisance and respect, in which one touches the head to the ground or touches the feet of the form or person who is being worshipped or to whom great respect is being shown.
Prasad - A gift from God or a saint, or a remainder of what has been offered to and blessed by him and given for distribution.
Ram or Rama - Lord Ram, a manifestation of God on earth, in India, prior to Lord Krishna's manifestation. The Ramayana, one of the greatest epics of world literature, contains the story of His life.
Ramayana - The epic tale of Lord Ram's life.
Ravaana - A demon embodying and representing the forces of evil in the Ramayna.
Rishi - A great, learned saint.
Sadhana - Religious practice; one's spiritual path.
Sanatan Dharma - The eternal duty or religion; the original spiritual path by which Creation was formed and operated in harmony; the Source of all existing religions, which partially reflect it.
Sanskrit - An ancient Indian language, the language of early Hindu scriptures.
Sata Guna - The high, blissful spiritual qualities which must predominate in the person who is nearing God-realization. These qualities include inner peace, absence of attachment to things of the material world, bliss, divine love.
Shastri - A person learned in the Vedas and Puranas - the early Hindu scriptures. One earns the title after many years of study. Shri - A title of respect, especially for God or a holy man.
Sikhs - An Indian religious sect founded from the teachings of Guru Nanak, a 16th century saint, believing in oneness of humanity and worshipping the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sita - The consort, wife of Lord Ram. She is the ideal of Indian womanhood.
Vedas - The earliest of scriptures; the base of the Hindu religion.
Vishnu - One of the three major Gods in the Hindu religion; the Maintainer or Sustainer of the Creation. Ram and Krishna were manifestations of Vishnu.
Yagna - A special (usually nine-day) sacred fire ceremony, accompanied by the reading of scriptures and other religious activities.
Yoga - Literally, yoke or union. A yoga is a pathway to union with God. Babaji stresses dedicated work (Karmayoga) as the best means of attaining God in this Age.
Yogi - One who practices yoga; a renunciate.
Aarati - that portion of the Hindu worship service in which fire, air, water, earth, and ether are offered before an image of God, as a symbol of light overcoming the darkness of human ignorance.
Asan - Generally, a mat or blanket on which a person sits, cross-legged, on the ground or floor. Also refers to a more elaborate seat on which a yogi or saint sits to perform worship or to receive devotees.
Ashram - in modern usage, a religious community, a place for spiritual training or renewal.
Baba - A renunciate or saint; Father, in the sense of priest or God.
Bhakta - A devotee of God, or of a guru. A person filled with devotion.
Bhagavad Gita - Religious scripture which contains the essence of Lord Krishna's teaching in the form of a dialogue between Lord krishn and Arjuna, Krishna's greatest devotee. The Gita is a segment of the Mahabharata.
Bhagwan - God or Lord
Bhajans - Generally, hymns to the Divine. Also used in the sense of expression of worship through several forms, including the devotee's prayers, meditation. Worship is also work dedicated to the Divine.
Bhandara - A joyous festival feast
Bhole Baba ki Jai! - Honor or glory (jai) to the simple (bhole) father.
Brahma - One of the triumvirate of hindu forms of God who are responsible for creating, maintaining/sustaining, and destruction/purification/restoration of the universe. Brahma is the Creator.
Brahman - The Hindu concept of God as beyond or above the form of human attributes-- totally detached, Pure Consciousness, the blissful Source from which comes everything that exists.
Danda - God's punishing stick or rod; also used as a walking stick.
Darbar - A meeting of a king's or of God's royal court.
Darshan - the enjoyment of the presence and vision of a respected or revered person or of God, in any of His forms.
Dharma - Duty or Religion or Way
Gita - See Bhagavad Gita
Guru - A spiritual teacher who undertakes to guide his disciples to realization of God.
Gurudev - A disciple's affectionate term for his or her guru. It refers to the guru as God (deva), reflecting the disciple's surrender to the guru, who then leads the disciple to God.
Guru Grantha Sahib - The Holy scripture of the Sikh Faith.
Herakhan (Haidakhan; Hairakhan) Vishwa Mahadham - Shri Babaji's ashram and the surrounding sacred area. The words translate as Herakhan, the most wonderful or greatest place in the universe.
Jai Maha Maya Ki - Honor or Glory to the Great (maha) Illusory Force. Hail to the Primordial energy of the Universe. Hail to the Universal Mother.
Jap, or Japa - The continual repetition of a mantra. (verbal or mental).
-ji- A suffix reflecting respect and love, as Babaji, Prabhuji, etc.
Kali Yuga - The Age (Yuga) in which materialistic forces dominate the activities of the world and spiritual values decline.
Karma - Cause and effect from life to life. Work or activity offered to God, as in Karma Yoga.
Kirtan - Religious songs which repeat the names of God. For example, the mantra Om Namaha Shivaya is sung for minutes on end to any of a dozen or more tunes.
Krishna - Lord Krishna, a manifestation of God on earth, in India in prehistoric times. The Mahabharata, a great Indian epic, contains the stories of His lifetime. The Bhagavad Gita, which is contained within the Mahabharata, summarizes Lord Krishna's spiritual teachings.
Leela (or Lila) - The activities of God in one of His human forms. What we see as specifically God's action.
Mahabharata - The story of Lord Krishna's period in human form on earth. The era was a time of a great war symbolic of the destruction of evil in society.
Mahaprabhuji - Maha means great; prabhu means Lord, or God. Mahaprabhu means the Supreme God. The suffix ji is used as an added term of reverence and love.
Mahavtar - An avatar is a Being divinely sent to earth, born of a womb. A mahavtar (maha avatar) is a manifestation of God, not born of a woman.
Mahesh - One of the many names of Lord Shiva, who is seen by some as the destructive or purficatory aspect of the Hindu trinity of Gods (Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwara).
Mantra - "Man" means mind; "tra" means control; a mantra is a means for the control of the mind. A mantra is a Sanskrit phrase used to quiet, then to control the mind - to keep the mind from racing unproductively from thought to thought, which keeps it and the soul of the person attached to the material world rather than to the spiritual world.
Maya - Illusion.
Muni - An enlightened person.
Om Namah Shivaya - Also written and pronounced Om Namah Shivai. Said to be the first words uttered by the Creative Source; the oldest mantra. It can be translated as I bow to/ surrender to/take refuge in Shiva. Lord Shiva is known as the Doer of Good, and the mantra is also interpreted to mean, I bow to whatever Good is happening and to Whomsoever is doing it.
Prabhu - Lord; God, Master.
Pranam - a form of obeisance and respect, in which one touches the head to the ground or touches the feet of the form or person who is being worshipped or to whom great respect is being shown.
Prasad - A gift from God or a saint, or a remainder of what has been offered to and blessed by him and given for distribution.
Ram or Rama - Lord Ram, a manifestation of God on earth, in India, prior to Lord Krishna's manifestation. The Ramayana, one of the greatest epics of world literature, contains the story of His life.
Ramayana - The epic tale of Lord Ram's life.
Ravaana - A demon embodying and representing the forces of evil in the Ramayna.
Rishi - A great, learned saint.
Sadhana - Religious practice; one's spiritual path.
Sanatan Dharma - The eternal duty or religion; the original spiritual path by which Creation was formed and operated in harmony; the Source of all existing religions, which partially reflect it.
Sanskrit - An ancient Indian language, the language of early Hindu scriptures.
Sata Guna - The high, blissful spiritual qualities which must predominate in the person who is nearing God-realization. These qualities include inner peace, absence of attachment to things of the material world, bliss, divine love.
Shastri - A person learned in the Vedas and Puranas - the early Hindu scriptures. One earns the title after many years of study. Shri - A title of respect, especially for God or a holy man.
Sikhs - An Indian religious sect founded from the teachings of Guru Nanak, a 16th century saint, believing in oneness of humanity and worshipping the Guru Granth Sahib.
Sita - The consort, wife of Lord Ram. She is the ideal of Indian womanhood.
Vedas - The earliest of scriptures; the base of the Hindu religion.
Vishnu - One of the three major Gods in the Hindu religion; the Maintainer or Sustainer of the Creation. Ram and Krishna were manifestations of Vishnu.
Yagna - A special (usually nine-day) sacred fire ceremony, accompanied by the reading of scriptures and other religious activities.
Yoga - Literally, yoke or union. A yoga is a pathway to union with God. Babaji stresses dedicated work (Karmayoga) as the best means of attaining God in this Age.
Yogi - One who practices yoga; a renunciate.
REBIRTHING IS SACRED
Rebirthing is Sacred. Once I thought it was a scientific process. Once I thought it was therapy just to heal my birth trauma. I did not understand it all then. But one thing for sure, it NEVER thought it was silly. I always knew it was the hottest thing on the planet. That is how I always felt about it, right from the beginning.
Rebirthing is like a sacrament because you are partaking of the Holy Spirit. Rebirthing is more than just breathwork. It is taking in Divine Energy into your body in such a way that God is making love to you.
Rebirthing is Life-giving. It can even bring Youthing of the body. It brings spontaneous healings. It brings joy. It brought me everything I ever wanted. That is why I became one of the first Rebirthers in the world. I wanted to spread the news to everyone. The only reason someone might not want all of that would have to be fear; fear of letting go, fear of danger, fear of death, or in general fear of slaying the ego. People may fear rebirthing because of these ideas in their heads, and yet the irony is that Rebirthing will REMOVE those very fears. You pump them out on the exhale. Rebirthing continues to take away my fears and the fears of my clients and friends who have stuck with it. We consider it a wonderful life long spiritual path.
To me, it is one of the ultimate gifts from God. Rebirthing is Drinking the Divine. It is also drinking the everlasting nectar of Immortality. When I took Rebirthing to Russia, the doctors there scientifically proved that it produces rejuvenation of the body. So Rebirthing is like discovering the Fountain of Youth. It is having the gentle breath of bliss and the power of vitality charging the body.. It is the thrill of thrills and the serenity of peace at the same time. In this simple breathing process, one can permanently release tensions in the body, symptoms of pain and disease, fears of failure, fears of success, fears of love, fears of death and the beliefs and programming of old age.
It will wash out misery . It is the ultimate Cosmic Bath!
Rebirthing is for everyone. No matter who you are or where you are on the path or on the planet. It will take you higher than you ever thought you could go. You will enter the Banquet Hall of Eternity. You will wonder how you ever lived without it. You will drink the everlasting nectar of joy and your heart will awaken to eternal passion. Rebirthing is something you will want to do for life. Eventually , after your rebirther says you are ready, you can learn to rebirth yourself. Initially you should plan to have ten sessions with a rebirther of your choice.
(Preferably ten with a female and ten with a male) You will hear people talk about dry rebirthing, wet rebirthing and group rebirthing. Dry rebirthing is done lying down on the bed or floor (clothed) next to your rebirther who guides your session. Wet rebirthing is done in a hot tub or bath tub, using a snorkel and nose plug to breathe as you float face down in warm water, sometimes in the fetal position Group rebirthing is done in a large room where a group of people ( who have been well prepared) lie down together with the guidance of a very experienced set of rebirthers. This is best done during a two day workshop. You should continue dry rebirthing until you have worked out the bulk of your birth trauma and a breath release has occurred. Then after that you can start wet rebirthing, (hot and cold) and then you can learn to rebirth yourself.
The founder of Rebirthing, Leonard Orr, and I used to train most of the rebirthers. Then I got so busy teaching the Loving Relationships Trainings around the world that I passed on this to my trainers. However, now by popular DEMAND, I am once again training rebirthers. The next coming training's are in Mexico, Florida and then in the summer in New Mexico. Please see my web site. There is so much to say about this subject that I wrote three whole books on it. Now I am updating them and combining them and will let you know when the new versions come out. Rebirthing has swept all over the world just by word of mouth. I did not talk about it on the media because there were never enough rebirthers for that. Now I will do so next year so I am putting out the word that we need more new rebirthers. Maybe you will be one!!!???
___________________________________________________________________________________
To all of you who have enrolled in the Rebirther Training, I just want to remind you how important it all is :and that your committment to go no matter what is of utmost importance. There is a profound leap in intensity going on and by 2007 the energy will accelerate to one hundred thousandfold each year for the 5 remaining years before 2012. Hundreds of lifetimes are all rolled into one year. People will suffer be befuddled and have unclear minds and fear and that will attract the same. They must be taught by us how to focus and direct their thoughts During this time of unprecedented change and massive acceleration, people will need to have an AWAKENED MIND. That is what we rebirthers provide for them. Awareness is going to be the name of the game now.
