Birthday Blessings

Listen, O embodiments of ananda [bliss]! Accept these blessings on the occasion of the birthday. Be happy, full of health, and joy, and peace; equipped with bhakti [devotion], jnana [knowledge], and vairagya [detachment], and, endowed with Divine grace, realize the atman [the soul]. Do not, out of undue attachment, crave for the short-lived, the deluding desires of the world; yearn for the genuine, the ever-lasting, the eternal wealth, and attain bliss.

Remember, the minute that has fled is no longer yours; the minute that is approaching cannot be counted as yours. The minute that is with you, this alone, is truly yours. Make the best use of it for it may be the last. Be prepared every instant for entering the presence of the Lord. Pollute not the precious gifts of God: the time He has allotted you, the mind He has placed in you, and the activity of the senses He has provided you. Do not pray for something mean and mortal. Seek the eternal. For, if that is gained, all things shall be added unto you.

Begin now, this very moment, to voice forth your call to God and pray:

I do not need any riches; for, why should I?
A care-free mind is enough, O Father,
That is a million for me!

I shall not yearn for fortune; for, why should I?
A smile-lit face is enough, O Father,
That is a million for me!

I shall not pine and want: for, why should I?
A glance from Thy eye is enough, O Father,
That is a million for me!

I shall not crave for wealth; for, why should I?
The joy of being Thine is enough, O Father,
That is a million for me!
Enough for me these things I have,

Whatever Thou hast gifted now;
Why think of getting more?
I’ll have them when Thou wishest;
Enough for me Thy un-diminishing grace

Which falls on all whom Thou hast blessed,
With the words: “This one is Mine.”

~Sri Sathya Sai Baba

Source: Sanathana Sarathi, Nov. 1959