Yet, before anybody is carried away with the potential for good, it is important to remind ourselves that if improperly used, this new information technology will probably do little to remove the suffering of many around the world and will likely aggravate the evil which has infected our communities, our homes and our hearts.

The industrial revolution, the explosion of commerce between nations, and the acceleration of scientific progress in the 20^th century by their combined failure to substitute poverty in all its forms with true and lasting peace and happiness for individuals, communities and nations, bear testament to the need not to assume that this new revolution will truly enrich and uplift man … although it might make a small minority materially rich.

As recently as 15^th October 1999, Bhagavan Baba said in a discourse: "As the science is progressing, ignorance is also increasing. Truly speaking, science has not matured. It has become senseless. All the troubles and miseries in the modern world have their origin in the so-called development of science and technology. It is not technology but 'tricknology'. Do not become a slave to such technology. Uphold truth and righteousness. Cultivate love and experience divinity."

For those who are prepared not to listen to the warnings of the Avatar, an incarnation of the Divine, and who are impressed with this new technology, this discussion might appear extreme. Yet, only a moment's reflection will reveal that the internet allows us to privately travel the globe in seconds and access a tremendous wealth of information on just about any subject, including the morality and philosophy of people we do not know and might never wish to welcome into our homes.

Through the internet such information, which is often free, has the power to enter our homes and influence our beliefs and our value systems. It, therefore, has the power to affect our minds and hearts.

Now more than ever before there is a need to ensure that we have the wisdom, conviction and discipline to use this new technology for good rather than be swept away by it to the often visited destination of greed, jealousy, etc.

Yet without wisdom, the conviction and discipline might be misplaced. So, what is this wisdom and where do we find it?

This wisdom is that which has remained unchanged over the centuries and has inspired and directed millions of people to lives of goodness and greatness. It is the basis of human morality - it is what great souls of the past have passed down as the word of God.

In this regard, we are fortunate to have God Himself in the form of Bhagavan Sri Sathya Sai Baba as the precursor of this wisdom.

This wisdom in its simple form teaches each one of us to develop harmony and purity in our thoughts, words and deeds, to allow human values to dictate our daily actions, to develop a fear of sin and a love of God, and to love and serve our fellow man and thus erase the injustice and suffering of those around us. This wisdom will eventually lead us to the conclusion that we are divine beings.

Put into practice, this wisdom will have a transforming effect within and become the foundation upon which our character and intellect empower us to steer clear of the corrupting potential of this new information technology and to use this technology to uplift our secular and spiritual lives.

Also, we have a strong responsibility as parents to ensure that this new technology plays its proper part in the academic and moral development of our children, particularly if they are young and easily impressionable. This new technology must be a good servant, and nothing more. On our obligation as parents, Swami says: "You must examine every story or account that you place before the children from the point of view of individual faith and social harmony. Does this lead the child to a better, more harmonious, more God-oriented life? That is the question you should ask yourself."

When Swami says: "Be a composer, not a computer," I understand He wishes that we use our inner wisdom and strength to free us from the external influences that our undisciplined minds and desires invite, so that we might be free to allow His grace to make our journey in life towards God more successful.

In His masterful way, Swami emphasises the importance of this inner wisdom but He speaks not of the internet but, rather, the 'innernet'.

In conclusion, the information technology revolution will inevitably fail unless it is accompanied by a spiritual revolution that transforms man and provides him the wisdom, courage and skill necessary to be discriminating in the use of this new technology and to use it properly for the good of all.