Remain as a Lotus flower while living in the family.

[Guest guest]

Many a time, i used to wonder how to love our kith and kin without any trace of attachment? It seems to be a difficult proposition. Near and dear is the phrase attributed to mention the kith and kin. No doubt, we are duty bound to safeguard the interest of the family members who are entrusted in our custody by providence. How to look after them lovingly but at the same time without any attachment? When we undertake service activities, it is Sai's love and teachings which guide us and prompt us to do the service without any trace of selfishness. But in the family environment, a tinge of selfishness intermingles our duties. Yes, it is a difficult process to differentiate. A swan drinks milk alone even if it is mixed with water. Hence noble souls are termed as "Paramahamsa". To remain in the family but to keep our mind detached is really a meditation. Hence, we have to think always, that all the relationships are ephemeral but at the same time as long as we are in the family, we are duty bound to look after them. Practice alone can result in perfection. Little by little detach yourself from the obligations, neverthless be doing the duties. Only Swami has to grant us the discrimination and dispassion to remain as a Lotus in the midst of water, slush etc. Sairam.