The body itself is impermanent. However, even when the body perishes, our Samskaras - accumulated mental impressions will remain with us permanently. We should remember that we should live not for the sake of Annam - food, but for the sake of Adarsham - ideal. Ideals are always supreme and ever lasting. If one person becomes an ideal, he can influence the lives of many others for the better. It is better to live like a swan for one year than to live like Crows for hundred years. It is enough if you live even for ten years as ideal students. To lead an ideal life, it is essential to have love of the nation and love of the spirit - Atma, as well as love and respect for parents. (ICS , pp. 8-9)
‘The ideals laid down by Sanathana Dharma for ensuring a happy, peaceful life for man, individually and in society, are valid even today; the disciplines marked out therein are as beneficial today as when they were first ordained in the Shastras. Their value is unchangeable. Do not imagine yourself as Hindu for the reason that you are born in Hindustan. You are too entangled in the rules of caste, the ceremonial of rituals and the coils of astrology to grasp your own inner Reality. You do not realize the spark of Divinity in you and try to raise it into the flaming fire of Divine splendour, reducing your petty ‘I’ into ashes. But, the Sanathana Dharma tells about the spark and teaches you how to foster it and develop it. When you therefore ignore this Dharma and allow Science to entice you, you are bringing disrespect to your culture and disowning your country.’ (HMDM, p. 52)
Like the Pandavas, King Parikshit was also one of virtues and valour. Even while carrying out his kingly duties He spent his time in Namasmarana. When he took over the reins of Hastinapura, some evil minded kings joined hands and wages a war against him. They underestimated his strength and valour thinking that he was young and inexperienced. But, some other noble kings came to his rescue. With their help, Parikshit could vanquish the enemies and assert his supremacy. He could emerge victorious due to his unflinching faith in God. That is why I often tell you - God is your sole refuge whenever you are- whether on mountain top or in the sky or in the city or in the middle of the deep sea.
When Parikshit was anointed as the king, initially people were apprehensive as to how a young boy could shape the destiny of a kingdom. However, under the able guidance of Kripacharya’s son, Parikshit proved to be an efficient king. He followed in the foot steps of the Pandavas. He took some time off from his royal duties and went to the place where the Pandavas shed their mortal coils. He performed pradakshina (circumambulation) and wore dust of their feet on his head in reverence. He practised and propagated their ideals. The Pandavas are ideals to the entire world. We should emulate their ideals and sanctify our lives. We may have to face sorrows and sufferings, but should remain undeterred by emotional obstacles. Only then the true power and strength manifest in us. When we follow the ideals of the Pandavas we will experience peace, happiness and prosperity. (DD on 7.10.05, pp. 6-7)
Give importance to ideals of tolerance and love
The family cannot be stable if it is built on a slender foundation. Prime importance has to be paid to the fundamental requisites of a good character, high ideals of tolerance and forbearance, love and service. When beauty fades or wealth wanes, the bond too becomes less strong.
It is same with the God whom you choose, adore, and yearn to live with. You should not choose God for the benefits He can shower on you Do not expect God to satisfy your worldly or materials ambitions; and when they are not realised, do not desert the Path towards God. ‘Baba, appear in my dream this night,’ you demand, and if it does not happen He is not Sai Baba, he is Rai Baba (stone Baba) and you go in search of some other God who will be at your beck and call.
You must hold on to your faith, whatever might happen, success or failure, appointment or disappointment. When God is your very core, irremovably fixed in your consciousness, there will be no room for elation or dejection. God is bliss, and when God is the undying spring in you, you will have bliss forever. (SSS Vol.12)