Now And Forever
As humanity is passing through a crucially important phase in its history, man needs to attempt to reinvent his lost fervour, fervour for spirituality utilising all God-given agendas to the best… and thus comes the supreme importance of “Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu” – the Universal MahaMantra born of Sri Sathya Sai HimSelf. Dwelling upon the sublime living exemplified by Bhagawan, the Sri Sathya Sai Bhagavatham, writes Sri Jullie Chaudhuri about the supreme importance of the phase humanity is passing through…
Easter Day 2011 the world received some excruciatingly devastating news. Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba had chosen to aloof Himself from the Physical. Easter was on 24th April that year.
This year Easter Day just passed us by on 27th March.
Incidentally, 28th March, was the day The Lord selected to admit Himself into the SSSIHMS. Then on, each day every devoted heart experienced tremendous soreness and awaited any bit of news, each moment of the day about their Beloved Swami – their Centre of Adoration. The fervour for Bhagawan surpassed limits. And anxious thoughts flooded each cell of the being.
What all has He taken upon Himself? What can we do to ‘ease’ things? Are we not responsible in some way for all that was happening? How can we share in howsoever a minute manner the colossal expanse, the unimaginable magnitude, the almighty contamination the Almighty had thrust upon His most adorable Form? Bhagawan is beyond pain, yet, each heart was writhing, burning in agony. And still is.
Prayers rented the ether…prayers to Him…for Him.
On this day, on 28th March 2011, a pacemaker was fitted into the heart of the One Who is the Heart of the Universe…Who sets the pace of every atom in creation! Is there anyone Who can fathom the leelas, the sportive play, the mystical pronunciations, the transcendental acts of Bhagawan? The human mind is fixed in limitations, confined in conditions. Conversely, God is beyond conditions, beyond logic, beyond any and every limitation. There are no laws binding upon the One Who makes the Laws…for, even as the energy structure is being altered, transformed and amended as each person and the environment evolves…classifying a dynamic process…His Will too refines, redefines and decides the Cosmic Script and the laws that harmonise and fit the script.
No one can comprehend the ways of God. They are beyond description. – Baba
Avatars do not manifest to please or convince any mortal. The descent of God in the Physical is for the resuscitation of Dharma, for reviving Shanti, for escalating pristine Prema, for establishing Ahimsa, for the protection of the meek and downtrodden, to bless the helpless, fundamentally the Divine Being appears so as to facilitate the wellbeing of each being. The welfare of all beings attracts a Divine Incarnation. Consequently, the life, breath, message and mission of the Sathya Sai Avatar, the Source of Creation, the eternal spring of Compassion is essentially Samastha Lokaah Sukhino Bhavantu.
Moreover, the essence of Samastha Lokaah was planted in each individual soul as it birthed itself from the Cosmic Womb…the womb of Mother Sai. Quite essentially and unknowingly all are silently exuding this Mantra. It is time enough to arise, awaken and be aware of this truth, this Dharma of our existence especially during this period of Sai Lent. Then on may it blend with every heartbeat, each inhalation that destiny has bestowed upon us. Isn’t this what pleases the ever blissful Supreme Father and Mother of Creation? Isn’t this the bliss of our Precious Lord?
Come, let us dwell upon the sublime living exemplified by Sai…may Sathya Sai Bhagavatam continuously absorb our soul, may Samastha Lokaah/Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu propel our thoughts, words and deeds. May His compassion be our everyday mission. Together let us offer allegiance to the breath of Sai.
Every dawn guide us, Oh! Beloved Master,
How may we reach out to all incessantly?
How may we live to please only Thee?
May the shimmering pink-gold Light of Thy Prema,
Embrace our heart space,
Help us to be kind to ourselves too,
Strengthen our personal sadhana,
Intensify our Aradhana,
That we may sychronise the five senses with each human value,
In thoughts, words and deeds as they flow through,
Deepen our understanding of Samastha Lokaah/Jeeva Sukhino Bhavantu,
Whereby,
We remain ensconced in the sphere of Sathya Sai,
Enhance our link and association with You,
You are Now, You are Forever,
May we ever bask in the realm of forever with You.
