What should we figure out before time runs out on us in this lifetime?
Man today is unable to understand what is life, what is its goal, what is one's duty and what should be one's aim.
Time is moving fast like a whirlwind. Man's allotted span of life is melting every moment like a block of ice. Man's life ends even before he is aware of his duty.
What is his duty? Every individual has some aspirations, some ideals to be realised and some sacred paths to be trodden. He makes no effort to pursue these aims.
What is the goal and purpose of one's life, what is its secret?
Man hardly puts these questions to himself. He is content to devote himself to sensuous pleasures. This is not what he should do; it is not the aim of life.
Every individual should manifest a divine ideal in one’s life. This ideal should absorb one’s entire life and activities.
- Divine Discourse Aug 18, 1995.
For what purpose has the Divine given us this body? It is only for dedicating it in the service of the Divine.
Source: radiosai.org
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Life 46 (Aug 23 - May 24)
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Mon Aug 21, 2023 7:53 am
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
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winston - Billionaire Boss
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Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Tue Aug 22, 2023 6:52 am
How can worshipping and adoring a limited form or object, help us gain grace from the Divine who is beyond all limits?
Many people slander image worship but its basis is really one’s capacity, to see the macrocosm in the microcosm.
The value of image worship is testified by experience; it doesn’t depend on one’s imaginative faculty.
What is found in the form of the Divine is also found, undiminished and unalloyed, in the image form.
Images serve the same purpose as metaphors and similes in poetry. They illustrate, amplify and clarify.
Joy comes not through the shape of things but through the relationship established. Not any child but her child makes the mother happy. So also with each one and with all things.
With each and everything in the universe, if one establishes that kinship, that Divine love then truly an overpowering joy can be experienced! Only those who have felt it can understand!
- Ch 20, Prema Vahini.
You cannot avoid idol worship until you have experience of the Divine within you.
Source: radiosai.org
Many people slander image worship but its basis is really one’s capacity, to see the macrocosm in the microcosm.
The value of image worship is testified by experience; it doesn’t depend on one’s imaginative faculty.
What is found in the form of the Divine is also found, undiminished and unalloyed, in the image form.
Images serve the same purpose as metaphors and similes in poetry. They illustrate, amplify and clarify.
Joy comes not through the shape of things but through the relationship established. Not any child but her child makes the mother happy. So also with each one and with all things.
With each and everything in the universe, if one establishes that kinship, that Divine love then truly an overpowering joy can be experienced! Only those who have felt it can understand!
- Ch 20, Prema Vahini.
You cannot avoid idol worship until you have experience of the Divine within you.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
-
winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Tue Aug 22, 2023 6:52 am
How can worshipping and adoring a limited form or object, help us gain grace from the Divine who is beyond all limits?
Many people slander image worship but its basis is really one’s capacity, to see the macrocosm in the microcosm.
The value of image worship is testified by experience; it doesn’t depend on one’s imaginative faculty.
What is found in the form of the Divine is also found, undiminished and unalloyed, in the image form.
Images serve the same purpose as metaphors and similes in poetry. They illustrate, amplify and clarify.
Joy comes not through the shape of things but through the relationship established. Not any child but her child makes the mother happy. So also with each one and with all things.
With each and everything in the universe, if one establishes that kinship, that Divine love then truly an overpowering joy can be experienced! Only those who have felt it can understand!
- Ch 20, Prema Vahini.
You cannot avoid idol worship until you have experience of the Divine within you.
Source: radiosai.org
Many people slander image worship but its basis is really one’s capacity, to see the macrocosm in the microcosm.
The value of image worship is testified by experience; it doesn’t depend on one’s imaginative faculty.
What is found in the form of the Divine is also found, undiminished and unalloyed, in the image form.
Images serve the same purpose as metaphors and similes in poetry. They illustrate, amplify and clarify.
Joy comes not through the shape of things but through the relationship established. Not any child but her child makes the mother happy. So also with each one and with all things.
With each and everything in the universe, if one establishes that kinship, that Divine love then truly an overpowering joy can be experienced! Only those who have felt it can understand!
- Ch 20, Prema Vahini.
You cannot avoid idol worship until you have experience of the Divine within you.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
-
winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Wed Aug 23, 2023 10:36 am
What is the purpose of a Divine incarnation?
People believe that incarnations of the Divine happen for only two reasons: punishment of the wicked and protection of the righteous. But these represent only one aspect of the task.
Granting of peace and joy, of a sense of fulfilment to seekers who have striven long — this too is His task!
The Avatar, or The Form Incarnate, is only the concretization of the yearning of seekers. It is the solidified sweetness of the devotion of aspirants. The Formless assumes the form for the sake of these aspirants and seekers. They are the prime cause.
