Life 49 (Nov 25 - Dec 27)

[winston]

Why should we serve the poor, weak and helpless, rather than those who are above or equal to us?

One should be prepared to serve others rather than choose to be served by them.

Moreover, there is nothing meritorious in serving those who are high above us.

For one thing, they can command the services of attendants. Rendering service to those who are in the same position as ourselves is not commendable.

Service should be rendered to those who are worse off than ourselves and who are neglected by the world.

There are three levels of people in the world.

At the highest level are those who may be placed in the category of "Blessed". Those who are in the same stage as ourselves are in the category of "Ordinary People". Those who are poorer than ourselves may be described as "Poor" .

There is no need to render service to one who is "Blessed" as there will be servants to take care of him.

"Ordinary people" is the type of person who is filled with endless desires and is never contented, whatever his accomplishments or earnings. Service to such a person is unnecessary.

It is the weak, the destitute and the helpless. who need to be served. Even in rendering service to such persons, there should be no feeling that we are serving ‘others’.

We should feel that we are serving the Divine who dwells in them.

- Divine Discourse Nov 19, 1987

When service is rendered in a total spirit of dedication, with concentration of thought, word, and deed, the heart gets sanctified.

Source: radiosai.org

[winston]

Why is the knowledge of the Atma (Inner Self) important for everyone?

The sages of India gave up the paths of superficial pomp and temporary security; they sought to gain inner peace and lasting joy.

They discovered that these can be gained only by drawing the sap of life through the roots of one’s own inner reality called Atma (soul).

Though this lesson, which was revealed to them by the Divine, is repeated, elaborated and propagated all these centuries by countless scholars, poets and speakers, very few accept it as the basis of life.

The insect on the wing is snapped up by the frog’s leaping tongue; the frog is caught unawares by the jaws of the snake; the snake is killed by the peacock; the peacock is killed by the hunter.

One living thing is food for another; death lies in wait at every turn of day and night.

Man is stalked ceaselessly by death; it may pounce any moment on its prey. He is not conscious of this companion; he has not learned how to meet him and rob him of the fruits of his exploit.

The Atma does not die; only the body dies. When man knows this, death loses his sting; death is not feared; death is but a welcome voyage into the known harbour.

- Divine Discourse Feb 23, 1968

Be always full of joy so that when death calls, you can quit with a light laugh and not whimper in grief.

Source: radiosai.org

[winston]

What are Bhakti, Karma and Jnana (devotion, action and wisdom)?

What is the aim of human life? What is a man’s duty? It is to discover this truth that He has endowed man with a body to render help to others.

We live in a society, depending on it for our needs. But forgetting what they owe to society, people lead selfish and self-centred lives.

Service to society is the primary karma (duty). Concern for the welfare of all is bhakti (devotion).

“Let all people be happy.” Awareness of this feeling is jnana (true knowledge).

Without recognising the duty to serve society, without concern for the welfare of society, how can the all-encompassing desire for the happiness of all, which is devotion, arise in anyone?

These three are intimately related like a flower, tender fruit and ripe fruit.

The fruit of devotion confers the wisdom which eliminates differences. Devotion is a fragment of the Divine. Without devotion, awareness of the Divine cannot be experienced.

Equally, devotion without consciousness of the Divine can only breed egoism.

- Divine Discourse Aug 21, 1994

You are all caskets of divine love; share it, spread it. Express that love in acts of service, words of sympathy and thoughts of compassion.

Source: radiosai.org

[winston]

What are the different expressions of Bhakti (Devotion)?

Bhakti (devotion) denotes a feeling of friendship, coupled with awe.

For one who is a creature of the gunas (satva, rajas, tamas), to understand what transcends the gunas, an attitude of humility and reverence is required.

“Bhaja Sevayam” (worship the Divine through Seva). Bhakti calls for utilising the mind, speech, and body, and the three gunas, to worship Him.

Devotion and love, are inseparable and interdependent.

Bhakti is the means to salvation. Love is the expression of bhakti.

Another view of bhakti is the concentration of the mind on the Divine and experiencing oneness with the Divine.

Although many sages have expressed different views about the nature of bhakti, the basic characteristic of devotion is love.

- Divine Discourse Oct 08, 1986

Among all forms of Sadhana (spiritual practices), Bhakti (devotion) is the easiest and holiest.

Source: radiosai.org