By when Swami spoke
The days in the order Swami first spoke the words, a decade at a time.
The 1950s
- From Swami’s discourse of 1953Two Lessons in the Curriculum of the WorldYou proceed from ‘death’ to ‘life’ and from ‘illness’ to ‘health’ by the experience of the buffetings of the world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1955Yoked to the World and BrokenBhakti and shraddha (devotion and faith) are the two oars, with which you can take the boat across the sea of worldly life (samsara).
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 February 1958Keep the Bulb ConnectedReading is not enough; you may master all the commentaries and you may be able to argue and discuss with great scholars about these texts, but without attempting to practice what they teach, it is a waste of time.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 February 1958Tolerance Founded on the ĀtmaThe cultivation of viveka (discrimination) is the chief aim of education; the promotion of virtuous habits, the strengthening of dharma - these are to be attended to, not the acquisition of polish or gentlemanliness, or the collection of general information and the practice of common skills.
The 1960s
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 December 1960The Thirst for UnionCome to Me, eager to learn, to progress, to see yourself in Me, and I shall certainly welcome you and show you the way.
- From Swami’s discourse of 26 October 1961Beyond Father and Mother: The Lord as One’s Own SelfTake the Lord to be your father or mother, but only as the first step towards transcending that relationship and merging in the absolute!
- From Swami’s discourse of 26 October 1961Know What Pleases HimCleanse your mind of all animal and primitive impulses, which have shaped it from birth to birth.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 March 1962The Name, the Well and the Water of PremaRemember the name of the Lord, even associate it with the form, and have that form fixed in the mind’s eye.
- From Swami’s discourse of February 1963Eating the Old HarvestDo not grieve that the Lord is testing you and putting you to the ordeal of undergoing them.
- From Swami’s discourse of February 1963A Heart Polished Like a MirrorA great painter once came to a Prince and offered to do a fresco on the palace wall; behind him came another, who declared that he would paint on the wall opposite, whatever painting the first one drew, even if a curtain hid it from view and even if he was not told the subject of the fresco!
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 August 1963Drinking the Juice Through the Straw of the SensesThe indriyas (senses) may be used for the purpose of increasing spiritual anandam (bliss).
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 September 1963Become the FluteThe body becomes healthy by exercise and work; the mind becomes healthy by upasana (devout contemplation) and namasmarana (remembrance of the Divine), by regular, well-planned discipline, joyfully accepted and joyfully carried out.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 December 1963The Yajña That Became a BattleThe first step in spiritual training is to curb the Ichha shakti (power of desires), which prompts the senses to pursue objects.
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 February 1964The Two Constables Called I and MineLook upon joy and grief as teachers of courage and balance.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 July 1965The Fountain of Joy WithinThe charavakas (the materialists) argued that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 October 1965The Five DsThe body is the temple of God; He is resident in the heart; buddhi (intelligence) is the lamp lit in that altar; now, every gust of wind that blows through the windows of the senses affects the flame of the lamp and dulls its light, threatening even to put it out.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 October 1965The Bundle That Was a BearLike the poor villager who jumped into the flood to salvage a bundle of rugs which was really a bear being carried along by the raging waters, and found that the bundle caught hold of him so tight that he could not escape, man too jumps in, to retrieve what he considers a treasure, but is himself caught and bound.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 October 1965Expansion Is LoveYou must expand your love to as wide a circle as possible.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 July 1966Fanning the Flame of DiscontentMost men spend the lifetime allotted to them or earned by them in the partaking of rich but harmful food and drink and indulge in glamorous but more harmful pastimes.
- From Swami’s discourse of December 1966Kith and Kin of God, Not a Wage-EarnerGain, gain; that seems to be the refrain of life in every activity of man.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 July 1967Letting Go Is the Greatest ĀnandaWhen man realises the inefficiency of the senses, the mind, and the intellect to grapple with the Reality and know the inner core of his truth, he discovers he is the Atma, which is Sathya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema!
