The purpose of human birth is realized only, when an individual gains spiritual knowledge, which puts an end to rebirth. Self –realization is the ultimate purpose of our existence here and it should be achieved before we leave this world. Liberation is not only the fruit of spiritual quest but also attainment of metal peace and eternal joy, even while living in this world. Remember always- human birth is a rare opportunity given to us by the Almighty, GOD and one should strive to realize this goal in this life, without wasting it just in materialistic pursuits. The first step towards reorienting oneself to this objective is to develop discrimination between what is essential, important and permanent what is not in life. This enables the seeker to remain focused, when his mind is swayed by sensory attractions of this world. The truth is only very people developed the urge to strive for liberation. In ‘’Bhagavan Gita’’ (song of God), Lord Krishna clearly mentioned, "Hardly one among thousands of men strives to realize Me’’. He also stated that ‘’of those striving Yogis (devoted persons), again, some rare one (devoting himself exclusively to God), knows Me in reality’’. This hard fact is difficult to swallow and also depressing, but this should be taken in the right spirit, for it is not to dissuade a person from striving for liberation, that the lord has said this. It is to reinforce that one that develops even some interest in spiritual life, must consider himself lucky enough and to strive more seriously. Many spiritual seekers start earnestly, but with so many distractions in worldly life, get diverted along the line. Hence the determination to persist till the end must be realized, seriously. Man should desire only that which would give him eternal joy-knowledge that liberates. It is such one pointed passion for realizing the objective that can bestow success in spiritual life. After training the mind to be discriminative, the spiritual aspirant must understand the nature of the ‘’Supreme Being’’. Bliss is different from happiness. Material … [Read more...]
Satya Sai Teachings on Discipline
“May all the worlds be happy’’ is the prayer echoing from the Vedas (scriptures) through centuries. Due to the degenerate time—spirit today, self –interest has polluted the thoughts, words and deeds of man. There is also development of selfish love in man...so man needs some valuable teaching. Satya Sai Baba preaches us like this: One has to discipline his spirit by observing two ways: 1. Yama2. Niyama. 1. Yama: It again consists of 5 practices. 1. Ahisa (non-violence): This means avoiding causing harm to any one by thought, word and deed.2. Sathya (truth): This relates not only to what is factually correct, but what is true for all time. Moreover one should speak in such a way, his words be both pleasing and beneficial to others. 3. Astheyam (non-stealing): Under any circumstances and under any kind of compulsion, one should not steal another’s property. 4. Brahmacharya (continence): calls for the complete eschewing of all bad actions and constantly in the contemplation of GOD. In practical life, this means dedicating our thoughts, our speech all our actions to Divine.5. Aparigraha (not receiving anything from others): The Upanishads have regarded acquiring things from others (bribes) is sinful. The cultivation of restraint in accepting things from others is good. 2. NIYAM: It also consists of 5 practices: 1. Soucham (purity): Both internal and external purity is essential in man’s life. 2. TAPAS (AUSTERITY): To get rid of evil thoughts passions and to fill the mind with sacred feelings is real penance. 3. Santhosam (contentment): Satisfy oneself is highly essential. 4. Study of scriptures: Get rid of the impurities in the mind by studying the sacred books like ‘BHAGAVADGEETHA’, Brahma Sutras, etc. 5. Offering to the LORD: All actions that we do should please to GOD. When Yama and Niyama , are practiced in this manner, you will be simultaneously pursing four goals in life, that are: 1. Righteousness 2. Earning wealth lawfully 3. Having right … [Read more...]
