Sathya Sai Baba The World-Avatar Teaching and Revelations

used for deliverance from grief and evil. Honour it as such; keep it in
good condition, so that it may serve that high purpose; maintain it even
more carefully than these brick houses; and, always preserve the conviction
that it is an instrument and nothing more. Use it for just the purpose
for which it has been designed and given. 3.2.64, (17-158/159)
The body is the tabernacle of God, the chariot in which he is seated in
all majesty. Do not identify yourself with it and its modifications and
transformations. You are the Atman and so, you are above these affections
of the body, cleanse your mind of the temptations and tenets
of ignorance; make it free from dust, so that God may be reflected in
it. God cares more for the motive behind the deed, than the deed itself.
7.12.64, (19-4)
The body has to be maintained in good condition, for it is only when
embodied in this human tabernacle that man can realise God. The
body is either strong or weak, an efficient instrument or an inefficient
one, according to the food, recreations and habits of one's parents.
5.10.67, (20-89)
Regular prayers twice a day will give strength and courage, which can
withstand illness The grace of God will confer mental peace and good
sleep and rest for the mind. Feel that you are a hundred per cent dependent
on God; he will look after you and save you from harm and
injury. (...)
Fast one day in the week. This is good for the body as well as for the
country. Do not eat a dozen plantains, half a dozen puris and drink a
quart of milk and call it a fast! Take only water, so that all the dirt is
washed away. Do not crave for fruit juice or other liquids. Even physical
machinery is given rest; it cannot run for ever, continuously. What
then shall we say of this delicately organized human body! It is not a
sign of culture to overvalue the body, by over indulging in its whims. It
is a sign of barbarism. (...)
Only the healthy person can afford to forget the body and dedicate his
thoughts to God, and so doing derive bliss. (...)
Keeping the mind fixed on God and good ideas and things also helps
health. Keep the eye, ear, tongue, hands and feet under control. Don't
read enervating or exciting books, don't attend film shows which exhaust
or inflame the mind. Don't lose faith in yourself, you are the Divine
encased in the body. (...)
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