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wonder if Swami is really there guiding and guarding us. Holding fast through trying times is a test of faith. Patience and perseverance grant us a deeper appreciation of his omnipresence and love, which might become apparent at any time. For instance, once when I was unmindful of his omniscience, I told Sai Baba, “Swami, we have had a center in our home for 30 years.” With a so smile, he quickly replied, “29 in June.” Of course he was right, not 30 years but 29! How precious was this subtle reminder of his knowingness.
What is the cause of conflicts and restlessness in the world? Lack of recognition of the principle of oneness is mainly responsible. If someone were to criticize you, do not become agitated. Remember that the same Atmic principle is present in both of you. The one who accuses and the one who is accused are not two different entities. There will be no scope for agitation if you understand this truth. Peace and serenity will reign supreme in the world once this principle of oneness is recognized. (SSB)
Facing Fears
Facing my fear of public speaking and developing the knowledge and skill to talk clearly and effectively has been challenging. It’s easy for me to sit with a patient in a protected, quiet room and speak freely; it is much more difficult to confront stage fright and speak to an audience.
The first time that I experienced this problem as a major spiritual obstacle was when I was invited, as a relatively new devotee, to be a guest speaker at a large Sai conference in New York in 1974. At that time, public speaking was new to me, and the whole experience was unseling. I was faced with the dilemma of what to say over a period of three 45-minute talks, knowing full well that I did not clearly grasp the meaning of Swami’s teachings, and I had only had a few experiences with him. Out of worry, I spent six months, on a daily basis,
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