Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

Today, we do see many situations among the students where they get
spoilt by possessing an excess of money. At first, it may seem difficult
to get on with a minimum amount of money but if they control their desire
for money, they will be come very happy and peaceful. When students
are really in need of ten rupees, they prepare themselves to ask
for twenty rupees. In that context, when the children ask for twenty rupees,
the parents should give only ten rupees. This is essential. The
son may feel hurt if he gets only ten rupees when he asks for twenty
rupees. Even though he feels hurt momentarily, he will get strength later
on. If he is given twenty rupees when he actually needs only ten, he
will get bad friends and spend that money on them. (35-159)
At this young age of yours, you should recognize the present as the
most important time. You must fulfill your duty which is the best work
you can do. Your duty is to respect your mother and father. Your duty
is to keep away from bad things and do whatever work you have undertaken
to do, in the best possible manner. In this way, you will do the
best of things and serve the country in the best possible manner. At
your age you must strengthen the three qualities of discipline, devotion
and duty. This present life of yours will not come back again and so you
must attach importance to good qualities. (...)
Today, we show only part-time devotion and we want full time reward
for this part time devotion. If you give only part of your mind and ask
for full return of the grace of God, it is like asking for full pay for half a
day’s work. If you recognize with the fullness of your heart that everything
that you do is by God’s grace, then surely full return will be given
by God. You try and you will see. (35-177+179)
What is the purpose of education and knowledge, if you do not give up
a habit which you know is bad? No devotee should follow the path of
ignorance he should follow the path of righteousness. You should
have your attention fixed on knowledge and wisdom. (...)
You want to feel important and because of your education, but it is well
known that true education consists of acquiring humility and removing
the ego. True education does not bring arrogance. Education brings
humility in its wake and all educated people look at everyone else with
humility and equal mindedness. If you ask: “Who is a blind man in this
world?”, the answer is that he who knows everything and yet is not able
to see things in the proper perspective, is a blind man. If you are able
to give service and conduct yourselves with humility when you see
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