Cherry Blossom Path By Sonya Ki Tomlinson
SAI TEMPLE TEXT - TEMPLE OF THE MIND
Dear Teens,
We enjoy using our senses daily. Who doesn't like the aroma of a rich, hot cup of coffee. How about the delectable taste of your favorite foods? Or the cool refreshing splash of ocean waves. Where would we be without our precious ear pods and the sounds we love.
Can you see how important the senses are in our ordinary lives. Sometimes, though, if we are not careful we can abuse our senses and cause ourselves a lot of suffering.
For instance, we may decide to eat a cup of ice cream which we enjoy very much. Because it tastes so creamy and delicious we may think, "Ah-h-h more ice cream would be wonderful!" And after a second helping we may still crave a third.
All of a sudden a terrible stomach ache pounces on us like a tiger. We can observe from that example, the senses have to be regulated and controlled if we do not want to suffer. There must be a balance in what we choose to do. But, in order to regulate the senses the mind is involved.
Our beloved Swami, Sri Sathya Sai Baba states this about the mind:
MIND
Mind can have peace only when it merges in the Absolute Consciousness, Primal Cause and the Unchanging Existence.
Mind has no physical form and so it does not perish with the body; only the body perishes.
Mind is a wonder.
It has no distinct form or shape.
Mind prompts man to seek happiness and avoid misery.
Mind is but a bundle of thoughts, a complex of wants and wishes.
Purification of the mind is attained through humility, integrity and a sense of justice.
Mind is like a clear mirror but it is made impure by our desires.
Mind is the overall instrument which controls and directs the senses.
It is the mind that builds up the body strong and shiny or wastes it to skin and bone. Mind has to be developed to savor the good and the godly, not for money and material gains.
— From the discourses of Sathya Sai Baba
It is only by means of purity of mind can you come close to the Lord.
-- From the discourses of Sathya Sai Baba
http://saibaba.ws/quotes/mind.htm
So we see my cherubs, the mind has to be directed towards positive and uplifting things in life. It has to learn to control the senses, balance the emotions, and purify the thoughts. This can be done as Swami encourages, through daily meditation. Simply sitting quietly and slowing the thoughts down, concentrating on one thing, for example the Divine Light within:
https://youtu.be/LXUS0ROe1wY
Deep breathing is also helpful for the mind particularly the alternate nostril breathing technique:
https://youtu.be/ub7JEN1V7JE
Chanting God's name is a very positive, beneficial easy way to purify the mind and keep it from running in all directions like a wild horse. God has many names you pick the one that appeals most to you.
Sai Baba says that food influences our minds, we are encouraged to eat pure sathwic food. And, not only that, the images we watch on TV and our computers, the sounds we hear and books we read all have a great impact on our minds.
To conclude, the more we endeavor to regulate and bring balance into our lives the greater our peace of mind and happiness, who doesn't want that?
Feel free to think of other ways to bring harmony, balance and poise into your lives. Jot them down in a journal.
Swami bless you all with His great love and grace.
Love,
Granny
We enjoy using our senses daily. Who doesn't like the aroma of a rich, hot cup of coffee. How about the delectable taste of your favorite foods? Or the cool refreshing splash of ocean waves. Where would we be without our precious ear pods and the sounds we love.
Can you see how important the senses are in our ordinary lives. Sometimes, though, if we are not careful we can abuse our senses and cause ourselves a lot of suffering.
For instance, we may decide to eat a cup of ice cream which we enjoy very much. Because it tastes so creamy and delicious we may think, "Ah-h-h more ice cream would be wonderful!" And after a second helping we may still crave a third.
All of a sudden a terrible stomach ache pounces on us like a tiger. We can observe from that example, the senses have to be regulated and controlled if we do not want to suffer. There must be a balance in what we choose to do. But, in order to regulate the senses the mind is involved.
Our beloved Swami, Sri Sathya Sai Baba states this about the mind:
MIND
Mind can have peace only when it merges in the Absolute Consciousness, Primal Cause and the Unchanging Existence.
Mind has no physical form and so it does not perish with the body; only the body perishes.
Mind is a wonder.
It has no distinct form or shape.
Mind prompts man to seek happiness and avoid misery.
Mind is but a bundle of thoughts, a complex of wants and wishes.
Purification of the mind is attained through humility, integrity and a sense of justice.
Mind is like a clear mirror but it is made impure by our desires.
Mind is the overall instrument which controls and directs the senses.
It is the mind that builds up the body strong and shiny or wastes it to skin and bone. Mind has to be developed to savor the good and the godly, not for money and material gains.
— From the discourses of Sathya Sai Baba
It is only by means of purity of mind can you come close to the Lord.
-- From the discourses of Sathya Sai Baba
http://saibaba.ws/quotes/mind.htm
So we see my cherubs, the mind has to be directed towards positive and uplifting things in life. It has to learn to control the senses, balance the emotions, and purify the thoughts. This can be done as Swami encourages, through daily meditation. Simply sitting quietly and slowing the thoughts down, concentrating on one thing, for example the Divine Light within:
https://youtu.be/LXUS0ROe1wY
Deep breathing is also helpful for the mind particularly the alternate nostril breathing technique:
https://youtu.be/ub7JEN1V7JE
Chanting God's name is a very positive, beneficial easy way to purify the mind and keep it from running in all directions like a wild horse. God has many names you pick the one that appeals most to you.
Sai Baba says that food influences our minds, we are encouraged to eat pure sathwic food. And, not only that, the images we watch on TV and our computers, the sounds we hear and books we read all have a great impact on our minds.
To conclude, the more we endeavor to regulate and bring balance into our lives the greater our peace of mind and happiness, who doesn't want that?
Feel free to think of other ways to bring harmony, balance and poise into your lives. Jot them down in a journal.
Swami bless you all with His great love and grace.
Love,
Granny
