Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

to the awareness of the Atman. Flowers fade and rot soon. The effect
of offering flowers may not last long. What God loves more are the
flowers blossoming on the tree of man's own life, fed and fostered by
his own skill and sincerity. They are the flowers of his virtues grown in
the garden of his heart. 6.10.81, (25-166/167)
What does non-violence signify? It is not merely refraining from causing
harm or injury to others. It implies also refraining from causing harm
to oneself. One who harms himself cannot avoid harming others?
Whoever desires to observe non-violence must see that he does not
do violence to himself. How is this to be ensured? By constantly examining
whether his conduct is right or wrong. For instance, in the matter
of speech, he must examine whether his words are causing pain to
others or not. He must see that his looks are not tainted by evil intentions
or thoughts. He should not listen to evil talk. All these cause harm
to the individual. (18.1.96)
Non-violence is not merely refraining from inflicting injuries on others
with one's limbs or weapons. Non-violence has to be practiced with purity
of mind, tongue and body. There should be no ill-feelings which are
a form of violence. To cause harm to others through the body is also
violence. No one should be harmed even by speech. Speech should
be sweet, pleasing and wholesome. All actions should be helpful to
others. (15.5.96)
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