Swami's Interview session with John Hislop

December 23, 2004

Dear brothers and sisters,

SaiRam. I do not have words to express my happiness on

being a part of this group. I thank SWAMI for this. Today, I would like to share

with you all the following conversation between John Hislop and SWAMI in 1978.

This is an extract from the book 'My Baba and I' by John Hislop.

January, 1978

----------------

JH: Devotees in New York would like to have a guideline for personal life,

similar to the administrative Guidelines for Centers.

SAI: The principal thing is that the life and the work should be dedicated to God.

JH: SWAMI, they would like a series of do's and don'ts to guide them through the day.

SAI: There are so many different vocations and professions that each has its

appropriate code of behavior. One vital principle for everyone is to do no harm

to others. We should do everything in our power to help others.

JH: A big problem that faces these young people is that of drugs. It is the

general belief that marijuana is not harmful.

SAI: At first, a drug may make the person feel strong and confident. But all

drugs are unnatural in their effect on the mind, and they do positive harm to

the brain and to the spiritual capacity. The spiritual aspirant, the devotee of

God should not make use of drugs.

JH: Most young people, not only in New York, have the desire to, or feel

pressure to engage in intensive social life. What is the correct attitude for

Sai devotees?

SAI: Social Service, yes. Idle social life is not good.

JH: SWAMI, the devotee arises in the morning, and then what for the day?

SAI: The awakening each morning should be a new birth. After awakening, be quiet

for a few minutes. Pray to God for strength to live the day in dedication to

Him, and for the strength to help others. At night time, there is a new death.

Recollect the day - but not in detail, and offer it to the Almighty. In the

morning, the day was dedicated to God. At night, the day's work and its fruit

is laid as an offering at His Lotus Feet.

SaiRam

Raghu.

Recommended Posts