Now and Forever.
II Samastha Lokah Sukhino Bhavantu II
Now And Forever – A Promise of Love Beyond Time
Now And Forever is a beautiful expression of love, faith, and commitment that reaches beyond temporary feelings. In ordinary life, many things change quickly. People change, situations change, emotions rise and fall, and plans do not always unfold as expected. Yet the heart longs for something steady, something pure, something that remains true through every season of life.
This phrase carries both present devotion and eternal hope. “Now” reminds us to live with sincerity in the present moment. “Forever” reminds us that true love is not limited to one day, one event, or one passing emotion. A noble feeling becomes meaningful when it is practiced today and preserved with faith for the future.
Now And Forever reminds us that real devotion is not only about emotional excitement. Many people feel inspired during prayer, bhajans, celebrations, or sacred gatherings, but the deeper test comes afterward. Do we continue to speak kindly? Do we remain truthful? Do we serve with humility? Do we remember God when life becomes difficult? Devotion becomes real when it remains steady in daily conduct.
Love that is only temporary may shine for a while, but it cannot give lasting peace. True love stays patient during misunderstanding, gentle during difficulty, and faithful during distance. It does not depend only on comfort or praise. It becomes stronger through sacrifice, forgiveness, and trust. Such love carries the fragrance of the Divine because it asks for purity, not possession.
Now And Forever also teaches us about the relationship between the devotee and God. The Divine does not love us only when we are perfect. God’s love remains near even when we are weak, confused, or struggling. Like a compassionate mother, the Divine corrects, guides, protects, and waits patiently for the heart to awaken. This constant love gives courage to the seeker.
In spiritual life, the present moment is very important. We often postpone goodness. We think we will pray later, forgive later, serve later, or change later. But life is uncertain, and the right time to become better is always today. A kind word should be spoken now. A sincere apology should be offered now. A good action should not be delayed. The future is shaped by the choices we make in this moment.
Now And Forever teaches that every sincere action can carry eternal value. A small act of service done with love may remain in someone’s heart for years. A blessing, a prayer, a forgiving gesture, or a moment of compassion can create an influence beyond what we can see. The body may be temporary, but love, truth, and goodness leave lasting impressions.
This thought is also a reminder to build relationships on values. Relationships become weak when they are based only on convenience, attraction, or expectation. They become strong when they are rooted in respect, patience, honesty, and care. To love someone truly is to wish for their growth, protect their dignity, and remain kind even when the ego feels hurt.
Faith also needs this steadiness. It is easy to remember God when prayers are answered quickly, but real faith continues even during waiting. Sometimes the Divine response comes as strength instead of a solution, patience instead of speed, or wisdom instead of comfort. A mature devotee learns to trust not only God’s blessings, but also God’s timing.
Now And Forever becomes a sacred promise when we decide to live with values permanently, not only when it is easy. Truth should not be followed only when it benefits us. Kindness should not be shown only to people who praise us. Service should not be done only when others are watching. A pure life is built when goodness becomes our nature.
This phrase also invites us to remember that the soul belongs to eternity. The body changes, roles change, and worldly achievements fade, but the inner Self is connected with the Divine. When we live only for temporary pleasures, the heart remains restless. When we live for truth, love, and spiritual growth, life becomes peaceful and meaningful.
A person who understands this begins to live more carefully. He does not waste time in hatred, jealousy, pride, or regret. He values the present moment and uses it for prayer, service, learning, and love. He knows that each day is a gift and each action is a seed. What we plant today will shape the fragrance of tomorrow.
Now And Forever is finally a call to remain loyal to what is sacred. Let love guide the present. Let faith guide the future. Let gratitude soften the heart. Let service make life useful. When our thoughts become pure, our words become gentle, and our actions become selfless, we begin to live in a way that honors both time and eternity.
In the end, this expression is more than a phrase. It is a way of living with devotion that does not fade, love that does not become selfish, and faith that does not collapse during trials. A heart that chooses God, goodness, and compassion today will carry that light forever.
Poisoned Arrows Or Scented Blossoms…Sorrow or Celebration?