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 July 1967The Sweet Fruit Within the Bitter PeelGod is Premaswarupa (Embodiment of Love); God is in every being; so the fruit of every life is full of the sweetness of that Prema.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 July 1967The Serpent in the Lake of the MindAmong all the wondrous adventures that astounded people during Krishna’s childhood, which revealed to them the Divinity that had come among them, the Kalinga episode is the most meaningful.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 July 1967The Name Uttered with PremaMan is an amalgam of humanity, animality, and Divinity.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 February 1968The Voyage into the Known HarbourThe sages of India gave up the paths of superficial pomp and temporary security; they sought to gain inner peace and lasting joy.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 February 1969Many Paths, One GoalThe glory and majesty of the Lord are imminent in the universe, as a fragrance in the air, as heat in the fire, or as butter in milk.
- From Swami’s discourse of 10 May 1969Soften the Heart, Reach the WaterWhen there is hard rock below, you have to bore deeper for tapping the underground perennial pure water.
- From Swami’s discourse of 10 May 1969The Fire Latent in the WoodGod is not an external contrivance or convenience like the air cooler.
- From Swami’s discourse of 29 July 1969The Strong Breeze of PremaGuru Poornima is a name full of meaning.
The 1970s
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 March 1970The Stone of DisciplineThe snake gourd is apt to grow crooked if left alone.
- From Swami’s discourse of 4 March 1970The Purpose for Which You Have ComeWhy have you come such long distances, braving all the expenses and troubles of the journey?
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 March 1970Rāma or KāmaRavana was the mightiest monarch of his day, as Valmiki describes him.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 February 1971Understanding Before PracticePeople who go about this land will notice the large concourses that attend temples, partake in bhajan and namasankirtan where the glory of God is sung with demonstrative enthusiasm, and mill around venerable personalities who preach and teach the ways of God, and they infer that this is a sacred land full of pious individuals who tread the pilgrim path to Divinity.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 February 1971Fix Your Love on Its SourceWhen love is directed towards things that cater to the senses or bodily happiness, it will dry up when they fail or disappoint.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 February 1971The Tendril That Clings Only to GodLove should not be rationed on the basis of caste, creed, or economic status or intellectual attainment of the recipient.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 February 1971Hand the Keys to the CharioteerGod is all-powerful; God is everywhere; God is all-knowing.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 December 1971The Sweet Juice the Ātma ConfersElectricity is found everywhere in nature; but it can be collected, stored and utilised only through certain contrivances designed by man.
- From Summer Showers, 1972The Mirror Turned Towards the SunThe sun shines brilliantly when there is no obstruction, but when we build a house and fit it with doors and windows and close all of them, there is only darkness, but no light inside that house.
- From Summer Showers, 1972, chapter 21The Gold and the ClodScientists, especially those belonging to the geological department, know this very well.
- From Summer Showers, 1972, chapter 21Not in Quest of FoodSome argue that man is born just for the gratification of his senses.
- From Summer Showers, 1972, chapter 17Leaf, Flower, Fruit and WaterAll the objects we offer God in worship, like leaf, flowers, water, and all others, have an allegorical significance.
- From Swami’s discourse of 3 February 1972The Game of Unshakeable PeaceNote that everyone, from the beggar to the billionaire, is prompted by the urge to achieve ananda (supreme bliss), which is based on inner peace, and unaffected by ups and downs.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 March 1973The Stone in the LakeA resolution adopted by the mind is like a stone thrown into a lake.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 June 1973Sugar in Every SweetIf you mix sugar with the wheat flour or the rice flour and prepare some kind of sweet, you will get the sweet taste of such a preparation in your mouth.
- From Swami’s discourse of 9 June 1973Not Karma but KāmaKama, the God of lust, is responsible for our birth; and Kala, the God of time, is responsible for our death.
- From Swami’s discourse of 9 June 1973The World Is a Big UniversityDo not think that the education which you should get is available only at colleges or schools.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 June 1974The Pension of the ĀtmaFirst is the stage of a student, and second is the stage when he works as an officer.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 June 1974Hands Raised to the LordIf only you can listen to the good words of the elders and follow the straight path contained in the words of your elders, there is every chance of you becoming wise.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 June 1974The Fire That RisesWhere there is care and where there is a desire to learn with attention, wisdom will appear.
