Sai Inspires Apr 11, 2026

What is that one quality, the absence of which leads to the total degradation of human life? Bhagawan firmly declares and inspires us today.

Kshama (forbearance) is the grandest and the noblest among virtues. It is all-encompassing. Mahabharata and Shrimad Bhagavatam both contain many episodes that illustrate the disaster that befalls when Kshama is lost. Jealousy is the first bad quality that makes its entry when Kshama makes its exit. The Mahabharata gives a graphic portrayal of how life that is otherwise smooth, can be totally shattered by jealousy. The golden island, Lanka, was like the very heavens, but Ravana’s jealousy reduced it to ruins. Whereas Kshama can give complete protection, its absence can plunge one into distress and disaster. Impatience breeds selfishness and promotes jealousy, which together spur infighting and divisive tendencies of various kinds. The troubles countries are currently passing through are largely due to the absence of this noble quality of Kshama. Impatience has ruined even very great spiritual aspirants. Kings were reduced to beggars. The absence of Kshama can make a Yogi into a rogi (sick one)! Without Kshama, mankind becomes degraded and starts declining, but if it has this quality, then it can progress by leaps and bounds.

- Divine Discourse, May 25, 2000