The Purity of Heart
No sadhana (spiritual practices) would help in realizing God if one is devoid of purity of the heart. The different kinds of sadhana like fasting, meditation, etc., would help to develop one’s faith in the omnipresent God who, in fact, resides as the indweller in you. People generally think that God gave darshan (being in holy Presence) to such and such person. But the truth is God never gives darshan to people who have no purity of the heart. Hence, if you wish to have the darshan of God, you must develop purity of the heart. All kinds of sadhana are meant only to attain purity. The moment you attain purity of the heart, the omnipresent God will manifest right in front of you.
Unfortunately, today in the world there is a dearth of gurus who can firmly lead the seeker on the path of purity. They confine themselves to some mechanical techniques of meditation in exchange for money.
In fact, one does not need to undertake any complex system of meditation. One can undertake the simple sadhana of constant contemplation on the omnipresent God. Few teach such simple methods nowadays. People listen to and read about several intriguing kinds of meditation and start a sadhana that catches their interest or imagination.
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 38, 2005
Whatever scriptures one may study, whatever sadhanas one may practice or pilgrimages one may make, unless one succeeds in getting rid of the impurities in the heart, life will remain worthless and meaningless. Purification of the heart is the essence of all scriptural teachings and the basic goal of life. In this context, the Gita refers to swadharma (duties that accord with one’s nature) and paradharma (duties prescribed for others) and says that swadharma is conducive to the ennobling of the individual, while paradharma is fraught with fearful consequences. Swadharmo nidhanam shreyah Paradharmo bhayavaha—“Adhering to one’s dharma is commendable, while practicing paradharma is full of dangers.” Swadharma does not mean the dharma (duty) relating to any caste, community, race, or religion. Swa means atma. It is the dharma that is related to atma, that is swadharma (Divine duty). Paradharma is dharma related to the body consciousness. All duties associated with the external world are comprised in paradharma. These duties will inevitably involve one in the bonds of Samsara (worldly life). Though they may confer temporary pleasures, they are bound to result in fear and anxiety.
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. 17, 1984
What is it that you should observe on this New Year Day? Many such days have come and gone. But how far has there been a transformation in the heart? Many years have come and gone. But your hearts remain unchanged. The first task is to purify the heart. You should not be content with celebrating the New Year as a festive occasion. To enjoy a feast, you do not need a New Year. The New Year should be marked not by a feast but by the awakening of new and pure thoughts in the heart. Of what use is it to be concerned only about eating from dawn to dusk?
What is the purpose of life? It is not eating, sleeping, and dying. You must control the senses and use them for sacred purposes. The power of the senses is derived from the Divine. The small human eye enables us to look at stars billions of miles away. Where is this power got? It is from the divine within you. Hence, everyone should always think of God, whatever one may do. Then one will be free from bad thoughts. Man must manifest his humanness by transcending the animal nature.
Realize your inherent divinity. Regard the whole world as your field of action. You have come as a pilgrim to this world of action. Ensure that your pilgrimage proceeds on right lines.
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol.31, 1998
