SRI SWAMI CHIDANANDA
A DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY PUBLICATION
First Edition: 1976
Second Edition: 1991
(3,000 copies)
World Wide Web (WWW) Edition : 1999
Website: http://www.divinelifesociety.org/
This WWW reprint is for free distribution
© The Divine Life Trust Society
ISBN 81-7052-084-5
Published By
THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
P.O. Shivanandanagar—249 192
Distt. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal,
Himalayas, India.
CONTENTS
This brochure "ETERNAL MESSAGES" is a collection of spiritual advice
given periodically to earnest seekers by our President Sri Swami Chidanandaji
Maharaj, through his correspondence. These inspiring and elevating messages
to seekers have been gathered and systematically arranged by his long
time assistant and secretary, Swami Vimalananda.
We are happy to release this little volume for the benefit of serious
aspirants all over the world on the joyous occasion of Amrita Mahotsava
(Platinum Jubilee) of our President Sri Swami Chidanandaji Maharaj.
We hope, the study of this brochure will immensely benefit the spiritually
thirsty souls. May the blessings of the Almighty be upon you all.
-THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY
The practice of virtue, the worship of God and Paropakar to others-these
three form the very essence of a truly noble life. Never neglect them.
Ever practise them. This is real earning (Kamayi). He who has
this earning, he accumulates the greatest wealth even though his earthly
income may be modest. Blessed self! accumulate this wealth by living
a Divine life in the midst of your ordinary secular life. Have a rich
inner life. Joy and peace will come to you.
All men are, by nature, equal. One Atman dwells in all beings. Man
is the trinity of body, mind and soul. Consciousness is veiled by mind
and matter. Therefore he is not able to realise his essential Divine
nature. To know one's essential nature and realise one's own Divinity
is the fulfilment of the mission of this human life.
You ask for my blessings. Who am I to bless? I am your servant. For
I am the servant of the Servants of God. Thondar thondan. Saints and
holy people bless devotees. I am neither of these. I am the little seeker,
a mere Sadhak. You have certainly my most earnest and sincere prayers
to Bhagavan and to Sri Gurudev for the most successful and glorious
conduct of the series of lectures right up to the very end. Not only
this year and the next year and the next, but also for many many more
years to come. As for blessings, you have them from Gurudev Himself.
It is only those who have received blessings who can be engaged with
such work as you are doing. There is no doubt about this. This is my
conviction.
Before you open the Dispensary, offer prayers to the Lord. Treat the
patients with love and kindness. Kindness and love cure them more rapidly
than medicines. See God in them. This is the secret to attain joy and
happiness.
Man is a soul having a body. Man is essentially a spiritual being.
Man's innermost essence is Atman or the Divine Spirit. Realising the
Spirit, man achieves security, freedom, immortality find Bliss Eternal.
Therefore take up spiritual Sadhana and try to lead and live Divine
Life.
Inner urge towards the spiritual life and the heart's desire to draw
closer unto and commune with the Supreme is a gift from God. It is a
practical expression of Grace.
Peace is a divine attribute. It is a quality of the Soul or Atman.
It is found only in the pure heart. Real inner Peace is independent
of external conditions. By feeling the Lord's presence everywhere, you
can become fearless, and enjoy infinite peace and bliss.
The great goal of life is God-realisation. Live to attain this aim.
This goal alone is worth attaining in this life. Pray to the Lord daily.
Speak the truth. Do not hate anyone. Respect elders. Help others. Live
a simple and pure life. This is Divine life. This leads you to attain
perfection in life.
This human birth is a rare chance, a splendid opportunity of transcending
all limitations, bondage, sorrow, suffering and pain and attaining to
a state of illimitable glory, of absolute freedom from sorrow, pain,
suffering, grief and weaknesses of all sorts, going beyond even death
and attaining that Supreme experience of illimitable joy, immeasurable
peace, Divine splendour and Wisdom Consciousness in union with the Divine.
This is the aim of our life. This life can be had only by right living-a
life of contemplation and meditation. Live this life and attain God-realisation
in this very life.
