Out of the Mouth of Babes

As Anjali lay in bed, she thought about Swami’s birthday which was coming soon. She wondered what would be the nicest gift to give Him, after all He held the entire world in His hands. Even though she was thousands of miles away from Him, she could feel His love all around her. She reflected on how tirelessly Swami took care of everyone, yet people never showed any gratitude. “I wonder how patient I’d be if I were in His place,” she thought aloud.

The moonlight was streaming into her bedroom window, and the world outside was asleep and quiet. As she gazed outside, a bright, lonely star high up in the sky caught her eye. “Is that You, Swami?” she asked the star. “Are You up there watching over us?” She sighed and said, “Poor Swami, He must be so tired trying to teach people to behave themselves.”

Anjali gazed at the star once more. All of a sudden, she felt herself being drawn into the star like a magnet….it was pulling her in. She felt herself land on something as soft and fragrant as a rose petal, and as she looked around, she could see the earth at a distance. She realized to her amazement, that she was sitting on the palm of Baba’s hand. She looked up and stared right into Baba’s beautiful smiling face. Baba seemed to have assumed a huge form, surrounded by a brilliant aura of love, and was now bending over her, whispering something—”I will show you the world through My eyes. You will understand the truth behind everything.”

Anjali looked back at the lovely earth so far away. Suddenly, she felt a jolt, and then was immersed in an ocean of love with waves pouring forth from her. She was captivated by the magnificent scenes that passed before her eyes. “Swami, the earth looks beautiful. I can see everything with love and compassion.”

“Yes, if only man would understand how lucky he is to take human birth, he would treat his fellow beings with the same love that you now feel, for it is this love that radiates from Me and it is this light that envelops the entire world to ultimately flow back to Me.”

Anjali thought about this for a minute. Then, she asked, “My parents tell me ‘do this’ and ‘do that’, and they get tired after a while. But You teach the whole world, Swami. Don’t You ever get tired?”

“No, My eyes are always on My children, day and night, and indeed every second. I keep watch over all of you. I have come to make man understand the truth, that he is God and that he is born on this earth for the purpose of realizing this. Besides, all of them down there provide me with much entertainment,” He said with a laugh.

“But, Swami, don’t You ever have to punish anyone?” queried Anjali. Then His face grew serious. “I do not punish anyone. Through man’s own wrong doing he will receive retribution, and through his good deeds he earns merit. My love and compassion pour forth. It is up to man to earn my grace through merit or reject it through demerit. Some seek my guidance and listen to me…others don’t,” He ended with a sigh.

Anjali sat quiet for a while, digesting all of this information. Then she asked hopefully, “May be if You shouted at them, or spoke louder, then they would listen?” “Well, they can hear two voices: Mine, and that of their ego’s. They can hear My voice coming from their hearts, but many choose to listen to the voice of their ego instead,” Swami replied.

“What is ‘ego’, Baba?”

“How shall I explain it to you, My innocent child? Let’s see… Ego is when people think, ‘I am the best,’ ‘I know everything,’ and ‘I am right and others are all wrong.’ It is when God tells you to do one thing and you do the opposite because you think you know better. Ego makes man selfish and greedy.” Swami pointed to a war scene back on the earth. “Look at the way they are fighting. Each side thinks that it is right, and refuses to listen and compromise when their opinions differ. They immediately begin to fight, as if fighting will solve all of their problems. Many die, and sorrow descends on all sides,” said Baba sadly.

Anjali watched the horrible scene for a minute and then noticed something. “Why is there a grey cloud around the war, Swami?” “Well, when many egos clash, the scene is enveloped in a grey aura,” replied Swami. Anjali noticed something else, and pointed it out. “Look at those pretty cows grazing in the pasture over there, Swami. They have a pink cloud around them.”

“Do you know why? Pink is the color of eternal love. The few who are surrounded by pink understand My message, and are closer to Divinity. Animals follow their dharma [right conduct] and do not need to be taught how to behave. The most difficult lesson is teaching man the meaning and significance of life,” explained Swami.

Anjali pondered over this. Then she asked, “Swami, do you love some people more than others?” “No, little one, I love all of you equally. You see, I separated Myself from Myself in order to have someone to love and someone to love Me. But humans have forgotten how to love God,” replied Swami.

Swami looked so sad that Anjali felt doleful as well, and she hastened to reassure Him. She stood up on His palm, and hugged His thumb. “I love You very much, Swami.”

Love shone in Swami’s eyes with the glow of a million stars, as He looked at her. “Yes, I know, Anjali. That is why, I am talking with you. Man has to become as small and pure-hearted as a child like you to listen to Me. Then, he will learn to love both God and his fellow beings.” At this point, try as she might, Anjali could not stop a large yawn from escaping her.

“You must be sleepy, child, I shall send you home now,” said Swami, gently stroking the little girl’s hair.

“But Swami, you must be even more tired than I am. Why don’t You take a nap, and I will watch the world for You,” replied Anjali.

