Young Adults Corner

In addition to the knowledge derived from the sacred texts, one should gain wisdom through experience. Knowledge without personal experience is futile. Wisdom lodged within us will be of no avail if it is static. ~ Baba

When we are very young, we only experience life, we do not analyze it. As we grow older, our intellect begins to gain understanding of these experiences and we begin to integrate the lessons in our lives. We offer this column as an opportunity to young adults to share their experiences, realize how life is the greatest teacher, and show how Swami’s teachings have helped them. We also hope that the process of writing will enable them to integrate these experiences into their daily life.

A Journey to God Varsha Ghayal

Swami has often said, “Young people should cultivate Divine feelings and qualities, participate in sacred activities and lead a life of exemplary excellence.” “Well, how does one go about doing this?”, I asked myself. As a first-year college student, living away from home and Sai center, I was feeling devoid of these Divine feelings and lacked participation in sacred activities.

I felt as though I had fallen into an abyss of materialism and delusion. I did not have the energy and motivation to pull myself out of this bottomless pit and was utterly confused as to what I should do. However, Swami, Our Beloved, Merciful Bhagavan, cultivated a tremendous desire in me to see Him, to be a student of His…to attend the Summer Showers in Brindavan. This desire was so strong that I prayed fervently to Swami to allow me to attend the Summer Course, to change into a more devoted spiritual aspirant and to live as an example of His teachings.

I went through the necessary application procedures for the summer course, was selected as one of the twelve privileged girls and made all the appropriate preparations for the trip, only to find out that the Dearest Swami had canceled the summer course one week prior to our departure. As I learned of this sad news, many thoughts ran through my mind. How will I survive another year of college without seeing Swami? How will I learn to conduct myself in an exemplary manner? But most upsetting was the thought that I would not have the golden opportunity to be a student of Baba.

Fortunately, all the girls in the group had tremendous enthusiasm and determination to make the trip despite the cancellation. And Swami guided and helped through the entire trip. We made our own summer course which included seva in the canteen, study circles on Summer Showers 1993, lectures given by various renowned speakers and Divine discourses by our Beloved Bhagavan. Through this we learned tremendous, invaluable amounts of information on Indian Culture and Spirituality.

One of the most important lessons was the Unity in Diversity. Swami had given permission to a group from Malaysia to attend the Divine discourses, but when they tried to attend that evening, they were not permitted to enter. They realized that Swami gave permission not only to them, but to us, the American girls, as well, for we had come for the same purpose. From then on, we all prayed together, as one, that Swami would allow us to listen to the Divine discourses and give us an interview. Both of these occurred, due to our unity. We began to see our two groups as one group of students, who have come for the same purpose—spiritual upliftment.

Throughout the trip, Swami, by various means, kept emphasizing the power of our thoughts. 0ur whole life rests on the power of our mind. “We sow the seed of thought and reap the fruit of action; we sow the seed of action and reap the fruit of nature; we sow the seed of nature and reap the fruit of character; we sow the seed of character and reap the fruit of destiny. It is evident from this that our destiny rests on our thoughts.” But how do we control our thoughts to be pure ones, I questioned. It is so difficult to always have good thoughts. What do you do when a bad thought comes to mind? My answer came from one of the Malaysian girls. She said you must uproot any negative thought in your mind and replace it with a good one. You are the only one who can do this. No one is going to remind you to stop having bad thoughts. Then Swami, during our second interview, also demonstrated a method to keep our thoughts pure. When you are angry, say, ‘I am man, I am not dog’. When the mind wavers, say, ‘I am man, I am not monkey.’ Repeat this ten times and your mind will be free of these thoughts.” I tried this technique on several occasions and was quite successful.

I learned another important lesson when reading the book Summer Showers 1993. Swami says, “Students should press forward with patience in spite of stress and strain, the trial and the tribulation which they have to undergo. It is hard in the beginning to move forward, but as you press forward, it becomes natural for you to make your journey towards God.” This passage touched me especially, since the past semester of college was full of stress. I would become nervous, impatient, instead of maintaining patience and peace of mind.

Even after learning all this and trying to put it into practice, I was still left unsatisfied. I saw the Anantpur college girls and the college boys on a daily basis and desired to be Swami’s student. But without admission to a Sai Institute or the Summer Showers course this would be impossible. Then one day Swami answered my yearning through a guest speaker. He said, “Swami’s student is not one who studies in Swami’s institute, but one who is a student of spirituality …. One who puts Swami’s teachings into practice”.

