Art With Heart…

Art With Heart…

Living in Prasanthi Nilayam for many years, listening to countless discourses and reading a number of books do not ensure necessary transformation, says Bhagawan praising high of devotees from overseas nations for their little ‘knowledge’ but greater transformation… From Bhagawan’s Divine discourse on 11 July 1995.

The overseas devotees who have come here are affluent people. ‘Why have they come here? They are like patients who go to a hospital for their ailments. All of them suffer from some kind of illness or other, mental or physical. All are victims of some kind of mental illness. They have all come for the medicine of peace, joy, and happiness. Wherefrom is this peace to be got? It cannot be got from outside. It is within oneself. The disease has arisen within because of bad qualities. Every person’s physical, mental and spiritual health is ruined by bad qualities; bad thoughts and bad feelings. Hence, cultivate good thoughts, good feelings and good attitudes. Expel every bad thought as it arises in the mind.

You cannot relish food that is not tasty. Should you not try to impart sweet taste to your life which spans several decades? How to impart that taste? By constant contemplation on God. Life is made tasty by good thoughts and good actions. All those who wish to pursue the spiritual path must begin with getting rid of bad thoughts and bad practices and start transforming their lives.

People ask: how are we to cultivate a broad attitude? The answer is: get rid of the artificial barriers you have raised between yourself and others. These barriers create narrow and limited loyalties and prevent you from enjoying an all-embracing bliss. Enlarge your horizon. Expand your vision. This is the true spiritual exercise for you.

During the past three days, devotees from many countries have presented a blissful programme of the kind which cannot be seen anywhere else in the world. They would not have come on the invitation of any government. Even if they had come you would not have experienced the kind of bliss you have enjoyed here. This is an example of the relationship between an object and its image. It is because of the bliss within the artists, they could generate that bliss in the audience. They have come from their respective countries filled with devotion and in their singing and dance they completely forgot themselves. This kind of performance would not be possible by artists who expect rewards. The devotees did not come merely with art, but they came with their hearts. (Cheers) Their “art” is filled with “heart”.

Some of them were oblivious to their bodies in their performances. They were forgetful of their native countries—whether Russia, or America, or Germany, or Africa. This is real “Samadhi” (the state of spiritual ecstasy). Samadhi is not falling into a trance or some state of unconsciousness. These may be caused by hysteria or antic of the imagination.

“Samadhi” means equal mindedness; forgetting the body consciousness and being immersed in bliss (Ananda). These devotees demonstrated this “Samadhi” and shared their bliss with thousands of others. Not only did they experience this bliss themselves, but they shared it with all. Can there be a greater penance (Tapas) than this? What greater Sadhana do you need? “Uddharet Atmana Atmanam”, says the Upanishads. Raise yourself and share that experience with others.

Those artists have been strictly adhering to the artistic traditions of their respective countries. In the Japanese dance yesterday, the priest (an old man) appeared to be shivering. He has all the strength, but when approaching the shrine and nearing the Emperor he displays extreme humility and reverence. They practise such supreme humility. Economically and technologically Japan is a highly advanced country. But see what humility and discipline they display!

Look at the Russians. Among Russians, there is a tendency to “rush”. But what complete self forgetfulness was displayed by the lady while she sang and danced? (Cheers). What ecstasy in her heart made her experience such joy? She was completely lost in her song and dance.

No one can tell what kind of experience one can have in a certain place at a certain time and in a certain situation. Altogether, what transformation has taken place in all those who came for the Global Festival! They came for the first time. But the transformation that has taken place in’ them cannot be seen in many who have been coming here for years and years. Many of you have listened to countless discourses and have read a lot of books. But, what is the change in you? None at all. You have remained where you are. If we examine further, many seem to have gone back rather than going forward. Hence, devotees should strive to put into practice at least a fraction of what they have seen and heard.

The lives of these overseas devotees appear exemplary. Though they have learnt little, the joy they derive from it is great. This is what is great about them. There are many here who know a great deal, but who practise very little of it.

Art With Heart – A Sacred Expression Of Love, Beauty, And Divine Feeling

Art With Heart is not merely the creation of something beautiful for the eyes; it is the expression of feeling, purity, compassion, and inner truth. When art comes only from skill, it may impress people for a moment. But when art comes from the heart, it touches the soul and leaves a lasting fragrance.

Human beings have always used art to express what ordinary words cannot fully say. A painting, song, poem, dance, sculpture, or simple handmade offering can carry devotion, joy, sorrow, gratitude, and hope. Art becomes powerful when it reveals the inner life of the artist and connects others with something deeper.

Art With Heart teaches that creativity should not be separated from values. Talent is a gift from God, and every gift should be used wisely. If art spreads hatred, pride, vulgarity, or selfishness, it loses its sacred purpose. But when art spreads peace, devotion, kindness, and inspiration, it becomes a blessing to society.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that all actions should be filled with love and offered to God. This applies to art also. Whether one sings a bhajan, decorates a prayer space, writes a devotional article, designs something useful, or creates a meaningful picture, the attitude behind the work matters greatly.

Art With Heart becomes meaningful when the artist does not create only for praise or popularity. Appreciation may come, and it can encourage effort, but it should not become the main goal. The purest art is born when the heart quietly says, “Let this bring joy, peace, and goodness to someone.”

A sincere artist becomes an instrument. The hands may draw, the voice may sing, the words may flow, and the body may dance, but the deeper inspiration comes from within. When ego reduces, creativity becomes more graceful. The artist then feels that the work is not only personal achievement, but divine guidance.

Art With Heart also reminds us that beauty must have responsibility. Something may be attractive outside, but if it weakens character or disturbs the mind, its beauty remains incomplete. True beauty uplifts. It gives courage to the weak, calmness to the restless, faith to the doubtful, and sweetness to the heart.

Devotional art has a special power because it turns the mind toward God. A simple bhajan sung with love may purify the atmosphere. A picture of the Lord may awaken remembrance. A poem on divine grace may comfort a suffering heart. When art carries devotion, it becomes prayer in visible or audible form.

Art With Heart finally teaches that every life can become a work of art. Our thoughts are the colors, our words are the lines, our actions are the design, and our character is the final picture. If we fill life with anger, jealousy, and selfishness, the picture becomes disturbed. If we fill it with love, truth, service, and humility, life becomes beautiful.

The heart must be purified for art to become sacred. Prayer softens the heart, namasmarana purifies thought, bhajan fills life with devotion, meditation brings silence, and seva removes selfishness. These practices help creativity flow from a cleaner and more loving space.

A person does not need to be a famous artist to create beauty. A mother preparing food with love, a child drawing with innocence, a devotee arranging flowers, a teacher writing kind words, or a worker doing duty with care can all create beauty. Anything done with love becomes artistic in the spiritual sense.

Art should also become a bridge between people. It can unite different cultures, languages, ages, and hearts. A song can be understood even when language is not fully known. A sincere image can speak without words. A loving creation reminds people that human hearts share the same longing for peace and joy.

The world today needs creativity guided by compassion. There is much noise, distraction, and restlessness. Art that carries purity can become like cool shade for tired minds. It can remind people to slow down, feel deeply, think nobly, and reconnect with the Divine presence within.

In the end, Art With Heart is a sacred reminder that true creativity is love made visible, audible, or touchable. It asks us to use talent with humility, create with purity, and offer every gift to God. When art is filled with devotion, service, and compassion, it becomes more than expression; it becomes a blessing of divine grace.

The Grandeur of Sathya Sai Darshan… – By Dr. Deepak Anand