Their Shelter & Their Strength

Their Shelter & Their Strength

This is a talk given to about 60 students of the Sri Sathya Sai Arts & Science College, gathered in Bhagavan’s presence on a sandy riverbed in the Bandipur Forest, Mysore State.

Ahighly valued facet of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, at least for me, is that one can love Him with all one’s heart, without fear and without restraint. Every person wants to love greatly, with an open heart, but experience has made us afraid.

We may observe how natural it is for young children to love whole-heartedly. With what richness and sweetness do very young children embrace parents, brothers, sisters, and close playmates! How much joy there is for an adult when a child of three or four years tightly embraces him with the sweetest of smiles and says, “I love you, I love you.”

It is the river of love rushing from the open heart of the child that makes the child so incredibly sweet and so overflowing with bliss. It is this rich treasure of love and affection that touches even the dullest adult and makes him share the child’s bliss for a moment or so.

But, as each of us leaves the innocent open‑hearted years of our early childhood, something very sad and tragic happens. Worldly experience invades the shelter of early years and the heart suffers betrayal and rejection. One loves someone and love flows to that person. But, the response is indifference, or a harsh word, or outright rejection, and the resulting hurt is deep and agonizing.

The child tries again and again, and here and there, he is hurt again. In time, a natural self‑protection arises and the child’s love is qualified with caution.

A person learns that when he loves, he is unprotected; love destroys his self‑pro­tection, and makes him vulnerable to suffer­ing. With each year of worldly experience, additional self‑protective factors come into one’s life. Ambition, business cares, com­petition, gratification of the senses, greed, resentment, hatred, jealousy, the whole range of narrowing tendencies exert more and more influence on body, mind, heart and intelligence. The open natural heart expansion of early childhood is by now a thing of the past.

Is not this complete obstruction of the flow of love, a fundamental reason why the life of an older person is often dry and joyless?

In this modern society, a dry and joyless life is the general experience. Witness the frantic search for distraction and pleasure the world over. An almost universal prayer arises from adult persons caught up in to­day’s culture: “O Lord, may there be a new season of spring in my heart. May the dry river of love flow deep and strong again in my heart.”

Here, to me, is one of the most wonder­ful miracles of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba. Bhagavan is God, His life is divine beauty and divine love. The fettered heart, turned to Bhagavan, can break free from all its bondage. Seeing Him, being sure that He will never betray, is a most wonderful feeling. With joy, the heart res­ponds to this trust. With each day, love for Bhagavan grows stronger. He is divine mother and father to His devotee. He is the present moment at every moment! He is our breath, our food, and our drink. Con­templating God so that at that moment, bliss is the experience.

One may love Him without reserve, without guard, without fear, how­ever guarded one may still be with fellow human beings. Of course, one’s behavior with Him must remain strictly disciplined. The young college boys here, assembled at this quiet stretch of sandy riverbed deep in the forest, cannot, I think, realize their good luck. For them, the heart need never be­come dry. Long before the hot dry winds of the world have had an opportunity to invade their lives, these boys have claimed Bhagavan, He who is their shelter and their strength, from now, throughout the length of their days.

For myself who has come to this peaceful forest from the stormy life of the western world, the good fortune of encoun­tering Bhagavan is almost incredible. Even now, some five years from that marvelous first day, it is difficult to believe that it is really true, that He sits there, and that I am here near Him! It is with the deepest sense of gratitude that I honor Him and give all homage at His lotus feet.

~Dr. J. S. Hislop
Source: Sanathana Sarathi, April 1973

Their Shelter & Their Strength

In the journey of life, every soul seeks comfort, guidance, and protection. There are moments when challenges seem overwhelming, and the road ahead appears uncertain. During such times, divine grace becomes the shelter that protects us and the strength that helps us move forward. The beautiful truth behind Their Shelter & Their Strength is that God never abandons those who place their faith in Him. His presence becomes a refuge during difficulties and a source of courage during trials.