All of life is significant and we must take care of it. Your existence in the world and as a rebirther is a great gift to offer.
Knowledge is power.You have chosen to be here at this time to contribute in this great spiritual awakening.Barbara Marciniak says that awareness and use of the breath are the essential KEYS for understanding and developing the higher mind during this astounding spiritual evolution. She states that we can use the breath to Stabilize ourselves
to have more energy
to enhance our immune system
to create beneficial brain waves
to activeate transcendental knowledge from the Source to reach higher frequencies
Besides all that one must add
to heal ones body
to release tension
to have better relationships
to rejuvinateand on and on
Our physical vehicle is very important This is just a note to remind you that you have committed to helping make this turning point in history an easier one and this is part of The Great Work. Babaji and I are counting on you to be there and so happy you have decided to come.
Rebirthing is like a sacrament because you are partaking of the Holy Spirit. Rebirthing is more than just breathwork. It is taking in Divine Energy into your body in such a way that God is making love to you.
Rebirthing is Life-giving. It can even bring Youthing of the body. It brings spontaneous healings. It brings joy. It brought me everything I ever wanted. That is why I became one of the first Rebirthers in the world. I wanted to spread the news to everyone. The only reason someone might not want all of that would have to be fear; fear of letting go, fear of danger, fear of death, or in general fear of slaying the ego. People may fear rebirthing because of these ideas in their heads, and yet the irony is that Rebirthing will REMOVE those very fears. You pump them out on the exhale. Rebirthing continues to take away my fears and the fears of my clients and friends who have stuck with it. We consider it a wonderful life long spiritual path.
To me, it is one of the ultimate gifts from God. Rebirthing is Drinking the Divine. It is also drinking the everlasting nectar of Immortality. When I took Rebirthing to Russia, the doctors there scientifically proved that it produces rejuvenation of the body. So Rebirthing is like discovering the Fountain of Youth. It is having the gentle breath of bliss and the power of vitality charging the body.. It is the thrill of thrills and the serenity of peace at the same time. In this simple breathing process, one can permanently release tensions in the body, symptoms of pain and disease, fears of failure, fears of success, fears of love, fears of death and the beliefs and programming of old age.
It will wash out misery . It is the ultimate Cosmic Bath!
Rebirthing is for everyone. No matter who you are or where you are on the path or on the planet. It will take you higher than you ever thought you could go. You will enter the Banquet Hall of Eternity. You will wonder how you ever lived without it. You will drink the everlasting nectar of joy and your heart will awaken to eternal passion. Rebirthing is something you will want to do for life. Eventually , after your rebirther says you are ready, you can learn to rebirth yourself. Initially you should plan to have ten sessions with a rebirther of your choice.
(Preferably ten with a female and ten with a male) You will hear people talk about dry rebirthing, wet rebirthing and group rebirthing. Dry rebirthing is done lying down on the bed or floor (clothed) next to your rebirther who guides your session. Wet rebirthing is done in a hot tub or bath tub, using a snorkel and nose plug to breathe as you float face down in warm water, sometimes in the fetal position Group rebirthing is done in a large room where a group of people ( who have been well prepared) lie down together with the guidance of a very experienced set of rebirthers. This is best done during a two day workshop. You should continue dry rebirthing until you have worked out the bulk of your birth trauma and a breath release has occurred. Then after that you can start wet rebirthing, (hot and cold) and then you can learn to rebirth yourself.
The founder of Rebirthing, Leonard Orr, and I used to train most of the rebirthers. Then I got so busy teaching the Loving Relationships Trainings around the world that I passed on this to my trainers. However, now by popular DEMAND, I am once again training rebirthers. The next coming training's are in Mexico, Florida and then in the summer in New Mexico. Please see my web site. There is so much to say about this subject that I wrote three whole books on it. Now I am updating them and combining them and will let you know when the new versions come out. Rebirthing has swept all over the world just by word of mouth. I did not talk about it on the media because there were never enough rebirthers for that. Now I will do so next year so I am putting out the word that we need more new rebirthers. Maybe you will be one!!!???
___________________________________________________________________________________
To all of you who have enrolled in the Rebirther Training, I just want to remind you how important it all is :and that your committment to go no matter what is of utmost importance. There is a profound leap in intensity going on and by 2007 the energy will accelerate to one hundred thousandfold each year for the 5 remaining years before 2012. Hundreds of lifetimes are all rolled into one year. People will suffer be befuddled and have unclear minds and fear and that will attract the same. They must be taught by us how to focus and direct their thoughts During this time of unprecedented change and massive acceleration, people will need to have an AWAKENED MIND. That is what we rebirthers provide for them. Awareness is going to be the name of the game now.
All of life is significant and we must take care of it. Your existence in the world and as a rebirther is a great gift to offer.
Knowledge is power.You have chosen to be here at this time to contribute in this great spiritual awakening.Barbara Marciniak says that awareness and use of the breath are the essential KEYS for understanding and developing the higher mind during this astounding spiritual evolution. She states that we can use the breath to Stabilize ourselves
to have more energy
to enhance our immune system
to create beneficial brain waves
to activeate transcendental knowledge from the Source to reach higher frequencies
Besides all that one must add
to heal ones body
to release tension
to have better relationships
to rejuvinateand on and on
Our physical vehicle is very important This is just a note to remind you that you have committed to helping make this turning point in history an easier one and this is part of The Great Work. Babaji and I are counting on you to be there and so happy you have decided to come.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Difficulties Are Due To Dirt In Mind And Soul
Aum Sairam
"It is to be noted here that doubts and difficulties surround us, just to move us and confirm our faith. We are tested as it were. If we only hold on steadily to Sri Sai Baba, with full faith, and continue our endeavors, our efforts will be ultimately crowned with success" Sri Sai Satcharitra Ch.XXIX.
Upagrashta Sangamesan met and old Sage in 1941 who told him that Sri Sai Baba is a divine begin, who would never let down His Devotees, that he should do Nitya Pooja to Sri Sai Baba. He gave him a Sri Sai Baba’s photo. The sage also told him that in the beginning he has to face mental worries, official problems, domestic worries etc, and not minding these difficulties, if he continues his devotion, Sri Sai Baba will take complete responsibility for his welfare, material and spiritual. Shri Sangamesan began to perform Nitya Pooja and as predicted by the sage, his troubles came from all sides and became unbearable. At this point of time, he even began to lose faith in the Sage’s words and in Sai Baba and in desperation sat on the steps leading to Kapaleshwar temple at Mylapore. He saw opposite to the temple a signboard, All India Sai Samaj. He went in and met Shri Narasimha Swamiji, Sangamesan bared himself before the Swamiji all his predicaments, doubts and misgivings. Swamiji replied as follows.
"No difficulties will come by having faith in Sri Sai Baba and doing pooja to him. One cannot escape the debts of Poorva Karma. Belief in Sri Sai Baba and pooja to Him will help in liquidating the sins committed in Poorva Janma in course of time. You have so much dirt in your mind and on your soul. Hence the difficulties, that you are facing. When a seed is sown you cannot expect its fruits immediately. You have to wait patiently. It may take a short time or it may take some years. You should not cut the tree, which is in the process of giving fruits. When the tree starts giving fruits, not only you, everybody in the locality will benefit."
Shri Sangamesan continued his Nitya Pooja to Sri Sai Baba and also met Swamiji several times there after.
From 1965, Sri Sai Baba began to speak to Sangamesan. Hundreds of people began to come to Sangamesan for solving their problems, He says that Sri Sai Baba’s powers are too many and his miracles can be known only by experience.
Allah Malik
"It is to be noted here that doubts and difficulties surround us, just to move us and confirm our faith. We are tested as it were. If we only hold on steadily to Sri Sai Baba, with full faith, and continue our endeavors, our efforts will be ultimately crowned with success" Sri Sai Satcharitra Ch.XXIX.
Upagrashta Sangamesan met and old Sage in 1941 who told him that Sri Sai Baba is a divine begin, who would never let down His Devotees, that he should do Nitya Pooja to Sri Sai Baba. He gave him a Sri Sai Baba’s photo. The sage also told him that in the beginning he has to face mental worries, official problems, domestic worries etc, and not minding these difficulties, if he continues his devotion, Sri Sai Baba will take complete responsibility for his welfare, material and spiritual. Shri Sangamesan began to perform Nitya Pooja and as predicted by the sage, his troubles came from all sides and became unbearable. At this point of time, he even began to lose faith in the Sage’s words and in Sai Baba and in desperation sat on the steps leading to Kapaleshwar temple at Mylapore. He saw opposite to the temple a signboard, All India Sai Samaj. He went in and met Shri Narasimha Swamiji, Sangamesan bared himself before the Swamiji all his predicaments, doubts and misgivings. Swamiji replied as follows.
"No difficulties will come by having faith in Sri Sai Baba and doing pooja to him. One cannot escape the debts of Poorva Karma. Belief in Sri Sai Baba and pooja to Him will help in liquidating the sins committed in Poorva Janma in course of time. You have so much dirt in your mind and on your soul. Hence the difficulties, that you are facing. When a seed is sown you cannot expect its fruits immediately. You have to wait patiently. It may take a short time or it may take some years. You should not cut the tree, which is in the process of giving fruits. When the tree starts giving fruits, not only you, everybody in the locality will benefit."
Shri Sangamesan continued his Nitya Pooja to Sri Sai Baba and also met Swamiji several times there after.
From 1965, Sri Sai Baba began to speak to Sangamesan. Hundreds of people began to come to Sangamesan for solving their problems, He says that Sri Sai Baba’s powers are too many and his miracles can be known only by experience.
Allah Malik
Encourage your kids .....
Many of us are incredibly blessed. We have no worries about food and shelter and are often surrounded by the luxuries of life (including the Internet!). However, the majority of the world is not so fortunate and it is our responsibility as a human being to care for those less fortunate than ourselves.
So encourage your children from the childhood to serve ppl...this is the great life time gift from you to your kids........Serve ppl...in need....
TRAIN U R LOVING KIDS LIKE THIS....1.Practice the art of sharing with children their own age. Make biscuits to share with friends at play, or make one paper chain of dolls together in a group People and divide among children.
2.Have children bring along non-perishable items of food to the class when discussing serving others.
3.Take children to visit a home for the aged. While children may not fully appreciate what it is like to be aged it will bring infinite joy to others. Children could even take along cards or small gifts they have made.nd donate it to a local charity.
4.A very easy thing to do which we have started in our home is to collect stamps! Rather than throwing out the stamps on your mail begin collecting them. Some charities such as Asian Aid are able to resell these stamps in collections to stamp collectors and raise funds for their cause.
So encourage your children from the childhood to serve ppl...this is the great life time gift from you to your kids........Serve ppl...in need....
TRAIN U R LOVING KIDS LIKE THIS....1.Practice the art of sharing with children their own age. Make biscuits to share with friends at play, or make one paper chain of dolls together in a group People and divide among children.
2.Have children bring along non-perishable items of food to the class when discussing serving others.
3.Take children to visit a home for the aged. While children may not fully appreciate what it is like to be aged it will bring infinite joy to others. Children could even take along cards or small gifts they have made.nd donate it to a local charity.
4.A very easy thing to do which we have started in our home is to collect stamps! Rather than throwing out the stamps on your mail begin collecting them. Some charities such as Asian Aid are able to resell these stamps in collections to stamp collectors and raise funds for their cause.
Have Faith In Baba!
Aum Sairam
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
We should not worry. We should have implicit faith in Sri Sai Baba, in our inner pilot or in our spiritual Master. We have to feel that not only does Sri Sai Baba know what is best for us, but also He will do what is best for us. We worry because we do not know what is going to happen to us tomorrow, or even the next minute. We feel that if we do not do something for ourselves, then who is going to do it? But if we can feel that there is someone who thinks of us infinitely more than we think of ourselves, and if we can consciously offer our responsibility to Him, saying, "You are responsible. You be responsible for what I do and say and grow into," then our past, our present and our future become His problem. As long as we try to be responsible for our own life, we will be miserable. We will not be able to properly utilize even two minutes out of every twenty-four hours we have. When we can feel that we are Sri Sai Baba's conscious instruments and He is the Doer, then we will not worry about our destiny; we will not be afraid of our destiny, for we will know and feel that it is in the all loving Hands of Sai Maa, who will do everything in us, through us and for us.
Let us consciously on this Thursday [Baba's Day] offer our very existence - what we have and what we are to Sri Sai Baba. What we have is aspiration to grow into the very image of Shirdi Sai, into infinite peace, Light and bliss. And what we are right now is just ignorance, the ignorance sea. If we can offer our aspiration cry and our ignorance sea to Sri Sai Baba, then our problem is solved. We should not and we need not ever worry about destiny. On the strength of our surrender, we become inseparably one with Sri Sai Baba's cosmic Will.