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 June 1974The Live Prayer of Daily LivingThis is a chance for service for which you must feel extremely delighted, for here you can transmute your devotion and faith into positive acts of service for the benefit of your brothers and sisters.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 August 1974Gold in the CrucibleWherever faith and dedication to God are evident, forces that tend to ridicule it and diminish its strength also are found.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 August 1974Full, Free and ComprehensiveThere are two truths that must be accepted by every pilgrim or devotee: (1) Devotion has to be full, free, and comprehensive.
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 April 1975When Rāma Is Installed in the HeartWhen Rama is installed in the heart, everything will be added unto you - fame, fortune, freedom, fullness.
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 April 1975Rāma Gladly Goes to the ForestWhat are the important lessons that we must internalise from the Ramayana?
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 July 1975Education as SādhanaThe process of education must render the individual a happier and more useful person; it must also make him a better citizen, able and willing to further the progress of the nation to which he belongs.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 July 1975Duty, Devotion and DisciplineRemember you are the makers, the leaders and the guides of the India of tomorrow.
- From Swami’s discourse of 22 May 1976What Makes the Form SweetWhen we look at the Narasimha Avatar, we get a feeling of terror.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1977Rāma Is the Ātma WithinMan attains peace and bliss by the grace of Atma-Rama (indweller Atma called Rama).
- From Summer Showers, 1978, chapter 13The Tapas of the GopīsGopikas were devotees with equal-mindedness.
- From Swami’s discourse of 14 June 1978The Chocolate Within the WrapperTruly, man is not the deha, the body.
- From Summer Showers, June 1979, chapter 26Confidence Without ComparisonAnasuya, or absence of envy, jealousy & malice, is a prerequisite for gaining an intimate, immediate and personal experience of the omnipresent Divinity.
- From Summer Showers, June 1979, chapter 26The Vessel Must Be PureThe first step on the path of spirituality is the acquisition of anasuya or freedom from envy, jealousy, malice and covetousness.
- From Summer Showers, June 1979, chapter 26Confidence in Your Love for GodEgoism and divinity are incompatible.
The 1980s
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 November 1980Free from the Taint of SelfishnessYou are trying through various means to live and spread the ideals of Sai and the principle of love of Sai.
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 November 1980Make the World a Happy Home of LoveAcquire the love that draws all into the One.
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 April 1981Śraddhā, the Fire WithinWe must shape ourselves into fit instruments for the spiritual pilgrimage.
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 April 1981The Flower, the Fruit and the Pain of SeparationThere is no fruit without a flower, and there can be no devotion with karma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 April 1981The Giver of PeaceMany people come to Me distraught and pray, “Swami!
- From Swami’s discourse of 17 July 1981The Universe as Guru, Love as the MessageMan means he who marches from the status of Self to the All-inclusive Self, from Atma to Paramatma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 January 1983The Pause Between the TicksThe mind is prone to gathering experiences and storing them in the memory.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 January 1983The Swimmer and the SquirrelThe swimmer in the river has to push aside the waters in front to the sides and to kick the waters to the back so that he can move forward straight and fast.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 January 1983The Bondage of Not Knowing Who We AreOur life has its roots in the Atma, and it grows through the agitated waves of living.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 May 1983The Name at the Last MomentGenuine devotion is evidenced during the last moments.
- From Swami’s discourse of 12 July 1983The One in the ManyThe Quran has salat and zakat as the two eyes.
- From Swami’s discourse of 12 July 1983Placing the DotsGenerally, all take food of some or other kind for the body five times a day: an early cup of bed coffee, breakfast two hours later, heavy lunch at noon, tea at four, and fat dinner at night.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 July 1983Brahman Is Found in SocietyThere are two kinds of knowledge which man can seek in his quest for happiness.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 July 1983Beyond the Form, Holding the FormYou must all realise that the relationship between you and Me is not related only to the physical body.