The teachings of great spiritual masters remind us that human life is not merely about achieving material success. True fulfillment comes when we recognize the divine presence in every aspect of life. When a devotee surrenders with complete faith, God provides protection in ways that may not always be visible but are always effective. This understanding forms the essence of Their Shelter & Their Strength, where divine love nurtures, guides, and uplifts every sincere seeker.

Many devotees experience moments when unexpected help arrives just when it is needed most. Some find answers to their prayers through kind people, while others receive inner strength to face situations that once seemed impossible. Such experiences reveal that divine grace works silently yet powerfully. The Lord becomes the shelter that shields His devotees from despair and the strength that empowers them to rise above obstacles. This sacred relationship between the devotee and the Divine reflects the true meaning of Their Shelter & Their Strength.

Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often emphasized that faith and patience are essential virtues. Faith allows devotees to trust in God’s plan, while patience helps them endure temporary hardships. Life may present difficulties, but every challenge carries a lesson that contributes to spiritual growth. When devotees remember God during both joyful and difficult times, they develop an unshakable inner confidence. This confidence is not based on worldly achievements but on the certainty that divine love is always present.

The scriptures of India contain countless stories illustrating how God protects His devotees. Whether it is Prahlada’s unwavering devotion, Draupadi’s sincere surrender, or Hanuman’s dedication to Lord Rama, each story teaches that divine grace never fails those who remain steadfast in faith. These examples inspire devotees to trust that God’s protection extends beyond physical safety and includes emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being. Such divine care beautifully reflects the principle of Their Shelter & Their Strength.

Modern life often brings stress, competition, and uncertainty. Many people search for peace in external possessions but discover that lasting happiness cannot be found through material means alone. Spirituality teaches that true peace arises from within. Through prayer, meditation, selfless service, and devotion, individuals develop a deeper connection with the Divine. This connection creates a sense of security that no external circumstance can disturb. When the heart is anchored in faith, fear gradually disappears and is replaced by courage and serenity.

One of Bhagavan’s most powerful teachings was the importance of selfless love. Love has the power to heal wounds, strengthen relationships, and transform lives. When devotees practice love in their daily actions, they become instruments of God’s grace. By helping others, offering kind words, and serving those in need, they experience the joy of divine presence. Such acts of compassion remind us that God works through human hearts to provide comfort and support to countless individuals.

The spiritual path is not free from challenges, but every challenge becomes easier when approached with faith. Even during periods of confusion, devotees can draw strength from prayer and remembrance of God. Divine grace does not always remove difficulties instantly; instead, it often provides the wisdom and resilience needed to overcome them. Through this process, individuals grow stronger in character and deeper in devotion. This transformative power demonstrates the enduring truth of Their Shelter & Their Strength.

In every age, saints and sages have encouraged humanity to cultivate a close relationship with God. They remind us that divine love is unconditional and available to everyone. Regardless of one’s background, status, or circumstances, God’s compassion remains constant. When devotees place their trust in Him, they discover a source of support that never diminishes. This realization brings immense comfort and inspires a life rooted in gratitude and devotion.

The message shared through Devotional India continues to inspire countless seekers to embrace spiritual values and strengthen their connection with the Divine. Through stories, teachings, and reflections, devotees learn that God’s grace is always accessible to those who seek it with sincerity. The wisdom preserved by Devotional India encourages individuals to cultivate faith, practice love, and serve humanity with humility. Such teachings help devotees recognize the presence of divine guidance in their daily lives.

Ultimately, the essence of Their Shelter & Their Strength lies in understanding that God is both protector and guide. His love provides refuge during hardships and strength during moments of weakness. By placing faith in Him, practicing selfless love, and remembering His presence in every circumstance, devotees experience a life filled with peace, purpose, and spiritual fulfillment. The timeless message shared through Devotional India and embraced by countless seekers reminds us that divine grace remains an eternal source of comfort. Through unwavering devotion and trust, every soul can discover the blessings of Their Shelter & Their Strength, finding hope, courage, and lasting joy in the embrace of the Divine. Devotional India continues to illuminate this sacred path for all who seek spiritual wisdom and inner peace.