My Task Is This…
To Bhaktas!
My dear boy. I received your letter and I noted the flow of the current of Prema and the echo of Bhakti in every word.
It is impossible to see into the hearts of Jnanis and Yogis; nor is it possible to understand their ways. So, naturally, people talk about them, just as their fancy prompts them. No amount of fault-finding indulged in by these people can affect us, so long as we act truly and well, keep our purpose steadily in view and so long as we do not lose hold of the values dictated by Jnana. Don’t you know that only those trees get stoned, which have fruit on their branches? The tree with no fruits is not noticed by passers-by.
Good and bad co-exist; they are companions for ever. That is in the very nature of the world.
And, why, let Me ask, should these people be blamed? Poor fellows! What do they know? What can they know? They are caught by every gust of greed, anger, envy and hate. So, they become intolerant and have no control of mind or tongue; they indulge in loose talk and slander. Those that know will never talk like that. It is not wise to take such ignorance seriously.
Truth alone can win, believe Me. Un-truth must fail. It might appear to win for some little while, but, as soon as Truth appears on the scene, un-truth does flee.
It is not the nature of Mahatmas to exult when worshipped or droop when they are neglected or calumnied. No Gita has laid down rules and regulations for the behaviour of Mahatmas; but, SathPravarthana and SadhBuddhi are the fundamental traits … Beneficial Activity and Beneficial Thoughts. Provided these are there, whatever is done over and above this for the benefit of the bhaktas and for their welfare according to their deserts, we can afford to be free.
You should pay no heed to the talk you mention. The Mahatmas do not owe their greatness to others who recognise them as such; nor do they lose their greatness if someone fails to recognise them. Their stature is not heightened by praise or lowered by blame.
Of course there are some ‘yogis’ who suffer from blame and they have every reason to fear. I shall tell you who they are.
They quaff their full, they swallow pills
Of opium, and chew the bhang—these ‘noble’ folk!
They drink, they eat their fill
Of low unwholesome food—these `famous’ men!
“Tis wrong to state ’tis false to say
That anything dies, they never die,”
They swear while (!) cutting throats and eat
The living things they like—these `teachers’ grand!
They preach the lessons of love and peace
But hate and fight, all on the sly—these `gurus’ great!
They fret and fume and speak for long
On dry as dust philosophy!
This wondrous gang of yogis false
They surely dread a fall.
It is only such that have to be afraid. You must have read, in the lives of Mahatmas, how they were assailed by small men in even worse ways. It is all part of the scheme,: don’t worry. How long can the poor dogs bark at the star? How can they produce any effect on the star? All this will continue just for a little time; our integrity is the means to victory.
I shall not slacken My Task, My Activity, My Determination. For Me, reputation, fame, blame, calumny—all are equally insignificant. I Am quite unconcerned with the whole lot. I speak and act, only to help the world and for the sake of the people. But, let Me tell you, I have no name, no place, no possession. By whatever name I Am called, I respond! To whichever place I Am called, I go and make My Appearance. I have this as My very first, My Vow, My Self-imposed task.
I have not spoken of this to anyone so far; I Am not a part of this world; I Am far far away from it. But yet, I engage Myself in the uplift of its inhabitants. My Shakti, My Power, My Mystery can never be understood, whoever studies it, howsoever intensely and well.
You can yourself witness the glory that will be manifested hereafter. Bhaktas must learn patience and await events. Then, you will yourself realize the absurdity of your fears.
I wrote this reply to you, because I felt you will be sad, unless I wrote. Otherwise, I would not have replied at all, for it is not in Me to pay heed to such things.
Thus…..Your Baba.
My Task Is This – A Sacred Call To Duty, Service, And Surrender
My Task Is This is a simple but powerful spiritual statement that reminds us to understand our duty clearly and perform it with sincerity. Every person comes into life with responsibilities, opportunities, and lessons. Some duties are connected with family, some with society, some with work, and some with the soul’s journey toward God.
Many people become confused because they compare their role with others. They think another person’s work is greater, easier, or more respected. But spiritual wisdom teaches that no honest duty is small when it is performed with love. A simple action done with purity can become more sacred than a grand action done with ego.
My Task Is This teaches that clarity of duty brings strength to life. When a person knows what must be done and does it without unnecessary complaint, the mind becomes steady. Confusion reduces when duty is accepted as an offering to God. The heart becomes peaceful when action is guided by truth, humility, and service.
Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba often reminded devotees that hands that serve are holier than lips that pray. Prayer is sacred, but it must inspire action. Love should not remain only as feeling; it should become helpful work. When we serve others sincerely, we serve the Divine present in all beings.
My Task Is This becomes meaningful when we perform our work without pride. Ego says, “I am the doer.” Devotion says, “God has given me this chance to serve.” This change in attitude purifies the heart. The same work that once felt heavy becomes lighter when offered at the feet of the Divine.
Duty also requires discipline. A person who wants to serve well must control laziness, anger, carelessness, and distraction. Time should be used wisely, words should be spoken carefully, and actions should be done with responsibility. Spiritual life is not separate from daily discipline. It is expressed through it.
A mother caring for her child, a teacher guiding students, a worker doing honest labor, a devotee helping in seva, and a friend supporting someone in sorrow are all fulfilling sacred roles. The world becomes better when each person performs duty with love instead of selfishness.
My Task Is This also reminds us that our first duty is to purify ourselves. Before correcting others, we must watch our own thoughts, words, and habits. Are we speaking kindly? Are we acting honestly? Are we serving without expectation? Are we remembering God? Such self-examination keeps the heart humble.
Sometimes duty may be difficult. It may require patience, sacrifice, silence, forgiveness, or courage. At such times, the devotee should not lose faith. God never gives a responsibility without also giving the strength to carry it. Prayer opens the heart to that hidden strength and brings peace during struggle.
My Task Is This finally teaches that service should be done without attachment to recognition. If we work only for praise, disappointment will disturb us. If we work as an offering to God, inner joy will remain. The Lord sees every sincere action, even when the world does not notice.
The best task in life is to become an instrument of divine love. Feeding the hungry, comforting the sad, guiding children, caring for the sick, protecting nature, and speaking gently are all sacred duties. When love guides action, ordinary work becomes worship and daily life becomes meaningful.
A devotee should also remember that duty must be balanced with surrender. We must do our best, but we should not become anxious about results. After sincere effort, the outcome should be placed in God’s hands. This surrender protects the mind from fear, pride, and frustration.
In the end, My Task Is This is a sacred reminder to live with purpose, humility, and devotion. It asks us to accept our duties, serve with love, purify our conduct, and offer every action to God. When work becomes worship and service becomes natural, life becomes peaceful, useful, and blessed with divine grace.
He Is Closer Than The Closest!!!