- From Swami’s discourse of 25 July 1983A Sample of the Real BlissEvery human being is an embodiment, repository, and vehicle of ananda (bliss).
- From Swami’s discourse of 12 January 1984Liberation as the Only GoalPeople of yore enjoyed peace and happiness a thousand-fold compared to the present generation.
- From Swami’s discourse of 14 July 1984Eyes That See His FormThe mere presence of the light is not enough.
- From Swami’s discourse of 14 July 1984Knowledge That Is LivedBooks are not intended merely to be read.
- From Swami’s discourse of 14 July 1984Pain Without SufferingIf you take the love of the Gopis (milkmaids of Brindavan), you may ask for what purpose did they love Krishna.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 September 1984The Signpost and the JourneyThe body is transient.
- From Swami’s discourse of 10 September 1984Seek the Lord FirstThe Lord's family is an ideal one, maintaining harmony and peace in spite of the antagonistic elements present amongst them.
- From Swami’s discourse of 22 November 1984As the Motive, So the GiftThe educated man fights for his rights, without regard to the duties to be discharged.
- From Swami’s discourse of 22 April 1985Do Not Stay AngryWhen you find anger rising within you, you may withdraw from the place to provide time for cooling your emotions.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1985Swami’s Warranty on SādhanaWhile practising sadhana, one must follow the rules laid down in scriptures or follow the commands of the Guru or that of God.
- From Swami’s discourse of 17 November 1985Arise and Plunge into ServiceSai’s philosophy does not lie in encouraging devotees to sit in a corner, control their breath, and go on uttering, "Soham!
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 January 1986Prema Advaitam: Oneness Through LoveThe heart of the devotee flows with love of the Lord through constant remembrance and recitation of His name.
- From Swami’s discourse of 10 April 1986Your Peace and the Peace of the WorldYou cannot be indifferent to the state of the environment in which you live.
- From Swami’s discourse of 31 July 1986Uprooting the Tree of the MindA tree that has roots deep in the ground cannot be destroyed when its branches or leaves are cut off.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 September 1986Drinking Deep the Nectar of PremaThe Lord resides not only in the hearts of devotees, but also in the hearts of the evil-minded.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 September 1986The Interval Between Two PainsPrahlada was a great devotee of God.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 October 1986Friendship Coupled with AweBhakti (devotion) denotes a feeling of friendship coupled with awe.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 April 1987I Am His: Rāma’s VowThe Ramayana is a guidebook on the ideal relations between mothers and children, between husband and wife, between brothers, between the ruler and the people, between the master and the servants and many other human relationships.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 July 1987The Threefold OnenessThe Atma is the Truth, and you are the Atma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 November 1987The Real Wealth Is ĀnandaOne should be prepared to serve others rather than choose to be served by them.
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 November 1987Spirituality Is Living for GodActive workers (of the Sri Sathya Sai Seva Organisations) should have no feeling of arrogance or ostentation in carrying on their activities.
- From Swami’s discourse of 16 January 1988The Flower of the HeartThe flower symbolises the heart.
- From Swami’s discourse of 16 January 1988Discipline and DiscriminationDiscipline is most essential for students.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 January 1988A Hole in the Wall of the EgoDedication or Prapatti means total surrender.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 January 1988A Silver Cloud with a Grey LiningA happy atmosphere should prevail in the home at all times for children to grow healthy and intelligently.
- From Swami’s discourse of 29 May 1988The World Is the Workplace, the Heart Is HomeGood conduct, good qualities and an exemplary character are the most valuable riches one can possess.
- From Swami’s discourse of 29 July 1988The Dharma Only Prema Can EstablishTo attain peace and happiness, what is it that he must acquire?
- From Swami’s discourse of 3 September 1988Premāṣṭamī: The Avatāra Comes to Teach LoveWhen the Divine comes down as Avatar, whether it be Rama or Krishna, Matsya (fish), Varaha (boar) or Vamana (dwarf), it is only for one purpose!
