Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

The Lord responds not merely to the sweet voiced kokil and its song;
he gives ear to the warbles of other birds, too. He gives ear to the wailings
of every being. In fact, suffering entitles you more to the grace of
the Lord. When suffering comes in waves, one behind the other, be
glad that the shore is near: bear them bravely; do not like cowards
throw the blame on some outside power or develop dislike for the Lord.
Concentration on the self or Atman is the spring of joy; the concentration
on the non-self is the source of sorrow. Welcome the test, because
thereafter you are awarded the certificate. It is to measure your
progress that tests are imposed. So do not flinch in the face of grief.
The Lord bestows a favour when he decides to test you, for he is impressed
by your achievement and wants to put upon it the seal of his
approval. Rise up to the demands of the test, that is the way to please
the Lord. 6.3.62, (16-165)
You consider the world as very near, as around you and behind you;
but when you have to point out the Lord, you show him far away from
you, up and above, or at a vast distance. This is a mistake. The Lord
is near; the world is far. You believe that it is the other way because
you are afraid of the truth and you like to deceive yourself. 28.4.62,
(16-168/169)
The rules I have prescribed for those who come to Prashanti Nilayarn
may appear strict and even severe; but it is all for your good. Inner purity
first and outer purity later - that is the natural order. You feel full satisfaction
when you take a bath first and then wear washed clothes. I
have to be strict, because if I excuse one error, the tendency is to commit
another. A plant will grow well only when the ground all around the
stem is raked up and exposed to the sun and rain. I want you to drop
old deep-rooted habits of purposeless talk, vanity, envy and scandalmongering.
You are not to live like earnest devotee just to please me;
it is a duty you owe to yourselves and so, you must adhere to those
rules wherever you are; not merely within the confines of the Prashanti
Nilayam. (...)
Generally, I speak sweetly, but on this matter of discipline, I will not
grant any concessions. I do not care whether you come or having
come, go. I insist on strict obedience. I shall not reduce the rigour to
suit your level, for that will only ruin you; I pay attention to your ultimate
good. Live peacefully, happily, contentedly, taking each day as a gift
from the Lord. Do not rush and scramble, fret and fume. Be vigilant and
do not allow greed or anger to creep in.
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