“Little one, your parents will miss you. But perhaps some day, I’ll be able to close My eyes and sleep while you keep watch on the world for Me. That would be a lovely birthday gift,” said Swami, smiling sweetly.

Anjali readied herself to go home. Then she turned around and asked, “Swami, I have just one more question. When You look at me, do I have a grey or a pink cloud?”

“My precious, you are neither grey nor pink. You are far beyond the colors that your eyes can perceive. In truth, you are Me and I am you”

~Alka Pradhan, Class X, Ohio, U.S.A.
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, April 1998

Out of the Mouth of Babes

Children often become instruments of wisdom in ways that surprise even the most learned adults. Their innocence, honesty, and purity of heart allow them to perceive truths that are often hidden behind the complexities of worldly thinking. The phrase Out of the Mouth of Babes beautifully captures this reality. It reminds us that divine wisdom can emerge from the simplest voices and that spiritual lessons are not limited by age, education, or status. Throughout history, many saints, sages, and spiritual seekers have observed that children often reveal profound truths through their spontaneous words and actions.

The message of Out of the Mouth of Babes encourages us to listen carefully to the younger generation. Children speak without pretense and often express what they genuinely feel. Their hearts are not burdened by ego, pride, or the desire for recognition. Because of this purity, their words frequently carry a sincerity that touches the soul. In many spiritual traditions, childlike simplicity is considered a virtue because it reflects trust, faith, and openness to divine guidance.

There are countless examples where the spirit of Out of the Mouth of Babes has inspired adults to rethink their perspectives. A child may ask a simple question about kindness, fairness, or faith that causes an elder to reflect deeply. Sometimes a young person’s innocent observation reveals a truth that others have overlooked. Such moments remind us that wisdom is not always found in lengthy discussions or scholarly texts. Often, it appears unexpectedly through pure and uncomplicated expressions.

The principle behind Out of the Mouth of Babes also teaches humility. Adults often assume that knowledge comes only from experience and age. While experience certainly has value, spiritual growth requires the willingness to learn from every source. A humble heart recognizes that divine lessons can come through anyone. When we dismiss the thoughts of children, we may miss opportunities to understand deeper truths about compassion, honesty, and love.

Many spiritual communities have witnessed inspiring stories that reflect Out of the Mouth of Babes. Young devotees sometimes express remarkable faith during difficult circumstances. Their trust in the Divine often surpasses that of adults who are burdened by doubts and worries. By observing their confidence and devotion, others are encouraged to strengthen their own spiritual practices. These moments reveal how innocence can become a powerful teacher.

The teachings shared by Devotional India frequently emphasize the importance of purity in thought, word, and deed. Children naturally embody many of these qualities. They forgive quickly, love freely, and approach life with wonder. Such characteristics provide valuable lessons for those seeking spiritual advancement. Rather than viewing childhood merely as a stage of growth, spiritual seekers can recognize it as a reflection of virtues worth preserving throughout life.

Another aspect of Out of the Mouth of Babes is the reminder that truth does not require complicated language. Spiritual principles are often simple, yet people tend to make them difficult through endless analysis. A child’s straightforward understanding can cut through confusion and reveal the essence of a teaching. Their uncomplicated perspective demonstrates that sincerity and goodness are often more important than intellectual sophistication.

The wisdom contained in Out of the Mouth of Babes is especially meaningful in a world filled with noise and distractions. Adults frequently become occupied with responsibilities, ambitions, and concerns that distance them from inner peace. Children, however, tend to live in the present moment. Their ability to appreciate small blessings and express gratitude serves as a powerful reminder of what truly matters in life. Through their example, many people rediscover joy, faith, and contentment.

According to reflections often shared by Devotional India, spiritual development involves cultivating qualities such as innocence, compassion, and selflessness. These virtues are naturally present in many children before worldly influences begin to shape their attitudes. By observing and learning from them, individuals can reconnect with values that nurture harmony and spiritual fulfillment. The lessons offered by young hearts are often simple, yet their impact can be lasting and transformative.

The message of Out of the Mouth of Babes also highlights the universal presence of the Divine. If sacred wisdom can emerge from a child’s words, then every person has the potential to become a channel of inspiration. This understanding encourages respect for all individuals and fosters a spirit of unity. It reminds us that divine grace is not confined to particular places or people but can manifest wherever there is purity and sincerity.

As emphasized through the spiritual reflections promoted by Devotional India, genuine wisdom is closely connected to humility and love. Children often display these qualities naturally, making them unexpected teachers for those willing to listen. Their simple observations can illuminate profound truths about faith, kindness, and the purpose of life. The enduring lesson of Out of the Mouth of Babes is that wisdom often arrives in the most unexpected forms. When we listen with an open heart, we discover that even the smallest voice can carry a message capable of transforming our understanding and deepening our connection with the Divine. Indeed, the timeless truth expressed through Out of the Mouth of Babes continues to inspire seekers to embrace simplicity, humility, and unwavering faith on their spiritual journey.

-Walk for Values 2008