- From Swami’s discourse of 12 February 1989The Bliss That Is Already YoursThere are two categories of Ananda (bliss) in the world: Sadhana-Janya Ananda (Acquired bliss) and Swatah-Siddha Ananda (Self-generating bliss).
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 March 1989Looking Ahead Is TapasFirm faith is essential for realising the Self.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 March 1989Grace in the HarshnessOn various occasions, the Lord subjects the devotees to different kinds of tests and trials with a view to raising them spiritually to a higher level.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 March 1989Love Is the Easiest PathThe votary of the Karma Marga (the Path of Action) performs many actions for the welfare of the world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 June 1989The Scholar, the Jñānī and the Treasure to CherishOne who pursues knowledge in the world may be a student or a scholar.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 June 1989Change the Mati, Not the MatamTo realise the Divine, the only easy method is chanting the Name.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 June 1989Sītā in the Garden of AśokaYou must also realise that the source of true joy is within yourself and not in the objects of the external world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 June 1989Pain Is Physical, Sorrow Is an InterpretationThere is a divine power that is inherent in every human being.
- From Swami’s discourse of 25 June 1989The Screen and the PicturesWithout the sanction of the Lord, man cannot achieve anything in the world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 4 September 1989Gaṇeśa Is Your Own IntellectWhat is the esoteric meaning of Ganesha's elephant head?
The 1990s
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 February 1990Rāma’s Name and Rāma’s WorkMany people complain that their troubles have not ended, and God has shown no compassion towards them.
- From Swami’s discourse of 29 May 1990The Ten Who Forgot ThemselvesOnce, a party consisting of ten fools happened to cross a river.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1990The Guru Comes in Search of YouDo not go in search of gurus.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1990The Poison in the PāyasamTo eliminate the mind and remove the delusions from it, desires have to be controlled.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1990The Label That Matches the BookGod is everywhere.
- From Swami’s discourse of 14 January 1991Nearer Than Mother, Dearer Than FatherThe Lord pervades everything in the cosmos with His myriad feet, hands, eyes, faces and ears.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 February 1991Singing the Name with AwarenessRemember that nothing in this world is as powerful as the Lord’s name to protect it.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 June 1991From God’s Pantry to PrasādIn the world, the good takes birth from the bad.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 June 1991The Mind Anchored in GodRecognise the workings of your mind.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 June 1991Dharma, the Stick That Is Thrown into the FireWithout yielding to the conditions of place, time, and situation, Indian culture has always sought the underlying unity in the apparent diversity by renouncing the narrow feelings of "I" and "mine".
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 June 1991The False Arm and the RealEven today’s scientific achievements are nothing compared to the feats of Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha in the Krita-yuga.
- From Swami’s discourse of 25 December 1991The Water Behind the WavesEmbodiments of Divine Love!
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 February 1992The Lord Who Lifts Our BurdensOnce, a Gopika went to a well to bring two pitchers of water.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 May 1992The Umbrella Called SelfishnessThere is nothing equal to pure love in this world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 May 1992The Order of PrioritiesThe Pandavas overcame all their trials and tribulations by their faith in God.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 May 1992Prema Is Caught, Not TaughtWhatever good deeds or spiritual acts you may perform, if they are not suffused with love, they are worthless.
- From Swami’s discourse of 29 August 1992Real IndependenceMany people are undermining the reputation of Bharat by their actions.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 November 1992One Current, Many WattagesThe Chaitanyam (Atmic consciousness) that is present in the Divine is also present in living beings.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 November 1992The Damp MatchstickBrahmanda, the macrocosm, is regarded as Virataswarupa (the Cosmic form), and the microcosm is regarded as the atomic nucleus.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 January 1993Ceiling on Desires: Restraint for the Nature Without and WithinMan has to consider himself as a limb of society and help in the welfare of society, just as the organs of one’s body are used for one’s well-being.
- From Swami’s discourse of 4 April 1993The One Desire Worth HavingDesires are common to all, whether one is young or old, man or woman, a common man or a saint.
- From Swami’s discourse of 4 April 1993Renouncing the IYou have been reading about renunciation for a long time.
