Dhana (money) is the currency of the world; Sadhana is the currency of the spirit. 

Once a man discovered abundant growth of weeds in his paddy fields. He wondered, "I have not sown any seeds of these weeds!". The seeds were already in the earth and grew in greater abundance when the farmer watered the paddy-seeds. The farmer pulled the weeds out again and again by the root and at the same time protecting paddy-crop. After sometime, the weeds ceased to grow on the land and the harvest was rich and plentiful. The farmer rejoiced exceedingly. Similarly, a sadhaka who engaged himself in japa and meditation finds evil vrittis (thoughts) manifesting themselves in his mind. He wonders "I have not meditated upon these evil thought-forms. How do they arise within me?". But they were already within the mind in a latent form and began to grow in the natural course of events. He pulled out the manifested evil vrittis again and again and at the same time developed good samskaras strong and unassailable. Finally, the sadhaka attains siddhi and rejoices in samadhi.

Recognising thamasic and rajasik tendencies as deleterious is the first step in removing them. One has to examine himself at regular intervals 'Have I succeeded at least in recognising my thamasik and rajasik habits and tendencies? Did I become more and more saathwik (serene and poised) as the years go by?'. You cannot lift the rock by standing on itself; similarly, you can discard maya by standing outside i.e., getting detached from it. Ensure you live in the atmosphere of discipline and detachment to control the ever-restless mind.

The ancient scriptures (Vedas, Sasthras, Ithihasas, Puranas and Manusmrithi) contain the drugs to cure attachment and endow you with the strength of detachment. The path laid by the saintly pioneers can be considered like a four-storeyed mansion. The ground floor being Karma yoga (union with God through action), Second one being bhakthi (devotion), Third one being Jnana (Spiritual Knowledge) and fourth one being Vairagya (non-attachment). The final fruit of sravana, manana and nididhyaasana (hearing, recapitulation and contention) of spiritual lessons and discourses is Samapthi i.e., attainment (Aapthi) of Brahman (Samam).

Know that wordly intelligence cannot fathom the ways of God because Parathathwa (Supreme Truth) is beyond the reach of the brain; Know that envy, hatred and even indifference will result only in misunderstanding. Speak less with more sweetness and practice self-control i.e., learn to bear defeat as well as victory with calm resignation. Try to earn status in the realm of God; earn fame in the company of the good and the godly; progress in humility but do not become a victim for another fatal weakness of dambha (conceit, egoism and pride) i.e., desire to be talked about, to be praised, in tom-tomming your achievements and capacities.

Dhana (money) is the currency of the world; Sadhana is the currency of the spirit. Develop the enthusiasm towards the Lord and strengthen your sathwik (serene and poised) tendencies. Proceed along the godward path inspite of halts and handicaps, inspite of the approval or disapproval of kith and kin, inspite of praise or blame from society. Do not beg or cringe or flatter or fawn before anyone. Develop courage to self-sacrifice to make all your activities successful.

Revere Knowledge as you revere your father;

Adore Love as you adore your mother;

Move fondly with Dharma as if it is your own brother;

Confide in Dhaya (compassion) as if it is your dearest friend;

Have Shantham (calmness) as your better half;

Treat Sahana (fortitude) as if it is your own beloved son;

--SATHYA SAI 

Omsai Srisai Jaijaisai