Allah Malik
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
We should not worry. We should have implicit faith in Sri Sai Baba, in our inner pilot or in our spiritual Master. We have to feel that not only does Sri Sai Baba know what is best for us, but also He will do what is best for us. We worry because we do not know what is going to happen to us tomorrow, or even the next minute. We feel that if we do not do something for ourselves, then who is going to do it? But if we can feel that there is someone who thinks of us infinitely more than we think of ourselves, and if we can consciously offer our responsibility to Him, saying, "You are responsible. You be responsible for what I do and say and grow into," then our past, our present and our future become His problem. As long as we try to be responsible for our own life, we will be miserable. We will not be able to properly utilize even two minutes out of every twenty-four hours we have. When we can feel that we are Sri Sai Baba's conscious instruments and He is the Doer, then we will not worry about our destiny; we will not be afraid of our destiny, for we will know and feel that it is in the all loving Hands of Sai Maa, who will do everything in us, through us and for us.
Let us consciously on this Thursday [Baba's Day] offer our very existence - what we have and what we are to Sri Sai Baba. What we have is aspiration to grow into the very image of Shirdi Sai, into infinite peace, Light and bliss. And what we are right now is just ignorance, the ignorance sea. If we can offer our aspiration cry and our ignorance sea to Sri Sai Baba, then our problem is solved. We should not and we need not ever worry about destiny. On the strength of our surrender, we become inseparably one with Sri Sai Baba's cosmic Will.
Allah Malik
Sai at Sunnyvale,CA
Our Shirdi Sai Baba reached US soil this March 7th 2007 & landed at
897-B, E. Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA – 94086.
& presently at US & will be there for ever to bless our US counter parts!
Sai Ram!
897-B, E. Kifer Rd, Sunnyvale, CA – 94086.
& presently at US & will be there for ever to bless our US counter parts!
Sai Ram!
Shirdi Sai Center
Address:
897- B E.Kifer,
Sunnyvale, CA - 94086
Phone: 408-705-7904
Email: saibandhu@yahoo.com
Arati timings
Kakad Arati - 6:30 am
Madhyan Arati - 12:00 pm
Dhoop Arati - 6:30 pm
Shej Arati - 8:30 pm
Center open & close
Weekdays
6:15 am - 7:45 am
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Weekends
6:15 am - 8:00 am
11:00 am - 9:30 pm
Every Thursday bhajans will be conducted at:
Odd Fellows Temple
20589 Homestead Road
Cupertino, CA 95014
For More Details Check Website.
Shirdi Sai Center
Address:
897- B E.Kifer,
Sunnyvale, CA - 94086
Phone: 408-705-7904
Email: saibandhu@yahoo.com
Arati timings
Kakad Arati - 6:30 am
Madhyan Arati - 12:00 pm
Dhoop Arati - 6:30 pm
Shej Arati - 8:30 pm
Center open & close
Weekdays
6:15 am - 7:45 am
11:45 am - 12:30 pm
6:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Weekends
6:15 am - 8:00 am
11:00 am - 9:30 pm
Every Thursday bhajans will be conducted at:
Odd Fellows Temple
20589 Homestead Road
Cupertino, CA 95014
For More Details Check Website.
Shirdi Sai Center
Wednesday, April 18, 2007
Mere Breathing is Not Life!
Aum Sairam
In Shri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter.3, Sri Sai Baba said, "I envelope all the creatures, the movable and immovable world." According to this statement, naturally we are coming under His fold and every one of us has an obligation to serve others. We should not consider ourselves as an individual entity as we made for others. Sri Sai Baba further clarified, "I am the Mother – origin of all beings." Based on these facts, what Sri Sai Baba is expecting from us, let us think in this direction.
As we know work is worship, we should not make any difference between menial and respectable work. We must do actions as our duty. It is important that we should NOT expect any thanks or appreciation, applause, salute, for our work or service. Let us fix the mind on Sri Sai Baba and give the hands to work and sing Sri Sai Baba's name while serving others.
According to Sri Sai Baba’s advice, "First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself [Shri Sai Satcharitra Ch.9]", always give preference to feed the poor, clothe the naked, comfort the distressed by all possible ways and means. Let us spend part of our income on charity and spiritual development programs for the benefit of the mankind. We don’t lose anything if we share what we have with others, never doubt this truth; Sri Sai Baba is the Controller of this Universe and wirepuller of the show, Sri Sai Baba knows what is our share in this world. We must be very careful about our mind, always scrutinizes inner motives and annihilate all selfish motives.
Give up ego of all sorts [micro, macro and mega]. Never feel, "I have helped that man". It is God who is always helping us and we are totally unqualified lots to help others. We must think, "The Lord has given me an opportunity to serve [not help] him", always be on the look out for ways to serve and never miss any single opportunity. Be unanimous in all conditions, good or bad, positive or negative, creative or destructive, knowing that they are nothing but the fruits of your own past actions, Be devoted to the well-being of all humanity. Love for Love's sake. Work for work's sake.
"Let us love and serve each other and be happy. He who attains the supreme goal of life is immortal and happy; all others merely exist, i.e. live so long as they breathe. [Shri Sai Satcharitra Ch.18 & 19]"
Allah Malik
In Shri Sai Satcharitra, Chapter.3, Sri Sai Baba said, "I envelope all the creatures, the movable and immovable world." According to this statement, naturally we are coming under His fold and every one of us has an obligation to serve others. We should not consider ourselves as an individual entity as we made for others. Sri Sai Baba further clarified, "I am the Mother – origin of all beings." Based on these facts, what Sri Sai Baba is expecting from us, let us think in this direction.
As we know work is worship, we should not make any difference between menial and respectable work. We must do actions as our duty. It is important that we should NOT expect any thanks or appreciation, applause, salute, for our work or service. Let us fix the mind on Sri Sai Baba and give the hands to work and sing Sri Sai Baba's name while serving others.
According to Sri Sai Baba’s advice, "First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself [Shri Sai Satcharitra Ch.9]", always give preference to feed the poor, clothe the naked, comfort the distressed by all possible ways and means. Let us spend part of our income on charity and spiritual development programs for the benefit of the mankind. We don’t lose anything if we share what we have with others, never doubt this truth; Sri Sai Baba is the Controller of this Universe and wirepuller of the show, Sri Sai Baba knows what is our share in this world. We must be very careful about our mind, always scrutinizes inner motives and annihilate all selfish motives.
Give up ego of all sorts [micro, macro and mega]. Never feel, "I have helped that man". It is God who is always helping us and we are totally unqualified lots to help others. We must think, "The Lord has given me an opportunity to serve [not help] him", always be on the look out for ways to serve and never miss any single opportunity. Be unanimous in all conditions, good or bad, positive or negative, creative or destructive, knowing that they are nothing but the fruits of your own past actions, Be devoted to the well-being of all humanity. Love for Love's sake. Work for work's sake.
"Let us love and serve each other and be happy. He who attains the supreme goal of life is immortal and happy; all others merely exist, i.e. live so long as they breathe. [Shri Sai Satcharitra Ch.18 & 19]"
Allah Malik
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Developing Intuitive Friendship With Sri Sai Baba
Aum Sairam
Make Sri Sai Baba your intuitive companion. Entreat Him to be there all the time with you and help you in all your endeavors. Make Him your close Confident, your trusted adviser, in whom you can confide all your secrets and to whom you can pour out all your woes.
Make Sri Sai Baba your Divine Companion, some one whom you cannot leave, some one whom you cannot fore-go and some one who is always there with you, wherever you are, whatever you are doing and whatever you are thinking.
Share with Sri Sai Baba your thoughts and your fears, your secrets and your laughter, your life and your goals, your losses and your gains. And as you prepare yourself to rest, let Him enter your heart and lead you to beautiful dreams or undisturbed peace.
It is through friendship with Sri Sai Baba that you realize the true meaning of friendship based upon the values of trust, faith and unconditional love.
Your friendship with Sri Sai Baba may start as a mere imagination on your part. With belief and faith you may pretend that He is there with you. But if you practice with perseverance and certitude of faith, you would soon realize that something that began as a mere imagination in your mind, has taken shape into a living reality, bringing Him right into the center of your world and your life.
In the beginning you will have many expectations from Sri Sai Baba and at times you may be even disappointed with His responses, for He does not think the way we think and does not act the way we expect Him to act.
Sri Sai Baba has reasons for every thing that happens to us, which are not entirely known to us. But live in the assurance that whatever He is causing to manifest in your life is a part of His mysterious divine plan, in which the ultimate outcome can only be your good and your welfare.
He who spends his entire day in the company of Sri Sai Baba is never lost to Him. He will take care of all his responsibilities and will look after all his needs.
In the company of Sri Sai Baba we have nothing to lose except our pettiness and partial vision. With Him as our friend and benefactor, we have all the riches of the worlds at our disposal.
In the light of Sri Sai Baba love and the power of His Truth, we are freed from the diseases of the human mind and the pettiness of our ordinary egoistic consciousness. He imparts to us such qualities that are only heard but not experienced. He develops in us a vision that is rare to achieve by ordinary mortals. He pours into our lives such delight and depth of experience which we can hardly even imagine.
In your friendship with Sri Sai Baba, do not be a mere passive receiver of favors and blessings. Reciprocate with all your heart and sincerity, like a true friend, with whatever you have. Instead of seeking favors from Him, give Him every thing that you believe is truly yours. Deflect to Him every thing that comes to you as a reward or appreciation. Set aside all ideas of ownership and make Him the true owner of your life and your wealth.
Offer Sri Sai Baba your life and achievements in the spirit of true friendship with a sense of unparalleled sacrifice. Live a life that is not truly yours but His. Live a life that is based not on your petty human considerations but on the sacred values of divine life.
It is in this giving and in this initiative; you will taste the true value a friendship that is eternal and immutable in nature. It is through this sacrifice that you become a true companion to Sri Sai Baba. Not by seeking His favors or by using Him to further your own egoistic ambitions.
When we overcome the need to use Sri Sai Baba for our own ends we achieve the right to enter into a true relationship with Him. When we lose the urge to impress Him in order to gain His favors, we transcend wants and desires and become closer to Him. When we lose everything in order to gain Him we really find in Him a true and valuable companion who would stay with us till eternity.
Allah Malik
Make Sri Sai Baba your intuitive companion. Entreat Him to be there all the time with you and help you in all your endeavors. Make Him your close Confident, your trusted adviser, in whom you can confide all your secrets and to whom you can pour out all your woes.
Make Sri Sai Baba your Divine Companion, some one whom you cannot leave, some one whom you cannot fore-go and some one who is always there with you, wherever you are, whatever you are doing and whatever you are thinking.
Share with Sri Sai Baba your thoughts and your fears, your secrets and your laughter, your life and your goals, your losses and your gains. And as you prepare yourself to rest, let Him enter your heart and lead you to beautiful dreams or undisturbed peace.
It is through friendship with Sri Sai Baba that you realize the true meaning of friendship based upon the values of trust, faith and unconditional love.
Your friendship with Sri Sai Baba may start as a mere imagination on your part. With belief and faith you may pretend that He is there with you. But if you practice with perseverance and certitude of faith, you would soon realize that something that began as a mere imagination in your mind, has taken shape into a living reality, bringing Him right into the center of your world and your life.
In the beginning you will have many expectations from Sri Sai Baba and at times you may be even disappointed with His responses, for He does not think the way we think and does not act the way we expect Him to act.
Sri Sai Baba has reasons for every thing that happens to us, which are not entirely known to us. But live in the assurance that whatever He is causing to manifest in your life is a part of His mysterious divine plan, in which the ultimate outcome can only be your good and your welfare.
He who spends his entire day in the company of Sri Sai Baba is never lost to Him. He will take care of all his responsibilities and will look after all his needs.
In the company of Sri Sai Baba we have nothing to lose except our pettiness and partial vision. With Him as our friend and benefactor, we have all the riches of the worlds at our disposal.
In the light of Sri Sai Baba love and the power of His Truth, we are freed from the diseases of the human mind and the pettiness of our ordinary egoistic consciousness. He imparts to us such qualities that are only heard but not experienced. He develops in us a vision that is rare to achieve by ordinary mortals. He pours into our lives such delight and depth of experience which we can hardly even imagine.
