Monthly Study Circle Topic – 1 AUGUST 2020

Young people in their tender years tend to follow the inclinations of the mind. They do not rise to the level of their intelligence. Consequently, they are subject to various agitations and frustrations. They have, therefore, to learn to use their powers of discrimination. “I am a human being. In this condition how should I conduct myself so that I may win the respect and regard of others?” These are the questions that each student must ask himself. He should inquire on every occasion as to what is the right course and what is to be avoided. He should decide on what he should do and where he should go after due inquiry. Having acquired knowledge, he should not behave like an illiterate, uneducated person. His conduct should be in keeping with his learning. Humility is the index of true education. Without humility, scholarship will lack lustre. Discrimination is essential for every student and educated man. – Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume XXI, Chapter 5: The Five Ds

Have Only Fundamental Discrimination

Discrimination is of two types: individual discrimination and fundamental discrimination. Individual discrimination arises out of selfishness, whereas fundamental discrimination is concerned with the welfare of one and all. One should discard individual discrimination and have only fundamental discrimination. This was the teaching of Buddha to Ananda, son of Gautami, before he attained Nirvana. – Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 32, Part 1, Chapter 15: Control Your Senses

Exercise Your Discrimination Properly

Before undertaking any activity man should discriminate whether it is good or bad, right or wrong. But man is using his power of discrimination only to suit his selfish ends, which is individual discrimination. What is needed today is fundamental discrimination, that which is based on the sacred principles like truth, love, and righteousness. Truth is God, love is God. So, live in love. – Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 32, Part 2, Chapter 3: Recognise the principle of “I.”

Whenever a thought arises in you to do something, take time and ask yourself: “Is it good, or is it bad?” It is very important to exercise your discrimination properly. It is fundamental discrimination that you should apply, not individual discrimination. Your action should benefit others — that is what fundamental discrimination is all about. Avoid haste, be patient, decide carefully on the basis of fundamental discrimination, and only then act. – Summer Showers in Brindavan 2000, Chapter 1: Seek Educare Instead of Just Education

Consider the Good of Others

The less you talk, the more your mental power will grow. With the increase in your mental capacity, there will be an increase in your power of discrimination too. Consequently, you will give up individual discrimination and resort to fundamental discrimination. Because of this, you will begin to consider the good of the world at large rather than your own individual welfare. – Sathya Sai Speaks, Volume 25, Chapter 15: Rise from Animality to Divinity