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Have you tried and failed to stop smoking?
Try this: when you think of having a smoke, smell a lovely
fresh rose.
A few days ago in Los Angeles, one of Mother's sons came
for darshan with a lovely fresh scent on his breath. But Amma
was not fooled: "Have you been smoking?"
"Yes. Half a cigarette. I put it out to come for darshan."
"What will you do now?"
"I'll go finish it."
"Do you think happiness lies in cigarettes themselves?
If it did, everyone should smoke. But many people don't like
cigarettes. So happiness isn't in the cigarettes. If you look
for happiness in an object you will end up only in sorrow.
When you smoke, think of the poor people who don't have enough
food, or proper shelter. Just think about the money you waste
in smoke. If this money were utilised properly, think how
many people would have benefited. You start by slowly reducing
one cigarette a day or one in two days. Utilise this money
for the welfare of the poor and the needy. It would be better
to help them with that money."
Of course, although Mother's message was serious, Her words
were delivered in that inimitable way She has: there was no
tone of scolding or shaming; there was laughter, and Her teasing
looks were full of love.
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