Truth alone wins : The same divine consciousness shines in all beings
Where there is righteousness, there is victory: righteousness consists of values that help human beings live happily, both individually and socially.
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Enlightenment and Mysticism
Through Sai Baba’s life stories, devotees’ experiences, and mental realizations, we can understand the meaning of Enlightenment (Sathyodayam) and Mysticism (Satyayanam). Enlightenment means realizing the true philosophy of Sai. It consists of two aspects:
- Saguna and Nirguna forms: Our eyes see the form of Sai Baba. However, Baba taught that he is not just this body of three and a half cubits, but the consciousness that fills the entire universe. Baba urged us to meditate on the formless radiance that shines within our minds. He stated that that radiant form is the true Sai and that you are that very form. This is the philosophy of Advaita (Non-duality). If you find this difficult, Baba advised meditating on his physical form which is visible to the eyes
- Sai is the omnipresent Atma: Realizing Enlightenment means holding the belief in our minds that Sai is the formless radiant light or the omnipresent Soul (Atma) regardless of whether we perceive him with or without a form.
Even after Enlightenment occurs in our minds, we often forget this philosophy while engaged in various activities. Satyayanam is the practice (Sadhana) of maintaining this truth in our minds under all circumstances. Through this practice, we can constantly experience the bliss of that eternal truth. This is described as three types of Yogas in daily life: Bhakti Yoga (Union by devotion), Karma Yoga (Union by work), and Jnana Yoga (Union by wisdom). Baba explained these simply.
Bhakti Yoga (Union by devotion):
Removing the ego from the mind—the feeling that “I am the one thinking these thoughts”—and remaining in a state of pure consciousness is Bhakti Yoga. This is the state of Advaita.
Karma Yoga (Union by work):
We perform many tasks every day. Before doing any work, developing the feeling that “I am not the doer; I am doing this work according to the will of Sai, who is the form of divine consciousness” is Karma Yoga. There is no need to make special intentions for tasks that happen as a daily habit. Even during those times, one can maintain the pure consciousness of Sai in the mind. However, while performing specific tasks, one must definitely make such intentions in the mind. One must focus concentration on that work. Otherwise, the consciousness of Sai’s philosophy will not stay in the mind. Even when the mind returns from that task, and after the work is completed, one must again maintain the state of pure Sai consciousness in the mind. This is true Karma Yoga.
Jnana Yoga (Union by wisdom):
After every action is completed, feelings of joy or sorrow arise in the mind. Observing both of these with calmness and remembering the wisdom that “I am not solely responsible for the results of this action” is true Jnana Yoga. Our intention and effort account for only half of the responsibility for the success of any task; the favorability of nature and the final result are not in our hands. Those who realize this will not experience ego or sorrow.
Continuing these three practices without being influenced by the words of people outside or by external circumstances is the path of Sai Baba’s Mysticism.