The Treasure of Life
The holy festival of Easter is celebrated by Christians around the world. At this time, followers of Jesus remember with deep gratitude the sacrifice of His life on the cross and celebrate His resurrection three days later.
Jesus was crucified on a Friday and He rose from the tomb on a Sunday. That is why Sunday is taken as a day of worship and service in churches.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 25, December 25, 1992
What inspiration can we take which will enhance our spiritual journey today? There are many sublime teachings we can take from the life of Jesus and one of many truths He taught was the sacredness of life. This teaching has been highlighted by Sathya Sai Baba who acknowledged throughout His discourses the significance of the life and ministry of Jesus. In the following quote, Sathya Sai Baba gives us a deeper insight into the real nature of humanity and also the recognition of the true nature of Jesus:
The Romans addressed Jesus as ”persona”meaning one of sacredness. The English word person has been derived from this. It means that there is Divinity in everyone. That is why I address you as embodiments of Divinity. I and you are one. There is Divine spirit in everybody. The very self is called “persona”. There is no life principle without Divinity. Sarvatah Panipadam Tat Sarvathokshi Siromukham, Sarvata Sruthimalloke Sarvamavruthya Thisthati (with hands, feet, eyes heads, mouth and ears pervading everything, He permeates the entire universe). Divinity pervades all forms. The Bible and the Quoran contain many sacred teachings. But foolish people who do not understand their teachings are taking to wrong ways.
Discourse, December 12, 2001
Thinking deeply on this teaching enables us to understand that every person is sacred and that each human life is sacred, given to us to live with gratitude, courage, love, forgiveness and reverence. The example of the life and death of Jesus shows the way for us to value the life of ourselves and others. Jesus wished well not only for those who loved Him, but also those who hated Him. The great spiritual teachers remind us that one of the great challenges in life is to rise above those who deride and injure us—to retain our faith in human goodness. Jesus won this holy struggle, demonstrated even when on the cross, as He took His last breath:
Jesus pleaded that those who were crucifying Him be pardoned, for they knew not what they did. Jesus sacrificed Himself for the sake of mankind.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 14, December 12, 1978
Both Jesus and also Sathya Sai Baba have taught repeatedly and in many different ways that life is to be treasured and lived for the purpose of realising our Divinity, constantly aware of the precious goal of life. Both taught that the road of the spiritual pilgrim is narrow and difficult. It is a great challenge to live as Jesus did, practising forgiveness and giving love:
Purify the mind and direct it towards the righteous path.
It is a straight and narrow path.
In the spiritual field there is no royal highway.
The path is narrow because the goal is infinitely precious.
Crowds swarm a fish market, but only a few go to a diamond shop.
The road to God is for the few who are genuine spiritual aspirants.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 27, December 25, 1994
Sathya Sai Baba has said that every saint and prophet who has worked for the upliftment of truth, opening others to the splendour of God relieving the suffering of the poor and the downtrodden has had to be willing to make the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus Christ made that sacrifice.
However, despite the narrowness of the road and the difficulties we encounter, Sathya Sai Baba has given us a great treasure by showing us how we can move along the path of life, confident that we will reach our destination.
Life is a pilgrimage where man drags his feet along the rough and thorny road. With the name of God on his lips, he will have no thirst; with the form of God in his heart, he will feel no exhaustion. The company of the holy will inspire him to travel in hope and faith. The assurance that God is within call, that He is ever near, will lend strength to his limbs and courage to his eye.
Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 7