Lesson 4: These thoughts do not mean anything.

It was with unnecessary force that I pushed the pump of the kerosene stove. It was already past tea-time and my tongue craved its sweet acidity.  For a few days now, I had been expecting the gas cylinder to finish. It finally gave up its last fumes now. Just before the tea began to boil;Continue reading "Lesson 4: These thoughts do not mean anything."

Why does the game exist?

Baba, if all this is a dream, an illusion, then why create something? Why choose? Why gift a human the potential of choice, of creation? Sai Baba- Because that is how the manifested world works. Since, there is a belief that you exist, there has to be a choice. The whole ‘game’ here is toContinue reading "Why does the game exist?"

Are you dis-spirited or inspired?

When something doesn't go our way we feel gloomy. We lose hope, we feel discouraged. This often translates to a very physical feeling of fatigue and exhaustion. What we are feeling is dis-spirited... without spirit. We feel abandoned, we feel a sense of loneliness. Contrast this with the the state of creativity. Creation is theContinue reading "Are you dis-spirited or inspired?"

Lesson 3: I do not understand anything I see

“Three, two, one, lift,” Mr. Nair instructed. Our hands wrapped around Dad’s hips, his hand across each of our shoulders, we hoisted him up to a standing position, before carefully helping him into the bed. I watched Mr. Nair carefully adjust a pillow for Dad and check if he was all right. I turned toContinue reading "Lesson 3: I do not understand anything I see"

Of Routine, Grace and Clarity

Baba, tell me about the importance of routine? Why is it necessary to have one? You had an unfailing one. How does it help on the path? Does routine not create rigidity? Sai Baba:- Routine is not about rigidity. In a thing such as a world, where everything is movement, how can routine be rigidity?Continue reading "Of Routine, Grace and Clarity"

Lesson 2: I have given everything I see all the meaning it has for me

The lights shimmered and glistened. The huge stage ahead felt so intimidating. Holding on to the armrest, I leaned ahead on my seat, waiting for my name to be called. My heart pounded in my ears. Would I be able to hear my name? Would I be able to get up and walk to theContinue reading "Lesson 2: I have given everything I see all the meaning it has for me"

Lesson 1: Nothing I see means anything

The whirring of the mixer startled me. I had just sat down to meditate! Ignoring the irritation trying to make space in my mind, I tried to focus on my breath. No. It wasn’t working. Walking to my desk, I picked up the headphones and turned on my favourite meditation music. Ah, this was nice.Continue reading "Lesson 1: Nothing I see means anything"

Bulbul’s words

I found myself in nature today. I wanted to believe she had missed me…was waiting for me to come. But I know I was deluding myself with such thoughts. In my absence, she was herself all along. A colour here, a texture there, she had not changed her habits a bit. If anything she hadContinue reading "Bulbul’s words"

Talk to me about prayer

Tell me more about prayer and devotion, Baba? Sai Baba- When most people sit in front of God, they go with a long list of demands, wishes and desires. Even as you pray, you are running through other chores in your head. This stream of thoughts generated by your desires, experiences, needs and wants isContinue reading "Talk to me about prayer"

Bangles

I scanned the shop for any anomaly. The ledger was in its place, the cash drawer was locked, as were the shelves. Everything looked normal. I turned off the light. Once the momentary blindness passed, I could see everything under the dim light of the the electric lamp. I gazed at the picture of GoddessContinue reading "Bangles"