The cow secretes milk for the sustenance of the calf. That is the chief beneficiary. But, as we see, others also benefit from that milk.
So too, though the devotees are the prime cause and their joy and sustenance the prime purpose, other incidental benefits also accrue, such as the fostering of dharma, the suppression of evil, and the overwhelming of the wicked.
- Ch 1, Bhagavatha Vahini
Devotees imagine they are searching for the Divine. This is not true. It is Him who is in search of devotees.
Source: radiosai.org
People believe that incarnations of the Divine happen for only two reasons: punishment of the wicked and protection of the righteous. But these represent only one aspect of the task.
Granting of peace and joy, of a sense of fulfilment to seekers who have striven long — this too is His task!
The Avatar, or The Form Incarnate, is only the concretization of the yearning of seekers. It is the solidified sweetness of the devotion of aspirants. The Formless assumes the form for the sake of these aspirants and seekers. They are the prime cause.
The cow secretes milk for the sustenance of the calf. That is the chief beneficiary. But, as we see, others also benefit from that milk.
So too, though the devotees are the prime cause and their joy and sustenance the prime purpose, other incidental benefits also accrue, such as the fostering of dharma, the suppression of evil, and the overwhelming of the wicked.
- Ch 1, Bhagavatha Vahini
Devotees imagine they are searching for the Divine. This is not true. It is Him who is in search of devotees.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
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winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Thu Aug 24, 2023 7:39 am
Who or what is responsible for the troubles we endure in our life?
Everything is based on man's thoughts, which find expression in external forms - a reflection of one’s inner being. This can be illustrated by a simple example.
When one wants to build a house, he plans in advance how the different rooms should be located. These ideals are later incorporated in blue prints. The thoughts come first and then they are given concrete forms.
Similarly, when you want to write a letter, you first think of what you should write and then commence to write. Thoughts lead to action.
There can be no action without firm thoughts. Hence, it is essential to entertain sacred thoughts.
Everyone should realise that all the sorrows and miseries of modern man, are due to his bad thoughts.
Every man thinks that someone else is responsible for his troubles. This is not so. You alone are responsible for the good and evil that befalls you. You blame others because of your weakness.
- Divine Discourse Aug 18, 1995.
To diminish the wanderings of your thoughts, repeat the name of the Divine; that will keep out your sorrows and troubles.
Source: radiosai.org
Everything is based on man's thoughts, which find expression in external forms - a reflection of one’s inner being. This can be illustrated by a simple example.
When one wants to build a house, he plans in advance how the different rooms should be located. These ideals are later incorporated in blue prints. The thoughts come first and then they are given concrete forms.
Similarly, when you want to write a letter, you first think of what you should write and then commence to write. Thoughts lead to action.
There can be no action without firm thoughts. Hence, it is essential to entertain sacred thoughts.
Everyone should realise that all the sorrows and miseries of modern man, are due to his bad thoughts.
Every man thinks that someone else is responsible for his troubles. This is not so. You alone are responsible for the good and evil that befalls you. You blame others because of your weakness.
- Divine Discourse Aug 18, 1995.
To diminish the wanderings of your thoughts, repeat the name of the Divine; that will keep out your sorrows and troubles.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
-
winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Fri Aug 25, 2023 2:00 pm
What is the principle of oneness we must contemplate upon and how must it express?
The Divine is above and beyond the limits of time and space. He is beyond all characteristics and qualities and no list can describe Him fully.
For Him, all beings are equal. The difference between man, beast, bird, worm, insect, and even a divine being, is but a difference of the ‘vessel’.
The Divine is like the electric current that flows through various contrivances and expresses itself in many different activities. There is no distinction in the current; it’s the same.
To speak of it as different is to reveal one’s ignorance. So too, one single Divine activates every vessel and gives rise to manifold consequences.
The wise see only one uniform current; ignorant feel that they are all distinct. He appreciates the consciousness of unity as the basic motive of acts. He doesn’t appreciate activity itself being one without variety; variety suits various needs.
- Ch 1, Bhagavatha Vahini.
The same Divine shines in and through everyone, whatever be the creed, colour, tribe or territory.
Source: radiosai.org
The Divine is above and beyond the limits of time and space. He is beyond all characteristics and qualities and no list can describe Him fully.
For Him, all beings are equal. The difference between man, beast, bird, worm, insect, and even a divine being, is but a difference of the ‘vessel’.
The Divine is like the electric current that flows through various contrivances and expresses itself in many different activities. There is no distinction in the current; it’s the same.
To speak of it as different is to reveal one’s ignorance. So too, one single Divine activates every vessel and gives rise to manifold consequences.