- From Swami’s discourse of 4 April 1993The Colour of the GlassesOnce, Krishna thought of testing the nature of Yudhishthira and Duryodhana.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 April 1993The Torch of DiscriminationPashyanapicha Na Pashyati Mudho (he is a fool who sees, yet does not recognise the reality).
- From Swami’s discourse of 22 April 1993The Tree Within the SeedThere may be a time gap between the action performed and its consequence, however, there is no separation between them; the consequence is intertwined with the action.
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 May 1993Watching from the StandsNever give room to the thought that you are the body.
- From Swami’s discourse of 3 June 1993Dharma Is DharmaThere is no word which can successfully convey the depth and the amplitude of meaning contained in the word - Dharma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 January 1994Whatever You Want, SwamiIn this worldly life, love manifests in several forms, such as the love between mother and son, husband and wife, and between relatives.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 January 1994The Namkeen With the ChaiSome people want to have uninterrupted happiness.
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 July 1994The Rose Bush in the GardenWhat we need today is not a new system of education.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 August 1994From the Flower to the Ripe FruitWhat is the aim of human life?
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 February 1995Be the Prema That You AreGod has provided everything for man’s good in the world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 March 1995The Petals Fade, the Thorns StayThe one who seeks preyas (sensual pleasures) is concerned with the body, while the one concerned with the Atma seeks shreyas (spiritual well-being).
- From Swami’s discourse of 9 April 1995Who Holds On to Whom?Some people say they are too weak to scale spiritual heights.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 April 1995The Silence Between the Tick and the TockMan has two essential organs: the head and the heart.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 April 1995The Tulasī Leaf in the BalanceNarada wanted to teach Satyabhama the supreme greatness of some human qualities of which she was not aware.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 April 1995What Kucela Went ForKuchela went to Krishna to ask for many material gifts.
- From Swami’s discourse of 15 April 1995The Golden Chain Still BindsThere is one common quality present in all living beings: Moha (attachment).
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 May 1995Look Where the Finger PointsGayatri is pervading everywhere.
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 May 1995Prema Is Spiritual WisdomIn the devotion of Bharatiyas, we sometimes find situations bordering on the absurd.
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 May 1995Love Makes Slaves of UsAll the Gopikas came to Yashoda and complained, “Mother!
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 May 1995The Perfect Foil for GraceEvery Avatar has two causes: the prayers of devotees and the atrocities of wicked people.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 May 1995The Bow Taken Up AgainWhen students listen to inspiring accounts of pure souls (from texts such as Bhagavatam), their tender hearts can be transformed.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 May 1995Bhakti, the Force That Gathers Every Need into GodThrough His actions, God has always demonstrated that there is no force greater than the power of devotion.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 July 1995The Lamp of WisdomPrior to the commencement of this meeting, the jyoti (sacred lamp) was lit by Swami.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 August 1995A Ceiling on WantsYou know the chaotic condition the world is in today.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 August 1995The Car We Never Got IntoIf anybody accosts a person and asks him, “Who are you?”, out of his identification with the body, he gives his name in reply.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 April 1996Do Not Ask, O MindSadhana is not only japa, rituals, bhajans, etc.
- From Swami’s discourse of 8 April 1996Going Near the SupremeVyasa taught the essence of the Vedas in just two sentences: Paropakaraya Punyaya, Papaya Para Peedanam - Helping others is meritorious.
- From Swami’s discourse of 16 April 1996Two Kinds of Knowledge, and the Practice of BothThere are two types of knowledge which man needs to acquire.
- From Swami’s discourse of 16 April 1996Pure Food and the Balance of Body and MindTrue penance is to shun evil thoughts, actions, and habits, cultivate harmony of thoughts, words and deeds, and have purity of mind.
- From Swami’s discourse of 16 April 1996Open the Tap of BhaktiYou may have a lamp, oil and wick, but there should be someone to light the lamp.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 April 1996Prema Is the Royal RoadEmbodiments of Love!
