BLISS BLOSSOM - EXPIATION OF SINS

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Baba pointing out to slanderer a pig, that was eating filth near the

fence and said, "Behold, how, with what relish it is gulping filth.

Your conduct is similar. You go on revilling your own brethren to

your heart's content. After performing many deeds of merit you are

born as a human being and if you act like this, how can Shirdi help

you in any way?" in Sri Sai Satcharitra Chapter XVIII & XIX.

 

Do not worry about the expiation of other's sins. Atone for your own

sins in the first instance.

 

Observing the weakness of a person, neither hate him nor seek to do

him harm. Far from being able to cure him of his weakness, you will

on the other hand harbour hatred, anger, malice and vindictiveness

within your heart, if you do not follow this advice. Whereas the

person whom you hate possessed only one form of weakness, you will

fall a victim to four kinds of weakness. The weaknesses of present in

him and you may possibly differ only in name.

 

Instead of exposing the sins of others cover them up as a friend. The

needle makes a hole, but the thread covers up the hole with its body.

Similarly, instead of making holes, offer your body for covering up

the holes of others. Be like a thread and not like the needle.

 

Protection from sin and success in action are ensured through work

done under God's tutelage.

 

The mind is our only enemy, attempt should be made to conquer it.

 

A just and righteous foe should be regarded as better than an unjust

and unrighteous friend.

 

It is altogether unjustifiable to deprive others of their freedom in

the attempt to preserve one's own independence.

 

If you would have others sit quietly before you and listen to you,

you must likewise be prepared to give a patient hearing to others.

 

If you want to see others tolerant and indulgent towards you, you

must practise tolerance yourself in the first instance.

 

If you consider you have a right to act against the wishes of

another, you must concede the same right to him.

 

You must not question the motive of another should he ever say

something uncongenial to you.

 

To have a watchful eye on one's own sins and expose them to the world

is a sovereign remedy for ridding oneself of sins.

 

Do not be deluded by the idea that sins are a result of your past

deeds (Prarabdha). No, they have their origin in your attachment for

the world, and you will have to reap their consequences.

 

Fear of misfortune of loss of worldly possessions, or of death haunts

you only so long as you have not been able to develop faith in God.

Grief and infatuation also persist only till then. Those who have

unflinching faith in God, who dispels all fear, transcend infatuation

and fear for all time to come.

 

They alone who seek honour are afraid of dishonour. The moment one

renounces the desire for honour the mind feels disburdened and free

from all fear.

 

Extinction of vital functions is not death; true death consists in

entertaining sinful desires.

 

Do not abuse another, do not indulge in idle talks, do not backbite

another, do not tell lies. Observe taciturnity in speech, and

carefully weigh every word before you utter it.

 

Tolerate the limitations and weaknesses of others; there are many

limitations in you, which are tolerated by others.

 

Taking another to be a sinner does not pride yourself on being a

virtuous person. Who knows when things may take such a turn in life

that you may be compelled to commit sins as he is committing?

 

If you cannot examine your heart at every step, you must do so at

least twice a day, viz., both morning and evening. You will then know

to what a great extent during the day you sin against God and His

creatures.

 

Courtesy: Sri Hanumanprasad Poddar in Wavelets of Bliss.

(Vasuki Mahal Shri Shirdi Sai Baba Trust, Coimbatore, India)