The wise see only one uniform current; ignorant feel that they are all distinct. He appreciates the consciousness of unity as the basic motive of acts. He doesn’t appreciate activity itself being one without variety; variety suits various needs.
- Ch 1, Bhagavatha Vahini.
The same Divine shines in and through everyone, whatever be the creed, colour, tribe or territory.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
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winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Sat Aug 26, 2023 7:51 am
How should the mind and senses be steered, to lead us to peace?
Many ideas take shape in the human heart, wandering to the very ends of the eight directions. Some are mutually supporting; some mutually destructive. But they must all be canalized and disciplined to subserve some high purpose. You must have the cleverness needed for this canalization.
It is not merely cleverness in the use of external things; it lies more in the control and subjugation of the mental faculties - this is essential for the blossoming of the Atma (Inner-Self).
For understanding the faculties of your own mind, you must move with elders experienced in that line or work towards sublimation of the vagaries of the mind.
Until you intelligently fix upon a certain direction for all your thoughts and activities, you will only be building shadowy castles in the air and roaming about in them.
Even your senses will be pursuing contradictory paths and distracting your attention to such an extent that you cannot easily come to a decision regarding the ideal. They make you feel that their paths are the best.
But you should always strive to change the course of the senses and the imagination to subjects and desires that are conducive to the ideal, whatever the difficulty and however serious the crisis. That is the sign of real intelligence; that is the road to real peace.
- Ch 22, Prasanthi Vahini.
Although the body, mind and Atma (Inner-Self) have different names and characteristics, their harmonisation and unification, help man to raise himself from the human to the divine level.
Source: radiosai.org
Many ideas take shape in the human heart, wandering to the very ends of the eight directions. Some are mutually supporting; some mutually destructive. But they must all be canalized and disciplined to subserve some high purpose. You must have the cleverness needed for this canalization.
It is not merely cleverness in the use of external things; it lies more in the control and subjugation of the mental faculties - this is essential for the blossoming of the Atma (Inner-Self).
For understanding the faculties of your own mind, you must move with elders experienced in that line or work towards sublimation of the vagaries of the mind.
Until you intelligently fix upon a certain direction for all your thoughts and activities, you will only be building shadowy castles in the air and roaming about in them.
Even your senses will be pursuing contradictory paths and distracting your attention to such an extent that you cannot easily come to a decision regarding the ideal. They make you feel that their paths are the best.
But you should always strive to change the course of the senses and the imagination to subjects and desires that are conducive to the ideal, whatever the difficulty and however serious the crisis. That is the sign of real intelligence; that is the road to real peace.
- Ch 22, Prasanthi Vahini.
Although the body, mind and Atma (Inner-Self) have different names and characteristics, their harmonisation and unification, help man to raise himself from the human to the divine level.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
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winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Sun Aug 27, 2023 7:16 am
Why should we train ourselves with deep discipline on spiritual practices?
Training is essential even for the proper pursuit of sense pleasure, for it is the wild untrained search for such pleasure that promotes anger, hatred, envy, malice and conceit.
To train the senses along salutary lines and to hold them under control, certain good disciplines like repetition of the name (japa), meditation (dhyana), fasts (upavasa), worship at dawn and dusk, etc. are essential.
But however much their value is praised and their practice recommended, people don’t develop a taste for them.
This is because the desire for sensory pleasure has struck deep roots in the human heart. When one is asked to do spiritually salutary acts, one has no inner prompting at all. Still, one shouldn’t give up in despair.
Until the taste sprouts, the disciplines have to be strictly followed. This taste is the result of training. No one has it from the very beginning but constant practice will create the zest!
- Ch 1, Bhagavatha Vahini.
The mind must be progressively turned towards the Divine until it merges in Him.
Source: radiosai.org
Training is essential even for the proper pursuit of sense pleasure, for it is the wild untrained search for such pleasure that promotes anger, hatred, envy, malice and conceit.
To train the senses along salutary lines and to hold them under control, certain good disciplines like repetition of the name (japa), meditation (dhyana), fasts (upavasa), worship at dawn and dusk, etc. are essential.
But however much their value is praised and their practice recommended, people don’t develop a taste for them.
This is because the desire for sensory pleasure has struck deep roots in the human heart. When one is asked to do spiritually salutary acts, one has no inner prompting at all. Still, one shouldn’t give up in despair.
Until the taste sprouts, the disciplines have to be strictly followed. This taste is the result of training. No one has it from the very beginning but constant practice will create the zest!
- Ch 1, Bhagavatha Vahini.