In your friendship with Sri Sai Baba, do not be a mere passive receiver of favors and blessings. Reciprocate with all your heart and sincerity, like a true friend, with whatever you have. Instead of seeking favors from Him, give Him every thing that you believe is truly yours. Deflect to Him every thing that comes to you as a reward or appreciation. Set aside all ideas of ownership and make Him the true owner of your life and your wealth.
Offer Sri Sai Baba your life and achievements in the spirit of true friendship with a sense of unparalleled sacrifice. Live a life that is not truly yours but His. Live a life that is based not on your petty human considerations but on the sacred values of divine life.
It is in this giving and in this initiative; you will taste the true value a friendship that is eternal and immutable in nature. It is through this sacrifice that you become a true companion to Sri Sai Baba. Not by seeking His favors or by using Him to further your own egoistic ambitions.
When we overcome the need to use Sri Sai Baba for our own ends we achieve the right to enter into a true relationship with Him. When we lose the urge to impress Him in order to gain His favors, we transcend wants and desires and become closer to Him. When we lose everything in order to gain Him we really find in Him a true and valuable companion who would stay with us till eternity.
Allah Malik
Monday, April 16, 2007
Honesty Truth And Purity
Aum Sairam
Honesty results from a pure heart and pure thought. It is also related to the desire less state because in that state, there is no need to distort the truth in order to achieve or obtain anything.
Honesty and truth are a way of life, the only way. It means more than just what the words imply, because it also means being true to yourself. The purity of heart is visible when the love of Sri Sai Baba is reflected so clearly and strongly that it shines through, even in the most adverse conditions and circumstances. Such a man has reached a point where nothing can touch him because he has come so close to Sri Sai Baba that his whole life is based on the solid foundations of truth, love and devotion to Sri Sai Baba. How can anything touch such a man?
Truth can spread, just like love, and those souls who reach the more advanced stage along spiritual path can act as pathfinders or guides for others. They are living examples of Sri Sai Baba manifesting Himself in man at the highest levels, a goal that everyone should seek. Keep good company, because such people can help you just by their presence and example.
Purity, unity and divinity are words, which are familiar to you. Honesty, truth and purity are all one and they will lead you on to divinity, the true state of man at the highest level.
Allah Malik
Honesty results from a pure heart and pure thought. It is also related to the desire less state because in that state, there is no need to distort the truth in order to achieve or obtain anything.
Honesty and truth are a way of life, the only way. It means more than just what the words imply, because it also means being true to yourself. The purity of heart is visible when the love of Sri Sai Baba is reflected so clearly and strongly that it shines through, even in the most adverse conditions and circumstances. Such a man has reached a point where nothing can touch him because he has come so close to Sri Sai Baba that his whole life is based on the solid foundations of truth, love and devotion to Sri Sai Baba. How can anything touch such a man?
Truth can spread, just like love, and those souls who reach the more advanced stage along spiritual path can act as pathfinders or guides for others. They are living examples of Sri Sai Baba manifesting Himself in man at the highest levels, a goal that everyone should seek. Keep good company, because such people can help you just by their presence and example.
Purity, unity and divinity are words, which are familiar to you. Honesty, truth and purity are all one and they will lead you on to divinity, the true state of man at the highest level.
Allah Malik
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Hymn Singing The Glory Of Sri Sainath
Aum Sairam
Like Shiva Mahima Stotra, this stotra is also an effective way of getting Sai Baba's favor. Shri Upasani Maharaj in Shloka at end of the Stotra reiterates this.
I Bow to Sadguru Sainath, the God incarnate, who is always in His true from that is the Reality, who is the source of knowledge and joy, who is the cause of existence, continuance and destruction of the world and who for the sake of His devotees' wishes has manifested Himself as a human being.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who is the Sun, destroying the darkness of this world, who is praiseworthy, who is beyond mind and speech, who is comprehensible to sages through meditation' who pervades the world who is free from impurities and who is without any qualities.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who has manifested Himself in this Kali Yuga for the complete resurrection of those who have become distressed having sunk in the ocean of this worldly life and who [now] have taken shelter under His feet and are fond of His devotion.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who having always lived under the Neem [margosa] tree, has caused it, although bitter and disagreeable, to exude nectar [the beverage of Gods] and thus made it superior to the Kalpa Vriksha [the Tree of Desire in the Heaven].
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainith, the God incarnate, who under that Kalpa Vriksha [the Tree of desire mentioned in shloka 4 above i.e. the Neem tree] perpetually bestows enjoyments and liberation to those individuals who serve Him with devotion and intellect.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who having performed many unheard of and un-thought of miracles, displays bright splendor of Lord Shiva and who is without vanity and who has pleasing temperament.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath the God incarnate who is like a beautiful garden for relaxation of the sages who is praised constantly by the virtues and prosperity to the devotees.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who is without birth, who is the foremost and the unique who is the Supreme Spirit incarnate who has sprung up on His own and who is Rama Himself descended [on the earth]. Oh Lord Sri Sainath I am really purified by Your sight.
Oh! The ocean of compassion Sadguru Sri Sainath Fulfill all desires of all devotees. The Brahma [the creator] also is unable to describe the matchless power of the dust of Your Lotus feet. Oh Mighty one! I have come to You, surrendering with folded hands and great devotion. Apart from the lotus feet of Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God of Gods. I have no other refuge [place of surrender],
To purify my mind polluted by Unreality [Maya] I joyfully meditate day and night upon Sri Rama, the best amongst the Raghu dynasty and who has taken the form of Sadguru Sri Sainath and who is the Almighty and the Tree of desire [of heaven] fulfilling the wishes of the devotees.
Oh Sadguru Sri Sainath! May Your umbrella of compassion shining like the autumn moon, remove with its shadow the heat [affliction] of those surrendered at Your lotus fee
Oh Sadguru Sri Sainath! Deity of my worship! I, Upasani worship You with hymnsof praises. Let my mind rejoice at Your feet as the black bee desirous of the juice rejoices at the lotus flower.
Oh Lord and Preceptor Sadguru Sri Sainath! [Let] my sins of many births are destroyed at the sight of your lotus feet. Forgive all accumulations of [my] sins. Oh Ocean of Compassion! Be kindly disposed to me.
Those whose minds are purified by the water with which Sadguru Sri Sainath's feet have been washed and who are always engrossed with devotion in the service of His feet [though] sunk in the flood of sins produced out of worldly life, acquire the final emancipation.
Any person, who always recites this Hymn of praise with attention and devotion, will certainly become the object of Sadguru Sri Sainath's favor.
Allah Malik
Like Shiva Mahima Stotra, this stotra is also an effective way of getting Sai Baba's favor. Shri Upasani Maharaj in Shloka at end of the Stotra reiterates this.
I Bow to Sadguru Sainath, the God incarnate, who is always in His true from that is the Reality, who is the source of knowledge and joy, who is the cause of existence, continuance and destruction of the world and who for the sake of His devotees' wishes has manifested Himself as a human being.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who is the Sun, destroying the darkness of this world, who is praiseworthy, who is beyond mind and speech, who is comprehensible to sages through meditation' who pervades the world who is free from impurities and who is without any qualities.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who has manifested Himself in this Kali Yuga for the complete resurrection of those who have become distressed having sunk in the ocean of this worldly life and who [now] have taken shelter under His feet and are fond of His devotion.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who having always lived under the Neem [margosa] tree, has caused it, although bitter and disagreeable, to exude nectar [the beverage of Gods] and thus made it superior to the Kalpa Vriksha [the Tree of Desire in the Heaven].
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainith, the God incarnate, who under that Kalpa Vriksha [the Tree of desire mentioned in shloka 4 above i.e. the Neem tree] perpetually bestows enjoyments and liberation to those individuals who serve Him with devotion and intellect.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who having performed many unheard of and un-thought of miracles, displays bright splendor of Lord Shiva and who is without vanity and who has pleasing temperament.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath the God incarnate who is like a beautiful garden for relaxation of the sages who is praised constantly by the virtues and prosperity to the devotees.
I Bow to Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God incarnate, who is without birth, who is the foremost and the unique who is the Supreme Spirit incarnate who has sprung up on His own and who is Rama Himself descended [on the earth]. Oh Lord Sri Sainath I am really purified by Your sight.
Oh! The ocean of compassion Sadguru Sri Sainath Fulfill all desires of all devotees. The Brahma [the creator] also is unable to describe the matchless power of the dust of Your Lotus feet. Oh Mighty one! I have come to You, surrendering with folded hands and great devotion. Apart from the lotus feet of Sadguru Sri Sainath, the God of Gods. I have no other refuge [place of surrender],
To purify my mind polluted by Unreality [Maya] I joyfully meditate day and night upon Sri Rama, the best amongst the Raghu dynasty and who has taken the form of Sadguru Sri Sainath and who is the Almighty and the Tree of desire [of heaven] fulfilling the wishes of the devotees.
Oh Sadguru Sri Sainath! May Your umbrella of compassion shining like the autumn moon, remove with its shadow the heat [affliction] of those surrendered at Your lotus fee
Oh Sadguru Sri Sainath! Deity of my worship! I, Upasani worship You with hymnsof praises. Let my mind rejoice at Your feet as the black bee desirous of the juice rejoices at the lotus flower.
Oh Lord and Preceptor Sadguru Sri Sainath! [Let] my sins of many births are destroyed at the sight of your lotus feet. Forgive all accumulations of [my] sins. Oh Ocean of Compassion! Be kindly disposed to me.
Those whose minds are purified by the water with which Sadguru Sri Sainath's feet have been washed and who are always engrossed with devotion in the service of His feet [though] sunk in the flood of sins produced out of worldly life, acquire the final emancipation.
Any person, who always recites this Hymn of praise with attention and devotion, will certainly become the object of Sadguru Sri Sainath's favor.
Allah Malik
Saturday, April 14, 2007
God Loves The Unloved Ones
Aum Sairam
“I have a number of dolls,” said the little girl to a guest. “Would you like to see them?”
“Sure, I would!”
The little girl ran and brought a number of dolls. Some of them were very cute. One was Barbie doll.
“Which one do you love the most?” asked the guest. He felt certain the girl would point the Barbie doll.
Imagine his surprise when the girl picked up a ragged doll, which had scratches on its cheek, a broken nose and a missing arm.
“How so?” enquired the visitor. “I thought you would love the Barbie doll the most.”
The little girl answered, “If I don’t love this doll, no one else will!”
The little girl taught a great lesson. God loves the unloved ones – the poor, the broken, the miserable, the wretched, the forsaken, the forlorn, the lowly and the lost!
Let us learn to love likewise, and we too, shall grow Godlike.
Allah Malik
“I have a number of dolls,” said the little girl to a guest. “Would you like to see them?”
“Sure, I would!”
The little girl ran and brought a number of dolls. Some of them were very cute. One was Barbie doll.
“Which one do you love the most?” asked the guest. He felt certain the girl would point the Barbie doll.
Imagine his surprise when the girl picked up a ragged doll, which had scratches on its cheek, a broken nose and a missing arm.
“How so?” enquired the visitor. “I thought you would love the Barbie doll the most.”
The little girl answered, “If I don’t love this doll, no one else will!”
The little girl taught a great lesson. God loves the unloved ones – the poor, the broken, the miserable, the wretched, the forsaken, the forlorn, the lowly and the lost!
Let us learn to love likewise, and we too, shall grow Godlike.
Allah Malik
Guru Bakthi & Guru Seva!
Aum Sairam
Guru Bhakti and Guru Seva are important factors in spiritual life. Guru Bhakti is devotion to the Guru. It helps to free the disciple from earthly attachments to other worldly things and beings. Guru Seva or service of the Guru when properly done is effective in removing selfishness, laziness and cravings for comfort in spiritual sadhakas. True Guru Bhakti is in obeying and following the updesh and instructions of your Guru. Real Guru Seva is to live your life and conduct yourself in such a manner that your life and personal vyavahara bring a good name to the Guru. It raises the Guru’s reputation to higher heights and makes your Guru enshrined forever in the memory of all men. The best Guru Dakshina that can be offered to any Guru is a life lived in accordance with the Guru’s teachings. A tree is known by its fruits. A flower is known through its fragrance. A country is known by its citizens. A father is known by the nature and behavior of his son. A teacher is known by his students. This is the popular belief in human society. Hence, the devotees and disciples of any holy person must try their utmost best to make themselves the embodiment of that holy person’s teachings and reflect Guru updesh in their own day-to-day life.
