~~~Sai BABA WORDS OF WISDOM~~~
"The world is as you see it. Due to my own mind, I can see others as my own Self or I can see them as my enemies. In fact, an ordinary person always sees his own state everywhere. Awake, asleep, you don't see anything as it truly is, you see only your own state. Only when you wake up from that ordinary state, you experience reality, you experience love, and you experience Rama. That is the natural state of samadhi. It is filled with love, filled with divinity. This is the state in which you see your own Self everywhere." Swami Muktananda Paramhamsa (SYDA Foundation: Weekly contemplation series)
It could be argued that there are more Christians and Muslims in the world today than there were during the lifetimes of Christ and Mohammed and that, therefore, a mere numerical increase in followers is no yardstick for judging the merit or otherwise of a teacher or prophet. What must needs to be pointed out in this context is that what Sai Baba of Shirdi began was not a new religious movement, nor did he ever seek to wean a devotee away from the faith into which he was born (or belonged). On the contrary, he expressly disapproved of proselytization or "getting yourself a new father" as he once called it. He constantly exhorted his devotees not to deprecate the religious practices and precepts of those whose beliefs differed from their own - Perin S. Bharucha in "Sai Baba of Shirdi"
Look at the crane - it walks about pretty fast in water. But, during that walk, it cannot catch any fish. It must, for that purpose, become slow and quiet and stand motionless. So also, if one proceeds with greed, anger and other evil qualities, one cannot secure the fish of truth, love and peace. You must chant the Name of the Lord. Then, you will surely overcome the natural traits of greed and anger. Hold on to the Lord as the Universal Goal and make Him the destination of your life's journey. Practice control of speech and constant contemplation of the Lord. Then you will be able to subdue your mind that makes you restless, and gradually you will be filled with all the good qualities!
