Desire and Cry for God
Akbar was happy whenever Tansen, his court musician, sang. Tansen was the greatest musician of his day. When he sang the raag [melody] “Meghamala,” clouds thickened in the sky; when he sang the raag “Varuna,” showers of rain fell. When he sang the “Nagaswara,” snakes gathered. Akbar was very proud that he had in his court, a musician of such eminence.
But one day, while Akbar was engaged in prayer, he heard the distant music of Haridasa, a wandering minstrel, a beggar singing to the tune of a single-stringed instrument he held in his hand. Akbar was thrilled, enchanted, deeply moved.
He asked Tansen why that song appealed to him more than all the songs Tansen sang in the court. Tansen replied, “Lord! I sing looking at your face to see any sign of appreciation, in the hope that you will give me a few gems or some acres of land. He sings looking at the face of God, with no greed for material wealth or ambition for earthly goods. That is the difference.”
China Katha 1, “Sweeter Than Tansen,” p. 198
Live with prema (love), in prema, for prema. Then the Lord, who is Premaswarupa (embodiment of love), will grant you all that you need in spite of your not asking for anything. He knows. He is the mother who does not wait to hear the moan of the child to feed it. His love is so vast and deep; He anticipates every need and rushes with the help you must have.
Digest, p. 126
Everyone must learn the secret of happiness, which consists of refusing to shed tears for anything less than God. You have won this human body, this human life, as the reward for many lives spent in acquiring merits. You have won this chance, this unique good fortune of being able to get the darshan [being in the presence] of Sai. Plunging deep into the waters of this tumultuous ocean of samsar [world], you have heroically emerged from its depths, with this rare pearl in your hands—the grace of Sai.
Do not allow it to slip from your clasp and fall into depths again. Hold on firmly to it. Pray that you may have it forever and be filled with the joy that it confers. That is the way by which you can render this life fruitful.
Digest, p. 116