- From Swami’s discourse of 20 May 1996The Tax of GratitudeNothing in the world man-made can equal the glory, grandeur, and majesty of God.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 May 1996Nature Is God’s NatureNature is not merely an embodiment of the five elements, nor is it an embodiment of the five life principles, or five sheaths, or five senses.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 May 1996Rāma to Those Who Love HimGod allows Himself to be captured easily by His devotees.
- From Swami’s discourse of 19 June 1996Two Fires and the Discipline of Conscious LivingYou eat more when the food is tasty.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 June 1996Selfishness Is What Prevents PremaThe world today has achieved great progress in the fields of science and worldly knowledge.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 June 1996Giving What You Love MostThere is a lot of difference between charity and sacrifice.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 June 1996Patching the Holes in the VesselI want to draw your attention to something very important.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 June 1996The Colour of the BottleA person whose heart is filled with good thoughts and noble intentions will put education and money to good use.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 June 1996A Single Chair in the HeartWhen a person suffers from a severe stomachache due to appendicitis, the doctor operates upon him and removes the appendix.
- From Swami’s discourse of 30 June 1996Draupadi’s Torn SariOne day, Satyabhama, Rukmini, Jambavati and Draupadi saw blood oozing out of Krishna’s finger.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1996There IsWhere there is the feeling of absence, the truth of presence is also there.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1996The Proof of His DivinityWhen a dumb person eats a sweet dish, he can only experience its sweetness but cannot express it in words.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 July 1996Who Showed the Calf the Udder?Fire is bound to exist where there is smoke.
- From Swami’s discourse of 26 July 1996Make Life One Big LikeMan today is leading a life beset with fear and unrest because there is no harmony between his thoughts and words.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 July 1996Digesting the TeachingsWhatever teachings that you hear and read, you should imbibe them in your heart.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 July 1996You Are Prema ItselfEveryone must endeavour to realise this sacred principle of love.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 July 1996Love That Only GivesWhatever disappears or perishes cannot be called truth.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 August 1996The Third Step Is the HeadIf someone comes in the way of your sacrifice, whoever he may be, you should disown him.
- From Swami’s discourse of 31 August 1996The Decoction That Must Be DrunkPeople offer worship to the paper and the words of the Bhagavad Gita, but they do not drink the nectar of the bliss which results from the practice of its teachings.
- From Swami’s discourse of 31 August 1996When the Mango RipensAlways think that God is present in this temple of body, and whatever you do is an offering to Him.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 September 1996A Collection Called “Me”Embodiments of Love!
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 September 1996As Is the Food, So Is the MindA heart that is full of love for God is truly the heart of a human being.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 September 1996The Diamond of Human BirthEvery human being is the embodiment of the Atma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 September 1996Transcending the Mind Through PremaIn the waking state, the mind is completely conscious.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 November 1996Prema Is Born of PremaA heart without love is a cemetery.
- From Swami’s discourse of 14 January 1997The Whetstone and the BladeA whetstone is used for sharpening the razor and not for making the stone smoother.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 February 1997Desire Governed by DharmaIn the economic sphere, when human desires are governed by righteousness, a Divine impulse will arise in man.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 March 1997Stirring the Sugar at the Bottom of the CupIf there is sugar at the bottom of a tumbler filled with water, you can make the whole water sweet by stirring the sugar and dissolving it in the water.
- From Swami’s discourse of 7 March 1997Remember the Seer, Not the SeenConsider this example: Here is a person whose form can be described in terms of various physical features.
- From Swami’s discourse of 16 April 1997The Triple Stream of the RāmāyaṇaThe world, today, is in dire need of the message of the Rama story.
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 May 1997Dharma Is Prema Made ManifestAccording to Indian culture, there are four Purusharthas (objectives) of man’s life, namely, Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksha (righteousness, wealth, desire, and liberation).
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 May 1997Reserve Your Heart for GodYour blood, food, head and money are gifts of your mother and father only.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 May 1997What Can You Not Give Up?Always pray to God for His grace.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 May 1997Faith That He KnowsAffection for mother and reverence for father are necessary.
