…And The Most Important Thing In Life Is…Reveals Swami, GRATITUDE!!!
There was a beautiful incident, call it a ‘Saincident’ that happened long ago, over four decades ago, inside the precincts of Beloved Bhagawan’s Interview Room in sacrosanct Prasanthi Nilayam. Bhagawan was busying HimSelf, engaging a family with an interview, a Chennai family of a devout couple and three children. During the course of the interview, Bhagawan, most inadvertently paused a profound question: “What is the most important thing in life?” …and His ‘Divine’ index finger turned towards the second child in the family, a teen-aged girl of 14-15 years. Looking into her eyes, The Master, calling her by name, commanded, “You! You Answer.”
The family being disciplined and devoted, mother being a stickler, had clear-cut instructions for her children that anytime in His hallowed Presence, she did not want anyone of them to talk and ‘while away’ precious time, rather she wanted them all to listen to Bhagawan, Who Is Verily The Lord Supreme. Implicitly following the instructions, already in sync with the ‘terms and conditions’, the girl sat mum, not knowing how to respond. Bhagawan yet again indicated at the ‘hapless’ girl, vetoing any reservations being played out in her confused mind, sending His ‘Green-Sai-Signal’.
Perplexed at the ‘million-fold-gravity’ of The Ultimate Presence waiting for an answer, the girl could only murmur something, only for The Lord to intervene soon. Pitching in next, He was there ‘spilling the beans’, revealing the million-dollar-answer HimSelf! In a low, loving and crystal clear tone, The Master averred: “The Most Important Thing In Life Is Gratitude!!!… that Your Life Should Be An Expression Of Love And Gratitude.”
The story from the interview room was over, and the message was given out. And ever since this episode infinite, the teen-aged girl’s heart would murmur every single moment with the fresh ‘zealous’ buzz word, ‘Thank You, Swami’! Sharing the incident, the devotee said, that even during the peak of trials in her life later on, she would ever remain calm and composed, never ever complaining, but accepting His Will as a gift from Beloved Swami.
The Most Important Thing In Life – A Sacred Reflection On Love, Truth, And Divine Purpose
The Most Important Thing In Life is not wealth, fame, position, comfort, or worldly success. These may have their place in daily living, but they cannot give lasting peace by themselves. The real purpose of life is to awaken love, live with truth, serve others, and realize the Divine presence within the heart.
Many people spend their lives chasing outer achievements. They work hard, gather possessions, seek recognition, and compare themselves with others. Yet even after gaining much, the heart may still feel empty. This happens because the soul needs more than temporary pleasure. It needs meaning, purity, devotion, and inner connection with God.
The Most Important Thing In Life teaches that love is the foundation of true happiness. Without love, knowledge becomes dry, worship becomes mechanical, and success becomes lonely. Love makes life beautiful. It gives warmth to relationships, sweetness to service, strength during sorrow, and peace during uncertainty.
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often reminded devotees to love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never. These words show a simple but complete path for human life. If we truly follow them, our thoughts become cleaner, our words become gentler, and our actions become more useful to others.
The Most Important Thing In Life becomes meaningful when we understand that character is greater than achievement. A person may be educated, rich, or powerful, but without honesty, compassion, humility, and self-control, life remains incomplete. Good character is the real wealth that protects peace and earns divine grace.
Truth is also essential. Speaking truth, living honestly, and keeping our thoughts, words, and actions aligned bring inner strength. Falsehood may give temporary benefit, but it disturbs conscience. A truthful life may sometimes be difficult, but it creates peace that cannot be bought by money or status.
The Most Important Thing In Life also reminds us that service gives life a sacred direction. When we feed the hungry, comfort the sad, help the sick, guide children, or support someone in need, we experience a joy deeper than selfish pleasure. Service removes ego and helps us see God in all beings.
Prayer and remembrance of God keep the heart steady. Life can change suddenly, and human strength can become weak. But when we remember the Divine, we receive courage, patience, and clarity. Prayer may not always remove every difficulty immediately, but it gives strength to face life with faith.
The Most Important Thing In Life is also inner peace. Without peace, even great success feels heavy. Peace comes when desires are controlled, ego is reduced, forgiveness is practiced, and the mind rests in God. A peaceful person becomes a blessing to family, society, and every place he enters.
We should also value time. Every day gives us a chance to love, serve, learn, forgive, and improve. Time wasted in anger, gossip, jealousy, and useless worry cannot return. A wise person uses time for noble actions, spiritual practice, and helpful living.
The Most Important Thing In Life finally teaches that God is the true support of the soul. People may help us, but they cannot always understand us completely. The Divine knows every silent prayer, every hidden tear, and every sincere effort. When we trust God, loneliness becomes weaker and faith becomes stronger.
A meaningful life does not require grand display. It can be built through small pure actions: speaking kindly, helping quietly, forgiving sincerely, praying daily, and doing duty with love. These simple practices slowly transform the heart and make life sacred.
In the end, The Most Important Thing In Life is to live in such a way that the heart becomes pure and useful to God’s creation. Love, truth, service, peace, and devotion are the real treasures. When these values guide our thoughts, words, and actions, life becomes blessed with divine grace and lasting inner happiness.
Waiting For God Is Nothing But Sadhana