Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

Love is a Divine quality in man. But it should be shown not only towards
other human beings, but also towards birds, beasts and other
living creatures. True completeness lies in such an expansion of love,
giving up narrowness and developing broad-mindedness which results
in real joy for oneself and for the society as well. Thus human nature
will be sublimated into Divinity. The Vedas, which are the repositories
of Indian culture, have declared that one should not entertain
hatred or ill will towards any living being. Therefore along with their normal
studies, students should acquaint themselves with Indian culture
and put it into practice. (40-6)
Love must be many-stranded in order to be strong and tough. A single
strand is too weak. Have it manystranded, one towards the mother, another
towards the father, other strands towards husband, wife, friend,
son, daughter, etc. Of course love is all-embracing, it cannot be confined
to one item and denied to another. It is a current that flows over
all. Meditation on the Lord and his love will help you to tap it from the
depths of your heart. 6.9.63, (17-55)
Love is the quality of unity, not only non-violence but the conscious acceptance
of the duty of love, because every being is a spark of Divinity,
as much of a spark as yourself. 6.12.63, (17-122/123)
Every being needs love, inhales and exhales love. For love is the basic
breath; every one is the embodiment of love. Love knows no fear and
needs no falsehood to support it. It is only fear that makes people warp
the face of truth to make it pleasant for those whom they fear. Love
seeks no reward; love is its own reward. That is the sole gain, the joy
of loving and being loved. When it is directed to God, it is called devotion.
Who would not love God when once he is aware of his glory, majesty,
might and mercy? Love removes all egoism; the self is forgotten,
it is superseded, it is transcended. (...)
It is only love that can successfully carry out schemes for service and
uplift. Love creates sympathy; love will show the way where hatred can
only confuse. 19.10.66, (19-267)
The chief duty of man is investigation into truth. Truth can be won only
through dedication and devotion. Both are dependent on the grace of
God, which is showered on hearts saturated with love. 1.1.67, (20-1)
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