My Task Is This…
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 Sadbuddhi 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 some one 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 Reminder Of Divine Mission And Loving Service
My Task Is This is a powerful spiritual statement that reminds us that life is not given without purpose. Every soul comes into the world with duties to perform, lessons to learn, love to share, and service to offer. When a person understands the sacredness of life’s task, ordinary living becomes a meaningful journey toward God.
Many people think of their task only in worldly terms. They ask about career, position, money, family duties, and personal success. These responsibilities are important, but they are not the whole purpose of life. Behind every outer duty, there is an inner task: to purify the heart, reduce ego, grow in love, and realize the Divine within.
My Task Is This teaches that the Divine mission is always connected with love and upliftment. Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba came not merely to gather followers, but to awaken humanity to truth, righteousness, peace, love, and non-violence. His message was simple, universal, and practical: love all, serve all; help ever, hurt never.
A true spiritual task is never selfish. It does not ask, “How much can I receive?” It asks, “How much can I give?” It does not seek praise, power, or public attention. It seeks to bring comfort, guidance, courage, and peace to others. Service done with humility becomes worship.
My Task Is This becomes meaningful when we apply it to our own life. A parent’s task is to guide with love. A teacher’s task is to shape character. A student’s task is to learn with discipline. A worker’s task is to act honestly. A devotee’s task is to remember God and serve His creation.
The Divine does not expect everyone to do the same work. Each person has different abilities, situations, and opportunities. One may serve through teaching, another through healing, another through feeding, another through prayer, and another through quiet kindness. What matters is not the size of the work, but the purity of the heart.
My Task Is This also reminds us that duty should be performed without complaint. Many times, people want important roles but neglect simple responsibilities. They want recognition but avoid sacrifice. Spiritual life teaches that no sincere duty is small when it is offered to God. Even a humble act becomes sacred when done with love.
Bhagavan’s life showed that divine work is tireless compassion. He guided students, comforted devotees, inspired service, promoted education, supported healthcare, and taught unity among all faiths. His task was not limited to one place or one group. It was for the welfare of all humanity.
My Task Is This finally teaches that our personal task must align with divine values. If our work increases pride, greed, hatred, or selfishness, it takes us away from God. If our work increases love, truth, compassion, discipline, and peace, it becomes part of the divine mission.
A devotee should ask every day, “Am I making life better for someone? Am I reducing pain or increasing it? Am I speaking with kindness? Am I doing my duty sincerely?” These questions help us remain awake. They turn daily life into spiritual practice.
Prayer, namasmarana, bhajan, meditation, and seva give strength to complete life’s task. Prayer opens the heart, the divine name purifies the mind, bhajan fills life with devotion, meditation brings silence, and seva removes selfishness. Without inner connection, even good work can become dry. With devotion, every action becomes fragrant.
The task of life is also to conquer oneself. Outer success is incomplete if anger controls us, jealousy disturbs us, pride blinds us, and desire rules us. Real victory is mastery over the mind. When thoughts become pure and actions become selfless, the soul moves closer to freedom.
We should not wait for perfect conditions to begin. God gives opportunities every day. A kind word, a patient reply, a sincere prayer, a small act of help, or a moment of forgiveness can become part of our sacred duty. Great transformation often begins through simple, repeated goodness.
In the end, My Task Is This is a sacred call to live with purpose, purity, and service. It reminds us that the highest task is to love God, serve humanity, and realize the divinity within. When we perform every duty with humility, faith, and compassion, life becomes an offering blessed by divine grace.
“That is My job; I will do that”