Guest guest Posted September 15, 2005 Report Share Posted September 15, 2005 [ WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 14, 2005 12:00:00 AM ] When the time came for Emperor Bali to leave, a saddened Bali told his people: "I cannot be without you and you cannot be without me. Every year I shall appear before you and give you joy". Onam is the day on which Bali fulfils his promise. Another word for 'tyag' or sacrifice is 'Bali'. The term has several meanings: Offering, dedication, sacrifice, even a tax... But the true meaning of 'Bali' is the recognition of Divinity in man. Emperor Bali taught that nothing belongs to anyone. All are God-given gifts. Bali surrendered completely to Vishnu all that he had. He told the preceptor: "What is the use of my possessing anything which is not of use to God? When the infinite Divine appears in the role of the seeker of favours, what greater blessing can there be than making the offering to the Divine? It is a great blessing... I am ready to offer my mind, my body and my life to God". This is the meaning of surrender. God does not ask for any offering of wealth or position. God is said to be pleased if a sincere devotee offers a leaf, a flower, and a fruit or even water. What is this leaf? It is the body. The heart is the flower, the mind is the fruit. The water that is to be offered is that from the tears of joy shed by the devotee. Sri Sathya Sai Baba http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1231304.cms Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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