Allah Malik
Guru Bhakti and Guru Seva are important factors in spiritual life. Guru Bhakti is devotion to the Guru. It helps to free the disciple from earthly attachments to other worldly things and beings. Guru Seva or service of the Guru when properly done is effective in removing selfishness, laziness and cravings for comfort in spiritual sadhakas. True Guru Bhakti is in obeying and following the updesh and instructions of your Guru. Real Guru Seva is to live your life and conduct yourself in such a manner that your life and personal vyavahara bring a good name to the Guru. It raises the Guru’s reputation to higher heights and makes your Guru enshrined forever in the memory of all men. The best Guru Dakshina that can be offered to any Guru is a life lived in accordance with the Guru’s teachings. A tree is known by its fruits. A flower is known through its fragrance. A country is known by its citizens. A father is known by the nature and behavior of his son. A teacher is known by his students. This is the popular belief in human society. Hence, the devotees and disciples of any holy person must try their utmost best to make themselves the embodiment of that holy person’s teachings and reflect Guru updesh in their own day-to-day life.
Allah Malik
Thursday, April 12, 2007
Thursday! Baba's Day!
Aum Sairam
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
While going through the teachings of Sri Sai Baba I have come across this statement, which I would like to share with you all. I am a strong believer of prayers, and I do believe that prayers work and God listens to prayers. The only way of communicating with God is through prayers alone. What more but to have one of our perfect masters reiterate this statement. Please read on and remember we might not get answers to our prayers instantly but they are reaching where they should and someone up there is listening to us and will answer when the time is right. All we need it to have Shraddha and Saburi to get to Him. Please read on Never Give Up Hope And Never Lose Sight Of The Lord.
On This Beautiful Thursday [Baba’s Day] lets pray to Sri Sai that no trial erase Shraddha and Saburi of His children.
Allah Malik
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
While going through the teachings of Sri Sai Baba I have come across this statement, which I would like to share with you all. I am a strong believer of prayers, and I do believe that prayers work and God listens to prayers. The only way of communicating with God is through prayers alone. What more but to have one of our perfect masters reiterate this statement. Please read on and remember we might not get answers to our prayers instantly but they are reaching where they should and someone up there is listening to us and will answer when the time is right. All we need it to have Shraddha and Saburi to get to Him. Please read on Never Give Up Hope And Never Lose Sight Of The Lord.
On This Beautiful Thursday [Baba’s Day] lets pray to Sri Sai that no trial erase Shraddha and Saburi of His children.
Allah Malik
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Traffic Signal Red Light!
Aum Sairam
It is truly a sign of wisdom to make the most out of every situation, as this story shows.
Two friends were in a car when they had to stop at a red traffic light. The man at the wheel did not say anything and seemed lost in his own world.
The other man began to get irritated and blurted out "The time we waste at these red lights – why, you could write a book!"
The driver still said nothing. After a few seconds his friend said, "Didn't you hear what I said?"
"No."
"How come?"
"I was talking."
"Whom were you talking to?"
"I was talking to God,” he said calmly. "I've been making it a practice every time I get to a red Traffic light to pray for one of my friends. It is wonderful how many people I have on my prayer list and how many I have time to pray for in this way."
The day has 24 hours, or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. How many of these do we use productively for our own spiritual good, or that of others?
Allah Malik
It is truly a sign of wisdom to make the most out of every situation, as this story shows.
Two friends were in a car when they had to stop at a red traffic light. The man at the wheel did not say anything and seemed lost in his own world.
The other man began to get irritated and blurted out "The time we waste at these red lights – why, you could write a book!"
The driver still said nothing. After a few seconds his friend said, "Didn't you hear what I said?"
"No."
"How come?"
"I was talking."
"Whom were you talking to?"
"I was talking to God,” he said calmly. "I've been making it a practice every time I get to a red Traffic light to pray for one of my friends. It is wonderful how many people I have on my prayer list and how many I have time to pray for in this way."
The day has 24 hours, or 1,440 minutes, or 86,400 seconds. How many of these do we use productively for our own spiritual good, or that of others?
Allah Malik
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Oh Lord - Prayer!
Aum Sairam
PRAY THIS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE!! IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE.
You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when youleast expect them to!!!!!!!!
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And it’s the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
Allah Malik
PRAY THIS EVEN IF YOU DON'T FEEL LIKE!! IT WILL ONLY TAKE A MINUTE.
You never know when God is going to bless you!! Good things happen when youleast expect them to!!!!!!!!
Dear Lord, I thank You for this day. I thank You for my being able to see and to hear this morning. I'm blessed because You are a forgiving God and an understanding God. You have done so much for me and You keep on blessing me. Forgive me this day for everything I have done, said or thought that was not pleasing to you.
I ask now for Your forgiveness. Please keep me safe from all danger and harm. Help me to start this day with a new attitude and plenty of gratitude. Let me make the best of each and every day to clear my mind so that I can hear from You. Please broaden my mind that I can accept all things. Let me not whine and whimper over things I have no control over. And it’s the best response when I'm pushed beyond my limits.
I know that when I can't pray, You listen to my heart.
Continue to use me to do Your will. Continue to bless me that I may be a blessing to others. Keep me strong that I may help the weak... Keep me uplifted that I may have words of encouragement for others. I pray for those that are lost and can't find their way. I pray for those that are misjudged and misunderstood. I pray for those who don't know You intimately. I pray for those that will delete this without sharing it with others. I pray for those that don't believe.
But I thank you that I believe. I believe that God changes people and God changes things. I pray for all my sisters and brothers. For each and every family member in their households. I pray for peace, love and joy in their homes that they are out of debt and all their needs are met. I pray that every eye that reads this knows there is no problem, circumstance, or situation greater than God. Every battle is in Your hands for You to fight.
I pray that these words be received into the hearts of every eye that sees it.
Allah Malik
Monday, April 9, 2007
God will never give up on you!
One day I decided to quit... ! quit my job, my relationship, my spirituality...
i wanted to quit my life..
I went to the woods to have one last talk with GOD. "GOD", I said."Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me..."Look around", GOD said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?""Yes" I replied."
When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".
GOD said. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."
GOD said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fenr it was seemingly small and insignificant.. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It has spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle"
GOD said to me. "Did you know, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS" GOD said. "The bamboo has different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"YOUR TIME WILL COME",GOD said to me. "You will rise high"
"How high should i rise?"
I asked."How high will the bamboo rise?
"GOD asked in return."
As high as it can?
"I questioned"Yes" GOD said,
"Give me glory by rising as hig as you can."
I left the forest.
GOD will never give up on you.
i wanted to quit my life..
I went to the woods to have one last talk with GOD. "GOD", I said."Can you give me one good reason not to quit?" His answer surprised me..."Look around", GOD said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?""Yes" I replied."
When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo. In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".
GOD said. "In year three there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit."
GOD said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fenr it was seemingly small and insignificant.. But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It has spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle"
GOD said to me. "Did you know, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots?"
"I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you."
"DON'T COMPARE YOURSELF TO OTHERS" GOD said. "The bamboo has different purpose than the fern. Yet they both make the forest beautiful."
"YOUR TIME WILL COME",GOD said to me. "You will rise high"
"How high should i rise?"
I asked."How high will the bamboo rise?
"GOD asked in return."
As high as it can?
"I questioned"Yes" GOD said,
"Give me glory by rising as hig as you can."
I left the forest.
GOD will never give up on you.
The Cure for Spiritual Blindness!
Aum Sairam
]
Take stock of your spiritual eyesight and, if, as I suspect, it's not as sharp as it ought to be, then you're probably having a hard time seeing the hand of God at work all around you. Distortion can give you a very warped perception in which everything looks dark and hopeless. You may have come to think that the world is a dreadful place, that nothing is good or beautiful, that life is nothing but disappointment and misery. That kind of spiritual blindness prevents you from seeing the positive side of things, the reality that no matter how things may seem, God is in charge. There are bright moments of love, caring, and compassion in which lives are being shaped and healed. It all depends on what you're looking for and what you choose to see. We can learn to reject the negative visions once God gives us new eyes to see.
All of us are invited and emboldened to ask that the presence and power of God may touch, heal, and restore our capacity to see things as they really are. Once we’ have done that, you can be sure that God will respond if we wait and watch with the eyes of faith. The bottom-line message is simple and clear. It can be summed up in one sentence: Whenever we step forward in faith, God is always there to meet us with power.
Allah Malik
]
Take stock of your spiritual eyesight and, if, as I suspect, it's not as sharp as it ought to be, then you're probably having a hard time seeing the hand of God at work all around you. Distortion can give you a very warped perception in which everything looks dark and hopeless. You may have come to think that the world is a dreadful place, that nothing is good or beautiful, that life is nothing but disappointment and misery. That kind of spiritual blindness prevents you from seeing the positive side of things, the reality that no matter how things may seem, God is in charge. There are bright moments of love, caring, and compassion in which lives are being shaped and healed. It all depends on what you're looking for and what you choose to see. We can learn to reject the negative visions once God gives us new eyes to see.
All of us are invited and emboldened to ask that the presence and power of God may touch, heal, and restore our capacity to see things as they really are. Once we’ have done that, you can be sure that God will respond if we wait and watch with the eyes of faith. The bottom-line message is simple and clear. It can be summed up in one sentence: Whenever we step forward in faith, God is always there to meet us with power.
Allah Malik
Saturday, April 7, 2007
Faith in Sai Naam!
Aum Sairam
Baba said, "If you say "Sai, Sai", I shall take you over the seven seas" in Shri Sai Satcharitra Chapter XIII.
Never lose faith in God. To lose faith in Him is the greatest sin. Have faith in Divine Name. Remember; whatever the saints have said about the value of the Name is true to the very letter. Make a trial by taking shelter under the Name.
True satisfaction cannot be derived through son, wife or wealth. Had it been possible to derive satisfaction through these, it would have been surely attained by now, in one or other of the numberless forms of life through which we have passed. The source of true satisfaction is God alone, on attaining whom the jiva is satisfied for all time to come. Suffering is conducive to the enfoldment of true humanity in man. The life of a man who is true to himself blossoms in misery alone. Gold shines best only when it is put in the furnace
Always remain cheerful; never wear a sad countenance; be positive in your mind that for you no such thing as grief or sorrow was ever born in this world. In the All-blissful joy and merriment alone reign supreme; there is no room for anxiety and care.
Remain absorbed in bliss, observing all about you the enchanting Form of the Lord. He who sees Him everywhere is himself nothing but an embodiment of Bliss.
Peace lies within you. As soon as you are free from the evil influence of the devil of Desire, you will see Peace face to face. Exorcise Desire by the sovereign spell of Dispassion; then, behold all about the gentle form of Peace.
Happiness is precisely there where wealth is; but the nature of happiness varies according to the nature of wealth one possesses. They who are rich in the wealth of divine qualities enjoy the bliss of God; whereas those who possess the wealth of satanic qualities enjoy satanic bliss; and the crawling worms of hell enjoy infernal bliss.
Under no circumstance allow the mind to be tormented by sorrow. Remember always that God never err, nor are any of the decrees of Heaven divorced from mercy.
Placing your faith in God fasten the cord of your life permanently to His sacred feet. Then you will find that fearlessness has become your servant-maid.
Do not brood over what has passed; think only of what you have got to do now and conceive a plan to spend the rest of your life in the service of God alone.
Blessed is he who spends every moment of his life in pursuits that are agreeable to the dearest object of his heart; viz., God, no matter whether the pleasure of the Lord lies in union with Him or in separation from Him, in his enjoying heavenly bliss or rotting in hell, in his receiving honor or suffering ignominy, nay, in his salvation or in condemning him to a life of eternal bondage.
Allah Malik
Baba said, "If you say "Sai, Sai", I shall take you over the seven seas" in Shri Sai Satcharitra Chapter XIII.
Never lose faith in God. To lose faith in Him is the greatest sin. Have faith in Divine Name. Remember; whatever the saints have said about the value of the Name is true to the very letter. Make a trial by taking shelter under the Name.
True satisfaction cannot be derived through son, wife or wealth. Had it been possible to derive satisfaction through these, it would have been surely attained by now, in one or other of the numberless forms of life through which we have passed. The source of true satisfaction is God alone, on attaining whom the jiva is satisfied for all time to come. Suffering is conducive to the enfoldment of true humanity in man. The life of a man who is true to himself blossoms in misery alone. Gold shines best only when it is put in the furnace
Always remain cheerful; never wear a sad countenance; be positive in your mind that for you no such thing as grief or sorrow was ever born in this world. In the All-blissful joy and merriment alone reign supreme; there is no room for anxiety and care.
Remain absorbed in bliss, observing all about you the enchanting Form of the Lord. He who sees Him everywhere is himself nothing but an embodiment of Bliss.