- From Swami’s discourse of 18 July 1997Sanctifying Time by PracticeThese days, it can be noted that instead of sanctifying time, people defile it more.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 April 1998The Two Banks of the River of LifeA river has two banks.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 April 1998Do Not Get Down Before the FatherSuppose an elderly person travels in a train with his children; he has the tickets for all of them.
- From Swami’s discourse of 25 August 1998The Ganeśa WithinGanapati is not only the lord of various activities but is the presiding deity for all auspicious functions.
- From Swami’s discourse of 11 October 1998Near and Dear to GodToday, man aspires for God and contemplates on Him, but mere aspiration and contemplation are not enough to experience God.
The 2000s
- From Swami’s discourse of 1 January 2000Turning the Vision InwardNot being able to recognise your innate divinity is ignorance.
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 October 2000Patience and Sympathy Come from PremaWhat are the two important qualities that we must cultivate for harmony, especially at home?
- From Swami’s discourse of 2 October 2000Cutting the Channel for PremaWith determination, man can touch the sky and conquer the world.
- From Swami’s discourse of 4 October 2000The Misery of IgnoranceWhether he be a king, a farmer, a millionaire or a pauper, everyone has to face five types of kleshas (miseries).
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 October 2000The Unwavering Mind of DharmajaEven when Dharmaja’s wife was humiliated in the open court, he fixed his unwavering mind on Krishna.
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 October 2000Washing the Kerchief CleanThe natural colour of this kerchief is white.
- From Swami’s discourse of 23 November 2001The Beggar Asks the IndwellerEven if others trouble you and pose problems for you, bear it with patience, believing that it will do you only good.
- From Swami’s discourse of 24 February 2002Who Is the Service For?There are millions of people who serve their fellowmen with God’s Name on their lips.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 May 2002The Body Is a Temple, the Mind Its KeeperAs soon as we wake up in the morning, we should cleanse our mouth.
- From Swami’s discourse of 6 May 2003A Special Affection Reserved for GodOne need not have any formal education to impart sacred teachings.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 January 2004The Toy in the MirrorWhatever activities you do, love should be their foundation.
- From Swami’s discourse of 27 January 2004Love Is Manifested, Not ManufacturedThe knowledge that the students acquire in schools and colleges is only information-oriented.
- From Swami’s discourse of 17 October 2004Sorrow Is Only a FeelingEmbodiments of Love!
- From Swami’s discourse of 21 July 2005Grace and the Expiry Date of KarmaYou may wonder if there is a way to escape from the consequences of karma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 13 May 2006Alike Within, Fitting WithoutBuddha taught that we should not have anger, we should not find others’ faults, and we should not harm others because all are embodiments of the pure, eternal principle of the Atma.
- From Swami’s discourse of 5 September 2006The Hunger That Dissolves the EgoGod will tolerate anything but not anger and ego.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 July 2007Love All, Because God Is EverywhereAll people in this world love someone or the other.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 July 2007The Fruit of Love RipensGod is present in all human beings.
- From Swami’s discourse of 28 July 2007Not My PropertyWhat do you think of the purpose for which this body is gifted to you by God?
Words with no date
- From Rama Katha Rasavahini, part 1, chapter 1The Leelas and the Name of RāmaWhatever is done by the great, whichever company they choose, they will ever be on the path of righteousness, on the divine path.
- From Prasanthi Vahini, chapter 7Where Is the Prayer?Some people may have some doubts related to prayer.
- From Prema Vahini, chapter 19Forget Others, Remember GodCultivate pure love through these two methods: 1.
- From Dhyana Vahini, chapter 3Welcome the Ups and DownsFor man, there are two kinds of states in this world.
- From Dhyana Vahini, chapter 14Comparisons Are OdiousPride, conceit, passionate (rajasik) exhibition of one’s superiority, anger, craving to know unsubstantiated details of strengths and weaknesses of others, trickery—all these are obstacles in the path of meditation (dhyanam).
- From Dhyana Vahini, chapter 14Feasting on GodDiscipline must be followed while practising dhyanam (meditation).