Jai Sai Ram

Young Adults Corner

The journey of youth is filled with excitement, opportunities, challenges, and important decisions that shape the future. During this transformative phase of life, guidance rooted in values and spirituality can help individuals develop confidence, clarity, and inner strength. Young Adults Corner serves as a meaningful platform where young minds can explore timeless wisdom while navigating the demands of modern life. It encourages personal growth, self-discipline, and a deeper understanding of life’s purpose.

In today’s fast-paced world, young people often face pressure related to education, careers, relationships, and social expectations. These challenges can sometimes create confusion and stress. A spiritually inspired environment offers a refreshing perspective by emphasizing character, compassion, and balance. Through regular reflection and positive practices, individuals can cultivate resilience and maintain peace amidst daily responsibilities. This is one of the reasons why Young Adults Corner continues to inspire seekers looking for direction and fulfillment.

Spiritual teachings encourage young adults to recognize their inner potential and use their talents for the benefit of society. Service, kindness, honesty, and gratitude are values that strengthen both personal and community life. When these principles become part of everyday actions, they contribute to lasting happiness and meaningful relationships. The ideas shared through Young Adults Corner help nurture these qualities and encourage participants to lead lives guided by integrity and purpose.

A significant aspect of spiritual development is self-awareness. Understanding one’s strengths, weaknesses, aspirations, and responsibilities creates a strong foundation for growth. Regular contemplation and mindfulness help individuals remain focused on what truly matters. Instead of being distracted by temporary influences, they learn to make decisions aligned with higher values. This deeper awareness is often highlighted within Young Adults Corner, where personal transformation is viewed as an ongoing and rewarding journey.

Another important element of youth development is the spirit of service. Contributing to the well-being of others fosters empathy and broadens one’s perspective. Whether through community outreach, educational support, environmental initiatives, or acts of kindness, service creates a sense of connection and responsibility. Young people who engage in selfless activities often discover greater satisfaction than what material achievements alone can provide. The discussions and experiences shared in Young Adults Corner frequently emphasize the importance of serving humanity with love and humility.

The role of positive associations cannot be overstated. Surrounding oneself with uplifting influences can significantly impact attitudes and behavior. Meaningful friendships, inspiring mentors, and supportive communities provide encouragement during difficult times and motivation to pursue noble goals. Through interaction with like-minded individuals, young adults gain valuable insights and learn from shared experiences. Such opportunities make Young Adults Corner a valuable source of encouragement and inspiration for many individuals seeking a balanced life.

Spiritual wisdom also teaches the importance of harmony between worldly responsibilities and inner development. Success is not measured solely by academic achievements or professional accomplishments but also by the quality of one’s character. A life enriched by compassion, respect, and self-control reflects true progress. By embracing these principles, young adults can achieve excellence while remaining grounded in values. This balanced approach is one of the key messages promoted through Young Adults Corner.

Modern technology has connected people across the globe, creating new opportunities for learning and communication. At the same time, it has introduced distractions that can affect concentration and emotional well-being. Developing healthy habits and mindful use of technology helps maintain focus on meaningful goals. Spiritual perspectives provide practical guidance for using modern tools responsibly while preserving inner peace. Many readers discover such valuable insights through resources available on Devotional India, where teachings and inspirational content support a value-based lifestyle.

Reading spiritual literature, participating in discussions, and reflecting on noble ideals can have a profound impact on personal growth. These practices encourage deeper thinking and help individuals develop a broader understanding of life. Inspiration drawn from saints, spiritual leaders, and sacred teachings motivates young adults to pursue excellence while remaining compassionate and humble. The lessons explored in Young Adults Corner provide a pathway toward achieving this balance between personal ambition and spiritual fulfillment.

As young adults prepare for the future, they benefit greatly from guidance that combines practical wisdom with spiritual values. Such guidance strengthens confidence, encourages responsible decision-making, and fosters a positive outlook on life. It reminds individuals that true success includes both external achievements and inner contentment. Platforms like Devotional India continue to play an important role in sharing inspirational messages that help young people stay connected to these enduring truths.

Ultimately, the goal of spiritual growth is to discover the divinity within and express it through thoughts, words, and actions. Every challenge becomes an opportunity for learning, and every experience contributes to personal evolution. By embracing values such as love, truth, peace, and selfless service, young adults can build meaningful lives that benefit both themselves and society. Through the wisdom shared in Young Adults Corner and the inspirational resources available on Devotional India, individuals can find encouragement to move forward with confidence, purpose, and a deeper sense of fulfillment.

-It Always Works