Peace lies within you. As soon as you are free from the evil influence of the devil of Desire, you will see Peace face to face. Exorcise Desire by the sovereign spell of Dispassion; then, behold all about the gentle form of Peace.
Happiness is precisely there where wealth is; but the nature of happiness varies according to the nature of wealth one possesses. They who are rich in the wealth of divine qualities enjoy the bliss of God; whereas those who possess the wealth of satanic qualities enjoy satanic bliss; and the crawling worms of hell enjoy infernal bliss.
Under no circumstance allow the mind to be tormented by sorrow. Remember always that God never err, nor are any of the decrees of Heaven divorced from mercy.
Placing your faith in God fasten the cord of your life permanently to His sacred feet. Then you will find that fearlessness has become your servant-maid.
Do not brood over what has passed; think only of what you have got to do now and conceive a plan to spend the rest of your life in the service of God alone.
Blessed is he who spends every moment of his life in pursuits that are agreeable to the dearest object of his heart; viz., God, no matter whether the pleasure of the Lord lies in union with Him or in separation from Him, in his enjoying heavenly bliss or rotting in hell, in his receiving honor or suffering ignominy, nay, in his salvation or in condemning him to a life of eternal bondage.
Allah Malik
Friday, April 6, 2007
Leave Your Anxiety to Sri Sai!
Aum Sairam
Anxiety is uneasiness regarding something doubtful.
Anxiety is uneasiness or distress of mind regarding some uncertain event, which may involve danger or misfortune.
Anxiety is strained or solicitous desire, as for some object or purpose or eagerness, as one’s anxiety to please all.
It is a condition of restlessness and mental agitation with a distressful feeling of tightness and oppression in the region of the heart.
Anxiety is the rust of life. It destroys its brightness and weakens its power.
Anxiety is the poison of human life. Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Sufficient to each day are the duties to be done and the trials to be endured.
Full faith in Sri Sai puts an end to anxiety. A childlike and abiding trust in Sri Sai is its best preventive and remedy.
The cares of tomorrow weigh a man down. Do not torment yourself with imaginary dangers or trials or reverses. Be always happy and cheerful. Trust in Sri Sai and do the right. Leave the rest to Sri Sai.
Sri Sai looks after everybody. He feeds even the frog that lives between the strata of rocks. Be not, therefore, anxious, and say “What will become of my fate next year? What shall I eat tomorrow? What shall I do for my clothing and blanket? How can I arrange for the education of my son or the marriage of my daughter?” Sri Sai knows that you have need for all these things. He will do everything for you.
Do not make yourself wretched by imagining catastrophes unforeseen in the distant future. Do not anticipate misfortune.
Be always busy. Keep yourself ever occupied. Anxiety will take to its heels.
He who worships Sri Sai, who sings His glory, who recites His Name, is raised above anxiety for earthly wants.
You anticipate calamities, dangers and troubles. But they seldom come. Why do you unnecessarily worry yourself and waste your time, energy and strength?
Be of good cheer. Never bother about trouble till trouble actually troubles you.
Anxiety is choking disquiet. Anxiety is mental. It is in regard to the unknown, or what may happen. It refers to some future event, always suggesting hopeful possibility.
Worry is a more petty, restless and manifested anxiety. Anxiety may be quiet and silent. Worry is communicated to all around.
Solicitude is a milder anxiety.
Perplexity often involves anxiety, but may be quite free from it. A student may be perplexed regarding a translation, yet, if he has time enough, he is not at all anxious regarding it.
Assurance, calmness, carelessness, confidence, ease, light-heartiness, satisfaction, tranquility are the opposites of anxiety.
Allah Malik
Anxiety is uneasiness regarding something doubtful.
Anxiety is uneasiness or distress of mind regarding some uncertain event, which may involve danger or misfortune.
Anxiety is strained or solicitous desire, as for some object or purpose or eagerness, as one’s anxiety to please all.
It is a condition of restlessness and mental agitation with a distressful feeling of tightness and oppression in the region of the heart.
Anxiety is the rust of life. It destroys its brightness and weakens its power.
Anxiety is the poison of human life. Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen. Sufficient to each day are the duties to be done and the trials to be endured.
Full faith in Sri Sai puts an end to anxiety. A childlike and abiding trust in Sri Sai is its best preventive and remedy.
The cares of tomorrow weigh a man down. Do not torment yourself with imaginary dangers or trials or reverses. Be always happy and cheerful. Trust in Sri Sai and do the right. Leave the rest to Sri Sai.
Sri Sai looks after everybody. He feeds even the frog that lives between the strata of rocks. Be not, therefore, anxious, and say “What will become of my fate next year? What shall I eat tomorrow? What shall I do for my clothing and blanket? How can I arrange for the education of my son or the marriage of my daughter?” Sri Sai knows that you have need for all these things. He will do everything for you.
Do not make yourself wretched by imagining catastrophes unforeseen in the distant future. Do not anticipate misfortune.
Be always busy. Keep yourself ever occupied. Anxiety will take to its heels.
He who worships Sri Sai, who sings His glory, who recites His Name, is raised above anxiety for earthly wants.
You anticipate calamities, dangers and troubles. But they seldom come. Why do you unnecessarily worry yourself and waste your time, energy and strength?
Be of good cheer. Never bother about trouble till trouble actually troubles you.
Anxiety is choking disquiet. Anxiety is mental. It is in regard to the unknown, or what may happen. It refers to some future event, always suggesting hopeful possibility.
Worry is a more petty, restless and manifested anxiety. Anxiety may be quiet and silent. Worry is communicated to all around.
Solicitude is a milder anxiety.
Perplexity often involves anxiety, but may be quite free from it. A student may be perplexed regarding a translation, yet, if he has time enough, he is not at all anxious regarding it.
Assurance, calmness, carelessness, confidence, ease, light-heartiness, satisfaction, tranquility are the opposites of anxiety.
Allah Malik
Thursday, April 5, 2007
Aum Sri Sai Sarvarunilaya Namaha
The seventh Nama in the 108 Glorious Names of Sri Sai is 'Aum Sri Sai Sarvahrunilaya Namaha' which means salutation to Pranava Swarupa Sai who dwells in the hearts of all. The 68th Nama is 'Aum Sri Sai Sarvantaryamine Namaha' which means Salutations to Sri Sai Baba who is all pervasive. Shri Sai Satcharitra gives a number of incidents to show the above attribute of Sri Sai Baba. Sri Sai Baba Himself declared "I'm the inner ruler of all and I am seated in their hearts. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world is my Body and Form [Chap 3]. A Sarvartaryami Sri Sai only could push His arm into the ever burning Dhuni of Dwarkamai to save a blacksmith's child who slipped into the furnace at a far off place.
Once Mrs. Tarkhad, an intimate devotee of Sri Sai Baba gave a piece of bread to a hungry dog before going to Dwarkamai for the Madhyan Aarti. Sri Sai Baba was pleased with this act of the devotee and said "Mother! You have fed Me sumptuously up to my throat, My afflicted Pranas have been satisfied. First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself. A dog which yousaw before meals and to which you gave bread is one with me so also other creatures [cats, pigs, flies etc.,] I'm roaming in their forms. He who sees Me in all creatures is My beloved [Chap 9].On another occasion Sri Sai Baba called Laxmibai Shinde and said "O Lakshmi! I'm very hungry", she immediately ran to her house, prepared bread and vegetable and brought it to the Dwarkamai. Sri Sai Baba who was very hungry gave it to a dog. When Laxmibai was unhappy to see that Sri Sai Baba did not eat her bread, Sai said to her "The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as mine. The dog has soul as mine. The creatures may be different but the hunger of all is the same. He who feeds the Hungry, really serves Me with food. Regard this as axiomatic truth". How wonderfully Sri Sai Baba has taught us, His children to see Him in all creatures.
The seventh Nama in the 108 Glorious Names of Sri Sai is 'Aum Sri Sai Sarvahrunilaya Namaha' which means salutation to Pranava Swarupa Sai who dwells in the hearts of all. The 68th Nama is 'Aum Sri Sai Sarvantaryamine Namaha' which means Salutations to Sri Sai Baba who is all pervasive. Shri Sai Satcharitra gives a number of incidents to show the above attribute of Sri Sai Baba. Sri Sai Baba Himself declared "I'm the inner ruler of all and I am seated in their hearts. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world is my Body and Form [Chap 3]. A Sarvartaryami Sri Sai only could push His arm into the ever burning Dhuni of Dwarkamai to save a blacksmith's child who slipped into the furnace at a far off place.
Once Mrs. Tarkhad, an intimate devotee of Sri Sai Baba gave a piece of bread to a hungry dog before going to Dwarkamai for the Madhyan Aarti. Sri Sai Baba was pleased with this act of the devotee and said "Mother! You have fed Me sumptuously up to my throat, My afflicted Pranas have been satisfied. First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself. A dog which yousaw before meals and to which you gave bread is one with me so also other creatures [cats, pigs, flies etc.,] I'm roaming in their forms. He who sees Me in all creatures is My beloved [Chap 9].On another occasion Sri Sai Baba called Laxmibai Shinde and said "O Lakshmi! I'm very hungry", she immediately ran to her house, prepared bread and vegetable and brought it to the Dwarkamai. Sri Sai Baba who was very hungry gave it to a dog. When Laxmibai was unhappy to see that Sri Sai Baba did not eat her bread, Sai said to her "The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as mine. The dog has soul as mine. The creatures may be different but the hunger of all is the same. He who feeds the Hungry, really serves Me with food. Regard this as axiomatic truth". How wonderfully Sri Sai Baba has taught us, His children to see Him in all creatures.
Once Mrs. Tarkhad, an intimate devotee of Sri Sai Baba gave a piece of bread to a hungry dog before going to Dwarkamai for the Madhyan Aarti. Sri Sai Baba was pleased with this act of the devotee and said "Mother! You have fed Me sumptuously up to my throat, My afflicted Pranas have been satisfied. First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself. A dog which yousaw before meals and to which you gave bread is one with me so also other creatures [cats, pigs, flies etc.,] I'm roaming in their forms. He who sees Me in all creatures is My beloved [Chap 9].On another occasion Sri Sai Baba called Laxmibai Shinde and said "O Lakshmi! I'm very hungry", she immediately ran to her house, prepared bread and vegetable and brought it to the Dwarkamai. Sri Sai Baba who was very hungry gave it to a dog. When Laxmibai was unhappy to see that Sri Sai Baba did not eat her bread, Sai said to her "The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as mine. The dog has soul as mine. The creatures may be different but the hunger of all is the same. He who feeds the Hungry, really serves Me with food. Regard this as axiomatic truth". How wonderfully Sri Sai Baba has taught us, His children to see Him in all creatures.
The seventh Nama in the 108 Glorious Names of Sri Sai is 'Aum Sri Sai Sarvahrunilaya Namaha' which means salutation to Pranava Swarupa Sai who dwells in the hearts of all. The 68th Nama is 'Aum Sri Sai Sarvantaryamine Namaha' which means Salutations to Sri Sai Baba who is all pervasive. Shri Sai Satcharitra gives a number of incidents to show the above attribute of Sri Sai Baba. Sri Sai Baba Himself declared "I'm the inner ruler of all and I am seated in their hearts. All the insects, ants, the visible, movable and immovable world is my Body and Form [Chap 3]. A Sarvartaryami Sri Sai only could push His arm into the ever burning Dhuni of Dwarkamai to save a blacksmith's child who slipped into the furnace at a far off place.
Once Mrs. Tarkhad, an intimate devotee of Sri Sai Baba gave a piece of bread to a hungry dog before going to Dwarkamai for the Madhyan Aarti. Sri Sai Baba was pleased with this act of the devotee and said "Mother! You have fed Me sumptuously up to my throat, My afflicted Pranas have been satisfied. First give bread to the hungry and then eat yourself. A dog which yousaw before meals and to which you gave bread is one with me so also other creatures [cats, pigs, flies etc.,] I'm roaming in their forms. He who sees Me in all creatures is My beloved [Chap 9].On another occasion Sri Sai Baba called Laxmibai Shinde and said "O Lakshmi! I'm very hungry", she immediately ran to her house, prepared bread and vegetable and brought it to the Dwarkamai. Sri Sai Baba who was very hungry gave it to a dog. When Laxmibai was unhappy to see that Sri Sai Baba did not eat her bread, Sai said to her "The appeasement of the dog's hunger is the same as mine. The dog has soul as mine. The creatures may be different but the hunger of all is the same. He who feeds the Hungry, really serves Me with food. Regard this as axiomatic truth". How wonderfully Sri Sai Baba has taught us, His children to see Him in all creatures.
