TIMELESS WISDOM: MAKING EVERY MOMENT COUNT
TIME WASTE IS LIFE WASTE
“Time is free, but it’s priceless. You can’t own it, but you can use it. You can’t keep it, but you can spend it. Once you’ve lost it. you can never get it back.” – Harvey MacKay
Time, the inexorable flow of moments from the past to the future, is a concept that has intrigued philosophers, scholars, and spiritual leaders for centuries. Among those who have shared profound insights into the value of time is the revered spiritual teacher, Sathya Sai Baba. His teachings emphasise that time is a precious gift and a divine resource that should never be squandered. In this essay, we explore the wisdom of Sathya Sai Baba regarding time waste and how his teachings, coupled with famous quotes from renowned personalities like APJ Abdul Kalam, Benjamin Franklin, Elon Musk, and Albert Einstein, guide us toward a life of purpose, self-realisation, and service to humanity.
Sathya Sai Baba often reminded his followers that time waste is a grave misjudgment of life’s essence. He echoed the sentiments of great sages like Adi Shankaracharya, who said, “Time wastes us if we do not waste time.” In a world where distractions and trivial pursuits abound, Sathya Sai Baba’s message stands as a beacon of wisdom, guiding us to make the most of our finite existence.
The spiritual leader emphasized that each moment is an opportunity to connect with the divine presence within us and progress on our spiritual journey. When we waste time on mindless activities or succumb to the lure of materialism, we are, in essence, squandering a gift from the Divine. Sathya Sai Baba encouraged his followers to cultivate self-discipline and self-control to ensure that every moment is utilised with purpose.
To avoid time waste, it is essential to reflect on our daily lives and identify activities and behaviours that drain our time without adding real value. Rajinikanth wisely said, “The future is in our hands. We can shape it the way we want. But, we should never waste our present.” Excessive television, aimless internet browsing, and unproductive pursuits were among the distractions that Sathya Sai Baba urged us to replace with actions that elevate our consciousness and contribute to the greater good.
One of the most profound ways to utilise time meaningfully, according to Sathya Sai Baba, is through selfless service or seva. As Kamal Haasan noted, “Time is the only thing in life that cannot be replaced. Every second counts and it’s our duty to make the best use of it.” When we extend a helping hand to those in need, we channel the love and compassion that reside within us. This not only serves the community but also elevates our own spiritual growth. Service to others, he taught, is a direct path
to realising the divinity within. Moreover, Sathya Sai Baba stressed the importance of meditation and prayer as indispensable tools for making the most of our time. Through these practices, we connect with our inner selves and the Divine. Time spent in silent communion with the Divine is not a waste; it is an investment in our spiritual growth and inner peace.
Self-awareness, or lack thereof, is often at the root of time waste. The frenetic pace of our modern world leads us to rush from one task to another without pausing to consider our true goals and aspirations. As S. P. Balasubrahmanyam said, “Music is timeless, and so is our responsibility to respect and value the time we have to create and share it.” Sathya Sai Baba urged us to take a step back and reflect on our life’s
purpose. By aligning our actions with our spiritual journey, we cease to squander time and instead use it as a catalyst for growth.
In conclusion, the teachings of Sathya Sai Baba offer profound insights into the concept of time waste and the importance of utilizing time wisely. As Mohanlal highlighted, “Acting teaches you to value every moment, as each scene you perform is a moment captured in time forever.” Time is not merely a ticking clock or a calendar date; it is a divine opportunity to awaken to our true nature, serve others selflessly, and embark on a spiritual journey of self-realisation.
Sathya Sai Baba’s message teaches us that time spent in pursuit of spiritual growth and meaningful service is never wasted. By internalising his wisdom and making a conscious effort to embrace self-discipline, reflection, and spiritual practice, we not only enrich our lives but also contribute to the betterment of humanity. Each moment, when lived with awareness and purpose, is a chance to draw closer to the Divine, and time spent in such a pursuit is, indeed, time well spent.
As APJ Abdul Kalam famously said, “You have to dream before your dreams can come true. Your dreams are tied with your actions in time.” Benjamin Franklin noted, “Lost time is never found again.” Elon Musk emphasizes the urgency of time by stating, “If you get up in the morning and think the future is going to be better, it is a bright day. Otherwise, it’s not.” Albert Einstein, in his infinite wisdom, remarked, “The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.”
Sathya Sai Baba’s teachings, combined with the words of these notable figures, continue to inspire us to make the most of our precious gift of time and realise the divinity within.
Aishwarya
Grade X
MGG CIE