sai_pranam

Q: Swami, why don't we receive God's grace?

Swami: This is totally wrong notion, God treats everyone alike. The fault lies with individuals. For example, if it rains and you want to catch the rain water, you must place the vessel in the rain with the mouth facing the sky. Only then will the rain water collect in the vessel. On the other hand, if you place the vessel upside down, how can you expect the rain water to collect in the vessel? Your mind is the vessel and God is the sky. Turn the mind towards God, then the water of grace can surely be collected.

Q: Swami, how do we win your grace ?

SWAMI: It is always there. God's grace will shower on everyone just as the sun shines on everyone. The sunshine does not fall behind an obstruction. Similarly, My grace falls on those who are very much interested in My name and form. It does not fall on those who are not interested. Every jivi will get at least one chance in its life time. If you want to clean a room, all the materials in the room are kept outside and thus are exposed to sunshine. Likewise, the jwi will remember Me when he is exposed to the aura. The choice to obtain grace or not is entirely yours. Those who constantly contemplate on My name and form will get My grace. (He recited a couplet) "Oh devotee, why do you worry, when you have Sai as your father, mother, relative and friend."

Q: Swami, we have not made any progress in Sadhana. When do we go to the next stage?

SWAMI: Forget about the stages. It is enough if you make yourself eligible for God's Grace. That is why I tell you often to keep your mind in a ripened state. In a single birth, one cannot have unwavering bhakti. You developed unwavering faith in Me as soon as you saw Me, because of your good deeds in your previous births. The persons whose minds stick to Me like blotting paper as soon as they see Me are My real devotees. Due to the fruits of sadhana of many births, people are able to fix their minds upon God as soon as they see Him.

Q: Swami, shouldn't You grace those persons who are entirely dependent on You and seeking Your grace?

SWAMI: I will surely bless them. I am here only for that reason and for such aspirants. You still have responsibilities. As soon as you finish them, I will shower Grace on you. If you desire it before finishing your duties, it will be an act of selfishness.