Surrender Yourself Unconditionally
Aum Sairam
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
There are two aspects of God or Brahman: [1] the Un-Manifested [Nirgun] and [2] the Manifested [Sagun]. The Nirgun is formless, while the Sagun is with form, though both denote the same Brahman. The Vedas describe God as being Nirguna [free of qualities] and Niranjana [free of blemish]. The Advaita philosophy explains this concept:" God or Brahman does not have any gunas or qualities ". However, Vishishtadvaita philosophy explains that Nirguna does not mean that God has no qualities; it only means that God has no bad gunas or qualities. The entire principle of Vishishtadvaita veers around Sharanagati or Total Surrender to God.
God is all-powerful. Yet, He is generous and forgives those who seek forgiveness and surrender to Him, which ultimately leads to their salvation. The Lord's compassion is limitless. No wonder, then, He is also known as Karunasagar or the Ocean of Compassion. In Shri Bhagawad Purana, when Hiranyakashipu asks Prahalad, his son, what is the best thing that he has learnt, Prahalad enumerates nine ways of reaching God and one of them is Atma Samarpan or Total Surrender to God. In Shri Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna says " Leave everything and surrender to me, I will absolve you of all sins and lead you to salvation ". God does not differentiate between friend and foe, man and animal, caste and creed. He comes to the rescue of all those who surrender to Him with full faith and belief in Him. Various incidents in Hindu Mythology and our Puranas and Epics illustrate the concept of God as the One who always comes to the rescue of the helpless who care to remember Him.
The following incidents from the Mahabharata and Ramayana encapsulate wonderfully the principle of total surrender to the Lord: During the Vastrapaharan, when Draupadi's honor was at stake, as long as she tried to protect her honor with her hands, the Lord did not come to her rescue. The moment she raised both her hands in despair and called out to Krishna indicating that she believed Him to be the only savior; the Lord came to her rescue and saved her honor. Vibhishana, Ravana's brother came to surrender to the Lord and fight on the side of Rama. The entire army of Sugriva was against this, but Lord Rama accepted Vibhishana on his side and said that even if Ravana seeks forgiveness, he will pardon him. Lord Sainath said that He was Omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited. To remove the misunderstanding of those, who thought that Sri Sai Baba was only His body - three cubits and a half in length, He incarnated Himself in this form and if any devotee meditated on Him day and night with complete Self Surrender, he experienced complete union [without any difference] with Him like sweetness and sugar, waves and sea, eye and its luster.
Sri Sai Baba asked many to remember His name and to surrender to Him. One who always engages himself in good actions, does his duties and surrender himself, heart and soul to Him, he need not then be afraid of anything. He who trusts Him entirely, hears and expounds His Leela's and does not think of anything else, is sure to attain Self-Realization. [Chapter XVII and XIX Shri Sai Satcharitra]. Surrendering Unconditionally to the Almighty is one way of expressing our confidence in the Divine, for faith works wonders.
Let us on this beautiful Thursday remind ourselves of that benevolent caretaker longing to lead us from the convenient facts to everlasting contentment, Truth!
Allah Malik
May This Thursday [Baba's Day] Bring You Strength, Good luck, Happiness, Success And Joy
There are two aspects of God or Brahman: [1] the Un-Manifested [Nirgun] and [2] the Manifested [Sagun]. The Nirgun is formless, while the Sagun is with form, though both denote the same Brahman. The Vedas describe God as being Nirguna [free of qualities] and Niranjana [free of blemish]. The Advaita philosophy explains this concept:" God or Brahman does not have any gunas or qualities ". However, Vishishtadvaita philosophy explains that Nirguna does not mean that God has no qualities; it only means that God has no bad gunas or qualities. The entire principle of Vishishtadvaita veers around Sharanagati or Total Surrender to God.
God is all-powerful. Yet, He is generous and forgives those who seek forgiveness and surrender to Him, which ultimately leads to their salvation. The Lord's compassion is limitless. No wonder, then, He is also known as Karunasagar or the Ocean of Compassion. In Shri Bhagawad Purana, when Hiranyakashipu asks Prahalad, his son, what is the best thing that he has learnt, Prahalad enumerates nine ways of reaching God and one of them is Atma Samarpan or Total Surrender to God. In Shri Bhagawad Gita, Lord Krishna says " Leave everything and surrender to me, I will absolve you of all sins and lead you to salvation ". God does not differentiate between friend and foe, man and animal, caste and creed. He comes to the rescue of all those who surrender to Him with full faith and belief in Him. Various incidents in Hindu Mythology and our Puranas and Epics illustrate the concept of God as the One who always comes to the rescue of the helpless who care to remember Him.
The following incidents from the Mahabharata and Ramayana encapsulate wonderfully the principle of total surrender to the Lord: During the Vastrapaharan, when Draupadi's honor was at stake, as long as she tried to protect her honor with her hands, the Lord did not come to her rescue. The moment she raised both her hands in despair and called out to Krishna indicating that she believed Him to be the only savior; the Lord came to her rescue and saved her honor. Vibhishana, Ravana's brother came to surrender to the Lord and fight on the side of Rama. The entire army of Sugriva was against this, but Lord Rama accepted Vibhishana on his side and said that even if Ravana seeks forgiveness, he will pardon him. Lord Sainath said that He was Omnipresent, occupying land, air, country, world, light and heaven, and that He was not limited. To remove the misunderstanding of those, who thought that Sri Sai Baba was only His body - three cubits and a half in length, He incarnated Himself in this form and if any devotee meditated on Him day and night with complete Self Surrender, he experienced complete union [without any difference] with Him like sweetness and sugar, waves and sea, eye and its luster.
Sri Sai Baba asked many to remember His name and to surrender to Him. One who always engages himself in good actions, does his duties and surrender himself, heart and soul to Him, he need not then be afraid of anything. He who trusts Him entirely, hears and expounds His Leela's and does not think of anything else, is sure to attain Self-Realization. [Chapter XVII and XIX Shri Sai Satcharitra]. Surrendering Unconditionally to the Almighty is one way of expressing our confidence in the Divine, for faith works wonders.
Let us on this beautiful Thursday remind ourselves of that benevolent caretaker longing to lead us from the convenient facts to everlasting contentment, Truth!
Allah Malik
Wednesday, April 4, 2007
Did Baba Preach!
Aum Sairam
What is the method of teaching that Sri Sai Baba followed? Did He install any institution or a particular way of thought for His followers to propagate? For that matter, has there been any record of Sadguru Sainath appointing anyone to continue what we conceive as the mission He had set?
Inscrutable are His ways! This is a famous phrase from Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji’s English version of Shri Sai Satcharitra. It turns out to be true. During His lifetime and after, Sri Sai Baba showed a peculiar way of teaching and guiding His followers. He had asked some to be more disciplined, perform rituals, and undertake reading of sacred texts, while some were asked to keep quiet or just wait. Some were commended for their piety while some denounced for their orthodoxy!
Sri Sai Baba seemed to have answers to the innermost of the questions His followers had. He seemed to have a certain way of giving "individualized instruction" depending on one's earnestness. However, He seems to be very particular in emphasizing certain virtues in His followers. The two pice [two cents] He demanded were faith and patience. Invaluable! By calling Himself as a servant, Sri Sai Baba has stressed the importance of humility, because humility is a virtue that reaps rich harvest in one's pursuits. By insisting on the surrender of the self and accepting the will of the supreme over the individual, Sri Sai Baba stressed the existence of a unifying higher order. His views on the purpose of religions were simple, "There is only one God and the purpose of every religion is the same". In a unique way, Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi also had asked His followers to investigate the "self". He also expounded on the obstacles for such a pursuit, native as well as acquired. Is it possible to categorize this unique way of spiritual leadership?
For some, Sri Sai Baba's life and teachings might look like a paradox, but in reality, His ways are as simple and natural as it could be! He did not give any set of rules to follow for His disciples. On the other hand, He was present in the minds of earnest devotees who sought His guidance on matters, big and small. For such people, in His words, He guarded them from front, back, and sides. To those who would differ with His advice, Sri Sai Baba said simply "God will do good". Faith and patience are two traits common to everyone and by invoking these qualities common to every human being; Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi has indeed simplified the pursuit.
Eleven assurances of Sri Sainath are well known to His devotees. Sri Sai Baba said that none who would approach Him would turn back disappointed. Did He mean that every prayer would be answered? Yes! Every prayer will receive an answer. Sometimes, the answer is "Yes", sometimes, "No", and some other times, "Just wait". Baba's coffers are open to those who believe in waiting and wanting His grace and love. His gift to those is not "just feel good" temporary material appeasement, but bliss that is perpetual, a state of permanent contentment.
Allah Malik
What is the method of teaching that Sri Sai Baba followed? Did He install any institution or a particular way of thought for His followers to propagate? For that matter, has there been any record of Sadguru Sainath appointing anyone to continue what we conceive as the mission He had set?
Inscrutable are His ways! This is a famous phrase from Nagesh Vasudev Gunaji’s English version of Shri Sai Satcharitra. It turns out to be true. During His lifetime and after, Sri Sai Baba showed a peculiar way of teaching and guiding His followers. He had asked some to be more disciplined, perform rituals, and undertake reading of sacred texts, while some were asked to keep quiet or just wait. Some were commended for their piety while some denounced for their orthodoxy!
Sri Sai Baba seemed to have answers to the innermost of the questions His followers had. He seemed to have a certain way of giving "individualized instruction" depending on one's earnestness. However, He seems to be very particular in emphasizing certain virtues in His followers. The two pice [two cents] He demanded were faith and patience. Invaluable! By calling Himself as a servant, Sri Sai Baba has stressed the importance of humility, because humility is a virtue that reaps rich harvest in one's pursuits. By insisting on the surrender of the self and accepting the will of the supreme over the individual, Sri Sai Baba stressed the existence of a unifying higher order. His views on the purpose of religions were simple, "There is only one God and the purpose of every religion is the same". In a unique way, Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi also had asked His followers to investigate the "self". He also expounded on the obstacles for such a pursuit, native as well as acquired. Is it possible to categorize this unique way of spiritual leadership?
For some, Sri Sai Baba's life and teachings might look like a paradox, but in reality, His ways are as simple and natural as it could be! He did not give any set of rules to follow for His disciples. On the other hand, He was present in the minds of earnest devotees who sought His guidance on matters, big and small. For such people, in His words, He guarded them from front, back, and sides. To those who would differ with His advice, Sri Sai Baba said simply "God will do good". Faith and patience are two traits common to everyone and by invoking these qualities common to every human being; Sri Sai Baba of Shirdi has indeed simplified the pursuit.
Eleven assurances of Sri Sainath are well known to His devotees. Sri Sai Baba said that none who would approach Him would turn back disappointed. Did He mean that every prayer would be answered? Yes! Every prayer will receive an answer. Sometimes, the answer is "Yes", sometimes, "No", and some other times, "Just wait". Baba's coffers are open to those who believe in waiting and wanting His grace and love. His gift to those is not "just feel good" temporary material appeasement, but bliss that is perpetual, a state of permanent contentment.
Allah Malik
Bend, But Don't Break!
One of my fondest memories as a child is going by the river and sitting idly on the bank. There I would enjoy the peace and quiet, watch the water rush downstream, and listen to the chirps of birds and the rustling of leaves in the trees. I would also watch the bamboo trees bend under pressure from the wind and watch them return gracefully to their upright or original position after the wind had died down.
When I think about the bamboo tree's ability to bounce back or return to its original position, the word resilience comes to mind. When used in reference to a person this word means the ability to readily recover from shock, depression or any other situation that stretches the limits of a person's emotions.
Have you ever felt like you are about to snap Have you ever felt like you are at your breaking point Thankfully, you have survived the experience to live to talk about it.
During the experience you probably felt a mix of emotions that threatened your health. You felt emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and you most likely endured unpleasant physical symptoms.
Life is a mixture of good times and bad times, happy moments and unhappy moments. The next time you are experiencing one of those bad times or unhappy moments that take you close to your breaking point then bend but don't break. Try your best not to let the situation get the best of you.
A measure of hope will take you through the unpleasant ordeal. With hope for a better tomorrow or a better situation, things may not be as bad as they seem to be. The unpleasant ordeal may be easier to deal with if the end result is worth having.
If the going gets tough and you are at your breaking point, show resilience like the bamboo tree, bend, but don't break!
When I think about the bamboo tree's ability to bounce back or return to its original position, the word resilience comes to mind. When used in reference to a person this word means the ability to readily recover from shock, depression or any other situation that stretches the limits of a person's emotions.
