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Sai Baba’s words, “To become divine, man must become refined. Love is the result of refinement.”
Refining and Strengthening the Family
Personal transformation doesn’t usually occur when we are living in isolation from society, but rather, in interaction with others. Since family life provides probably the most intense form of personal interaction, it became clear to me that my own transformation would come through dedication to my family.
Sai Baba oen speaks about family life and its potential. He says, “When husband and wife love and respect one another, it becomes the closest thing to heaven on earth,” and that marriage should be “like two hands making a sound.” He goes on to say, “When a woman sheds tears, the house goes to ruin,” and emphasizes, “Woman is half of man, man is half of woman,” and “half plus half makes one.”
Once in an interview, Sai Baba turned to me and said quietly, “Fighting with husband.” I was surprised and soly protested, “But Baba, perhaps only a lile.” He smiled, saying “One small seed grows into a big tree,” and then gestured widely with his arms, as if to show how quickly a small anger can escalate into something very large. I began to understand that even our thoughts have a powerful effect on others.
Our four daughters were watching our actions in the same manner in which I had watched Sam so closely aer his first trip to India. Children naturally respond to noble ideals, and they are also quick to notice hypocrisy. Can we expect them to be kind and respectful if we’re not seing the example? Are we unified in thought, word, and deed? Is our home a cheerful and peaceful place? As Sam and I contemplated these questions, we resolved to live the example for our children and tried to establish a loving, nurturing home for them.
Sai Baba advises us to “Listen, understand one another, and adjust.” However in the turmoil of worldly life, parents can
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