Sri Sathya Sai International Organization

The Avatars come to teach humanity the principle of oneness so that they may get rid of the idea of diversity and manifest their inherent divinity, realizing their basic spiritual nature.

There is a fire within a piece of firewood. It is only when the fire latent in it is brought out that it can be used for cooking. Likewise, everybody is like a piece of firewood. The atmic principle is latent within it; to make it manifest, you must practice love. Just as you must strike a matchbox to produce fire, love has to merge in love to experience the divine.

I am always in a state of bliss. Happiness is the very nature of the divine. What is the use of lamenting over anything? All things are passing clouds. Nothing lasts. Why, then, bewail over any loss? You should not bother about them. This is the teaching of the Avatar. Don't feel distressed over anything that may happen. Every pain is followed by some pleasure. Pleasure is an interval between two pains. It is on this basis that you should lead your lives.

We are unable to gain control over the mind because of these six inner enemies (desire, anger, greed, attachment, pride and jealousy) coming our way. Is it not a fact that even the bright light of the moon on a full moon night is not visible if the clouds come in its way? The moment the clouds move away, the moon is visible. Similarly, you must constantly repeat the name of God (namasmarana) to drive away the clouds of these six inner enemies.

Search for bliss (Ananda), the bliss that emanates from love with no blemish of attachment. Be like bees hovering on the flower of the glory of the Lord, sucking the sweet nectar of grace silently and joyfully.

It is not possible to worship the formless absolute. Hence, the Rama Avatar appeared in human form to enable humanity to experience the formless in a form that is accessible and helpful to them. An Avatar assumes the form that is beneficial to and within the reach of human beings.

Among the qualities that make up a flawless character, love, patience, forbearance, steadfastness, and charity are the highest and must be revered. The hundred little deeds that we do every day become habits. These habits shape our intelligence and mold our outlook and life.

The repetition of the Lord's name (namasmarana) is the primary means of one's liberation in Kali Yuga. Since the people of Kali Yuga do not have the strength and capability to carry out rigorous spiritual practices, they have been advised to repeat the Lord’s name (namasmarana). In Kali Yuga, there is no other means more effective than the chanting of the divine name for liberation.

Only God is your true friend, who has no trace of selfishness and always helps you under all circumstances. Have firm conviction that God always helps and never hurts anyone. Whether in the forest or the sky, in a city, a village, at the top of a hill, or in the middle of a river, God is always with you, in you, and around you.

Today is Ugadi, the beginning of the New Year. Since ancient times, humanity has celebrated many Ugadis but has yet to give up their bad qualities. True Ugadi is when one gives up bad qualities, fills one's heart with love, and takes the path of sacrifice.

Be pleasant to everyone; let everyone be pleased with you. Do not hurt or harm by thought, word, and deed. Purify your heart; cleanse it of narrow selfishness. Bring any number of flowers and do worship (puja) with them. All will be rejected, and none accepted. Bring a single lotus, your heart, so fresh; Sathya Sai accepts and grants love and peace. Offer your virtues as flowers, virtues that spread beauty and fragrance. Offer your heart-lotus freed from insects and pests like lust, anger, and hate.

The individual's effort is but half the pursuit; the other half is the grace of God. People fulfill themselves by self-effort as well as divine blessings; the fulfillment takes them across the dark ocean of dualities to the immanent and transcendent One.

To experience the divine, one must perform good deeds. The divine is present in every being as consciousness (Chaithanya). This consciousness is also described as Sath-Chit-Ananda (Being-Awareness-Bliss). Sath means truth, that which is true and unchanging in all categories of time - past, present, and future. Truth can be cognized only by truth. Chit means total awareness. To have total awareness, you must have a comprehensive vision. You must have complete love to get that vision.

Dedicate your hands to the service of humankind. Jesus teaches infinite love and compassion. To manifest love and compassion, you must get rid of jealousy and selfishness and purify your hearts. Earn the true mercy of Jesus. Follow the path shown by Him and reach the position He holds.