Have you ever felt like you are about to snap Have you ever felt like you are at your breaking point Thankfully, you have survived the experience to live to talk about it.
During the experience you probably felt a mix of emotions that threatened your health. You felt emotionally drained, mentally exhausted and you most likely endured unpleasant physical symptoms.
Life is a mixture of good times and bad times, happy moments and unhappy moments. The next time you are experiencing one of those bad times or unhappy moments that take you close to your breaking point then bend but don't break. Try your best not to let the situation get the best of you.
A measure of hope will take you through the unpleasant ordeal. With hope for a better tomorrow or a better situation, things may not be as bad as they seem to be. The unpleasant ordeal may be easier to deal with if the end result is worth having.
If the going gets tough and you are at your breaking point, show resilience like the bamboo tree, bend, but don't break!
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
Being Dharmic - What It Means?
Being Dharmic – What It Means?
I am a Hindu by birth, I am a Hindu by faith and I am a Hindu by practice. Hinduism to me is not a reason to choose my political party, nor a ground for an argument, but an identity to my way of life. I believe in this way of life and worship prescribed by teachers, preachers and religious texts trusting that it would lead me towards a decided destiny.
Nevertheless…, in spite of all my trust and belief, there lie many questions at the bottom of mind. They don’t fail to surface very often. Result of such surfacing is my attempt to learn where I stand when it comes to religion and where does religion stand when it comes to humanity. This learning is a continuous process and as what I fear, might never end. However, this transliteration of my thoughts is a “note of observation” in the process of my learning. I try to question myself on Hinduism as an alien to India would do. I try to think like a third person to religion and I try to be inquisitive like child to know the answer for unknown. I made least efforts to be a researcher, nor would I ever want to. My efforts have been to be a child, student and an alien.
I foresee a couple of major challenges in spelling out my observations. One, presenting it without an addenda containing glossary of Indian Language Terms; and another, without grazing through philosophies like karma, maya, yoga, atman etc. in a fashion that might make the whole concept of living seem very mystic and philosophical. Conversely, I shall try my best to avoid both.
The Eternal Practice
To start with, let me take an ancient Sanskrit term that has been used to denote to this way of life – Sanatana Dharma. On examining dictionaries I understand that Sanatana means eternal or everlasting; Dharma means statute, established order, custom, practice, law, right, justice, good works, merit, virtue, nature, character, quality, mark and attribute. Contextually, I infer it to mean as Eternal Virtue or Eternal Practice. I take this term as an initial source
In many ancient texts, India has been specifically referred to as a country “below Himalayas and above the mighty ocean” and religious life of people there is referred to Sanatana Dharma. To my understanding, this Sanatana Dharma is a set of prescriptions which is just indicative for man to build his duties and commitments around.
Everything in Sanatana Dharma seem pointing towards a) rights, b) duties before rights, c) qualification before taking duties and d) process to qualify. This is about an average man's daily life and in stages. Devotion to god and spirituality is introduced to humankind as love, submission and trust. In Sanatana Dharma, man is duty bound at every stage and moment of his life; duty towards self, family, society and god.
Nomenclature of Hinduism
If it was called Sanatana Dharma, then why are the followers are called Hindus or why is the religion now known as Hinduism? The child in me is still inquisitive. I learn that it is just a name, a nomenclature that was affixed to this way of life at a later stage in history. All nomenclature relating to India was related to River Sindu (called the 'Sindu/Saraswati' by early foreign traders like the Greek, Sumerians and later the Persians). This was because; Sindu was the gateway to this country for early travelers who came here through the Khyber Pass. Interestingly enough, the name 'Sindu' is also related to 'Indu' which means Moon. Indian calendar was lunar and early Indian timings were also based on the raise and set of moon.
Contemporary Schools of ThoughtCountry of Bharatha {Bharata Varsha} was first called "India" by Megasthenes (the philosopher, writer who traveled with Selucas Nicator and served as Greek ambassador in Chandra Gupta Maurya's court) in his book 'Indica'. Based on its name India or Indica people who dwell across River Sindu were called Hindus. Unlike Islam which means peace, or Christianity which means followers of Christ, Hindu means nothing. It just denotes history of a certain civilisation. To us and to everyone Hinduism and Sanatana Dharma are one and the same. In that case, I choose to substitute the word “Hindu” by an adjective, “Dharmic” to the followers of Sanatana Dharma. This is because, as I learn, Sanatana Dharma encompasses a bigger religious circle and philosophy than the modern notion of Hinduism.
Ways of Worship
In furtherance of my inquisitiveness, I tried to know what could be basis on which ways of worship differed among people belonging to the same way of life. Then it came to light to me that Sanatana Dharma can be divided in two at large on the basis of schools of belief and worship. One is Vedic and the other is Non-Vedic. Vedic could be further divided as a) Philosophy of Non-Dualism {Adwaitha} (universal and can be complementing any other Vedic worship), b) Followership/Worship of Shiva {Shaiva}, c) Philosophy of Dualism {Dwaitha} (which is also vaishnavism), d) Philosophy of Qualified Non - Dualism {Visishtadwaitha} (which is again vaishnavism), e) Followership/Worship of Mother Goddess {Shaakta} (which is complimentary to Shaivism) and f) Followership/Worship of Kumara {Kaumara} (which is also complementary to Shaivism). All though I call it Vedic, I hardly find mentions of these in the Vedas. I call it (as many others do) as Vedic because, these forms of worship are supported by Vedic Rituals and Treatises on temple worship.
Non-Vedic part of Sanatana Dharma comprise of a) Buddhism, b) Jainism, c) Sikhism and d) More contemporary schools of thought such as Brahma Samaj, Vallalar's Jothi Worship. These are like Din - E - Ilahi (founded by Akbar) and Bahai to Islam or Protestants to Orthodox Christian Churches.
As I observe, these non-Vedic part of Sanatana Dharma have always been cats on the wall in the minds of religious philosophers whether they follow Sanatana Dharma or not. When they were founded (practiced and preached first), they were part and parcel of the Sanatana and were strictly based on the same good philosophies. But, since they prescribed necessary changes to certain rituals & beliefs and opposed some, the Vedic religious flag bearers had disowned them, thus giving an impression of a different religion.
The Philosophy Behind, As What Everyone Calls - The Way Of Life
There has been writing on the wall (or should I say palm leaves?) that I have mentioned repeatedly and I also observe that everyone agrees to it – that Sanatana Dharma is not a religion, but a way of life. The inquisitive child in me (probably a rationalist child) asks why it is so. What is different in this way of life or religion whatsoever that it is does not qualify to be a religion but is holistic enough to be called a way of life? Apparently I don’t see a difference between both. Again it is only “apparently” I don’t see a difference between both.
More inquisitiveness leads to more knowledge; better knowledge leads to better clarity but not to forget that in spirituality over inquisitiveness leads to lot of confusion and perhaps disbelief. Still, I tried my hands on it.
Nevertheless, seeking answer to the rationalist ascertainment in me that there could be no difference between a way of life and a religion, I found an answer in my doubt itself. Sanatana Dharma and way of life are so deeply entwined that religious prescriptions in Sanatana Dharma more address normal daily practices than ‘above the head’ religious philosophies. As I already mentioned it is a set of principles let open for us to build duties and commitments around. The subtle difference is just that, the ‘religious’ part is the seasoning for human mind and the ‘practice’ part is the factual life led with help of seasoned mind.
Still confused? I too am. Let me try to dissect my words and put it in an elaborate manner.
I find religion in even the minutest part of life of a Dharmic. It seems to be an indivisible component of life. I find that it is present when a person is born as if it were the soul, I find it when a person grows, as if it were energy, I see it when a person dies, as if it were the destiny. I realize that to a Dharmic, religion is soul, energy and destiny. Like the presence of elements in the body is not known distinctly, presence of religion is not known distinctly in a Dharmic life. Dharmic life is designated with responsibilities corresponding to respective age, profession and society.
I find that the most important and valuable part of Sanatana Dharma is that its philosophies are never closed inside any contours, but are realistic representations of the limitlessness of wisdom and experience. I find openness in its teachings. Thus, this religion nurtures good concepts in one’s life with a neutral mindset. Sanatana Dharma is a discipline than a religion. In general, this is not the religion of just postulations, but a discipline that has evolved over ages and is being practiced as a way of life.
As I find from the scriptures, very naturally, this religion does not force even the acceptance of God to its followers. I am not threatened that I would be punished for not believing the God, in fact on the other hand, I find that the major texts and philosophies therein advice to hold to God in order just to get liberated from earthly materialistic lives. Even those texts and philosophies undergo a very healthy debate. Nothing is unquestionable. Dharmic scriptures, instead of defining the way in which the Dharmics should live, as a very prudent alternative, act as supporting material for the individual to decide the course of life and stand by that.
On going through all these reasons and descriptions on the way of life, I felt I needed a form to concentrate, to worship that one God. I realize that Dharmic’s worship of gods in different forms is an invention of necessity. I am more astonished to observe that the religion is so much intermingled with the lives that Dharmics see God in masculine as well as in feminine forms and also like a family. They affix humanly attributes to Gods to identify the supreme among themselves. According to Sanatana Dharma, religion is not separate from living. It is living itself.
Godliness and its supremacy
Whilst on one hand, my alien thought suggests that this polytheism might be confusing to a layman who is innocent or probably ignorant of Dharmic godliness. Islamic and Christian theologists call this blasphemy - the idolization and polytheism. They feel, idolization demeans and degrades the Supreme Being. To this alien doubt, my student mind sets out on a fact finding mission, again a learning process.
Where do I start questioning myself about the so called polytheism and idolization? Do they really demean and degrade godliness? As a practicing Dharmic, I trust god is supreme, the ultimate sovereign. I believe very characteristics of godliness are beyond human thought process (or atleast of those we feel petty and silly). Underlying this belief and trust, again question myself whether idolization and polytheism demean and degrade god (whomsoever and whatsoever “god” can be)? The first and obvious answer I get as a student is NO. It does not, rather it cannot. My belief and trust teach me that nothing is capable of demeaning or degrading godliness, for, as I earlier said, it is beyond our thought process.
If gods were supreme why do we need an image or an idol to worship? Isn’t a very thought enough? When we idolize gods, don’t we attribute the idol’s good and bad to god who is supposedly free from all these earthly characteristics? The debate continues in me.
To reiterate, we attribute god an image because we need to symbolize something so as to learn about it. For example, when we have a nation, which has a geographical existence, why do we need a flag? Why do we need an anthem and why do we need an emblem? One – it is a common identity to bring together people of similar thoughts; Two – a to preach idealistic attributes that are prescribed to the followers of that similar thought; Three and most important – people of that thought thoroughly believe that those idols, symbols and stories exist or existed, thus giving it a full fledged religious status.
It is this third reason that differentiates any other belief to a religion. A belief in a nation, cult, political party or an activist group does not become religion. Especially, Sanatana Dharma, as it stands tested for few millenniums for its practices of idols and multiple images of gods.
Moreover, it is a very common myth that Dharmics worship idols. Dharmics never worshipped idols, for they worship god and just idolize gods as a matter of convenience in expression. Many Dharmic practices do not use the idols for worship and in fact none of the Vedic rituals involve worship of temple idols. Dharmic practices are never closed to any form of worship, be it Idol, Book, Fire, Light or whatsoever. Essence of it is whatever the medium of worship be, it is a symbol of god, and god is the cause and consequence of such worship.
In that case, what is the need of a million gods? Wouldn’t one suffice?
Sanatana Dharma is an open religion, closed to none and no idea. When we have million attributes of the living world, we have million gods to represent every attribute. Thus, sanctifying every part of living world and worshipping everything that we come across.
I would rather choose to use the word “respecting” instead of “worshipping” in this context. Sanatana Dharma through its practices of multi form worship teaches us mutual respect. Not just respect among fellow humans but also other beings, the nature, flora, fauna and even the non-living things. Sanatana Dharma through its practices preaches self-respect and mutual respect.
To summarize, let me put what being a Dharmic means:
1) You love and respect yourself and do the same to other beings of universe.
2) You believe and trust in the supreme power without an iota of doubt thus believing in your own self.
3) You are entitled to “righteous” rights of self that are preceded by duties to self, family and society; thus denoting your duties towards god.
4) You follow a prescribed way of worship, broad rules of the game prescribed by religious scriptures, saints and teachers. Though breaching them wouldn’t outcaste you from being a dharmic, but adhering to them would help you achieve your goal faster.
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