Sai Baba Gita - The Joy of the Self is the only True Joy

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The Joy of the Self is the only True Joy

All the joys and pleasures which you enjoy in this world are only temporary, and

are just the reflections of the immeasurable joy which is inside of you. Out of

ignorance you believe that your joy comes from sense-objects and that this

momentary joy is true. But only what is permanent is true. These temporary joys

which are associated with the things of the world are not the true joy. Only the

eternal bliss that is the atma, is true; these others come and go. All the

things that you see in the waking state disappear in the dream state. All the

joys and sorrows which you experience during the dream state you leave behind

when you come back into the waking state. People and objects that you see in

the waking state will appear as changing reflections in the dream state, and

then they get completely absorbed and disappear in the deep-sleep state. In

this way, your joy changes as these states change.

All the worldly joys which you think to be so permanent will give you a great

deal of trouble in the end and lead you to grief. "Therefore," Krishna told

Arjuna, "pay attention only to your inner truth, the basis, from which springs

all manifestations. Then outer appearances and sense-impressions will not

bother you." The basis does not change, whereas the manifestations which depend

on that basis continuously change. If the basis were changing along with the

manifestations, it would be impossible for you to even live. Consider this

small example.

At various times you may have used different types of vehicles, such as cars,

trains or buses, to travel from one place to another. The car might be moving

fairly fast, so might the bus, and even if you are just walking you might be

going quite fast. In each case, this movement will be in relation to the road

which remains steady and unchanging. Suppose along with the moving car or the

moving bus, the road itself is also moving rapidly, as in violent earthquake.

Then what would happen? You would certainly be moving, but you could end up in

any direction. You are not likely to reach your goal despite great efforts and

hardships along the way. In order to reach your goal the road must be steady.

It is because the atmic source, the indweller of every heart, is permanent and

steady that people are able to enjoy the things of the world, which are

impermanent and changing. But, Krishna warned Arjuna, "Do not be satisfied with

these furtive pleasures, which you mistakenly believe come from the world. The

world is fleeting. It is fickle and full of sorrow. It is the ever-changing

outer manifestation. It is not the permanent basis. It cannot lead you to your

truth. How can you count on the world for your support when it is undergoing so

many changes and modifications? Would it be possible for you to derive permanent

bliss from it? Let go of the world and turn towards the transcendental

principle. Turn towards the atma. It is forever steady and unchanging. There

you will find the unending joy that you have been seeking futilely outside in

the world."

http://www.atmapress.com/saibabagita/saigita191.html

Sai Baba Gita, Compiled and edited by Al Drucker - Published by Atma Press -

http://www.atmapress.com - ISBN: 0963844903Online Edition:

http://www.atmapress.com/saibabagita/index.html

 

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