The mind must be progressively turned towards the Divine until it merges in Him.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
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winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Tue Aug 29, 2023 7:42 am
What is the significance of a festival and what is it we can learn from it?
An emperor recognised that not a blade of grass moves without the power of the Divine.
"No one knows the supreme power of His will. He permeates everything in the cosmos from an ant to Brahman. Men are ignorant of this truth," he declared.
The emperor surrendered himself totally to the Divine. Under his reign, all subjects were happy and led holy lives.
Saddened by the thought of having to go away from his people, he told them, "Dear people! I can’t be without you and you can’t be without me. Every year I shall appear before you and give you joy." One particular festival was the day on which the emperor fulfils his promise.
Waking up early in the morning, taking a bath, wearing new dresses and worshipping the Divine marks this celebrations.
What is the significance of wearing new clothes (Vastra)? Vastra is one of the names for the heart. Wearing new Vastra (clothes) means purifying the heart. When the heart is pure, the Divine elects to dwell in it.
There is no meaning in wearing new garments if the heart remains impure. Hence, the heart must be kept pure.
- Divine Discourse, Sep 05, 1995.
To the self-sacrificing devotee, the Divine will be Omnipresent.
Source: radiosai.org
An emperor recognised that not a blade of grass moves without the power of the Divine.
"No one knows the supreme power of His will. He permeates everything in the cosmos from an ant to Brahman. Men are ignorant of this truth," he declared.
The emperor surrendered himself totally to the Divine. Under his reign, all subjects were happy and led holy lives.
Saddened by the thought of having to go away from his people, he told them, "Dear people! I can’t be without you and you can’t be without me. Every year I shall appear before you and give you joy." One particular festival was the day on which the emperor fulfils his promise.
Waking up early in the morning, taking a bath, wearing new dresses and worshipping the Divine marks this celebrations.
What is the significance of wearing new clothes (Vastra)? Vastra is one of the names for the heart. Wearing new Vastra (clothes) means purifying the heart. When the heart is pure, the Divine elects to dwell in it.
There is no meaning in wearing new garments if the heart remains impure. Hence, the heart must be kept pure.
- Divine Discourse, Sep 05, 1995.
To the self-sacrificing devotee, the Divine will be Omnipresent.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
-
winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
Re: Life 45 (Jan 23 - Dec 24)
by winston » Wed Aug 30, 2023 10:27 am
What is the important lesson we should learn from an Emperor on how to please the Divine?
The Flower to be offered to the Divine, is a pure heart, free from all taints and evil tendencies like lust, anger and pride.
The fruit to be offered, is a mind free from all bad thoughts and feelings. It should be filled with the sweet juice of goodness.
The water that should be offered to the Divine, is the water that flows from eyes out of joy in experiencing the Divine.
Tears are of two kinds: tears born of grief resulting from attachments and tears spontaneously arising from Ananda (blissful experience of the Divine).
Make the Divine your life-breath, the sweetness of your existence. It was with such sacred feelings that an Emperor offered himself to the Divine, who appeared as an Avatar.
People make all kinds of offerings to the Divine. The greatest of them all is to offer oneself. That’s exactly what an Emperor did.
He declared- "Oh Lord! I am offering to You, the heart which You gave me. What else can I offer You? Please accept my offering at Your feet." The Emperor Bali is such an example of supreme sacrifice. Thus he pleased the Divine!
- Divine Discourse, Sep 05, 1995.
Love is selflessness; Selfishness is Lovelessness.
Source: radiosai.org
The Flower to be offered to the Divine, is a pure heart, free from all taints and evil tendencies like lust, anger and pride.
The fruit to be offered, is a mind free from all bad thoughts and feelings. It should be filled with the sweet juice of goodness.
The water that should be offered to the Divine, is the water that flows from eyes out of joy in experiencing the Divine.
Tears are of two kinds: tears born of grief resulting from attachments and tears spontaneously arising from Ananda (blissful experience of the Divine).
Make the Divine your life-breath, the sweetness of your existence. It was with such sacred feelings that an Emperor offered himself to the Divine, who appeared as an Avatar.
People make all kinds of offerings to the Divine. The greatest of them all is to offer oneself. That’s exactly what an Emperor did.
He declared- "Oh Lord! I am offering to You, the heart which You gave me. What else can I offer You? Please accept my offering at Your feet." The Emperor Bali is such an example of supreme sacrifice. Thus he pleased the Divine!
- Divine Discourse, Sep 05, 1995.
Love is selflessness; Selfishness is Lovelessness.
Source: radiosai.org
It's all about "how much you made when you were right" & "how little you lost when you were wrong"
-
winston - Billionaire Boss
- Posts: 114862
- Joined: Wed May 07, 2008 9:28 am
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