Goodness is love in action. It is noble to be good. Goodness is the
greatest virtue. Every good deed is a grain of seed for immortality
or eternal life. Goodness makes life a blessing. Goodness will bring
sure success and prosperity. To be good is human. To be good is divine.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Set apart some fixed hours both
morning and evening for your studies. Spend half an hour both morning
and evening in prayer and Bhajan. Speak truth at any cost. Hate none.
Help others. Be good. Do good. Ever feel the presence of God for God
is everywhere. Sing His glories.
There is nothing more elevating and sublime than to be a witness to
the living Divine Presence in all beings and to strive to awaken that
consciousness in others too.
God resides in his heart, who has full faith in God. God loves him
who keeps his image always before his mind.
Keep close to God. Work will go on anyhow. But your concern should
be even in work to keep close to God. The glorious Name of Sri Rama,
the radiant awareness of His Presence, the sweet remembrance of Him
always, these make life Divine. Herein is peace in the midst of turmoil.
Herein is balance in the midst of distractions, joy in seeming sorrow,
eternal life even in the midst of death, fullness in the midst of imperfection.
This is a secret only His children know. No others can understand this,
even if it is declared to them. Therefore, wisdom is in having it and
being silent. If and when the time comes it will declare itself by itself
to those who are to know it.
Spirituality means growing into the form of your Divine Ideal. It is
the transformation of your nature from human to Divine. This is brought
about by Abhyasa, spiritual practice of Sadhana and Vairagya leading
to renunciation.
Blessed Atman, sincerely and diligently try to live the Divine Life
according to the teachings of Holy Master. Be truthful and pure. Give
up anger. See good in all. Do not have dislike for any creature. Develop
equal vision and universal love. The entire world is an expression of
God.
God is the Inner Ruler. He goads the body, mind and senses to work.
Become an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Do not expect thanks
or appreciation of your work. Do actions as your duty and offer them
and their fruits to the Lord. You will be freed from the bonds of Karma.
Your heart will soon be purified.
Kindly try and spend some time daily, even for a few minutes in silent
communion with the Lord. Think of His Divine attributes such as boundless
compassion, mercy and love. Pray to Him with deep devotion. Seek His
guidance and protection in all your daily affairs. He will soon become
your loving companion.
Pray to God daily. Read spiritual books. Books are the source of great
inspiration. Read only good books which convey only positive thoughts.
Feel the presence of God wherever you go. You are in Him and He is in
you. Remember this.
Be still. Be in tune with the Divine Will. Let go all worries. Cast
out all cares and anxieties. Get deep down into the innermost core of
your heart and plunge into the ocean of peace.
Do not bother how other people live. Lead a life of simplicity and
purity. Reduce your wants. Curtail all unnecessary expenses. Though
you may find difficulty in the beginning, but you will find all joy
in the end. Follow truth, whatever may come. God will protect you.
Ever feel the presence of God. Know that God is merciful and kind.
There is no end to His mercy. He is Kama Dhenu. Whatever you ask, He
will give you. Have intense faith in Him. Acquire this faith by regular
prayer and worship. Have fixed hours for prayer and Japa. Even during
office hours feel that you are doing His worship.
Read the lives of Mahatma Gandhiji, Swami Sivanandaji, Ramakrishna
Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda and other Saints. They will inspire you
and guide you in the right path. You may give up all things which contradict
truth.
Each and every human being is a God in disguise. But saints are those
who have removed the cloak which hides the Divinity within.
The essence of all existence is evolution or constant realisation of
the higher values of life. Prayer, service, devotion and meditation
will lead you to a higher and nobler life. There is no pleasure in sense-objects.
Eternal Bliss is in the Atman alone. Therefore embrace spirituality,
practise purity, develop nobility, do charity and attain Divinity.
Lead the Divine Life. The Divine Life is life in the awareness of your
essential ever-pure, ever-perfect, Divine nature. It is the life where
you know that you are not this perishable physical body-you are higher
even than this life principle. Essentially you are Divine. Realise this
by righteous living and a simple way of life.
A virtuous man alone can use the instrument of conscience. He alone
can clearly hear the inner voice of the soul. Therefore cultivate virtues
and be ever virtuous.
A good man is ever happy! He has divinity within him. Do all the good
that you can, in all the ways you can, to all the people you can, at
all times, with all zeal, strength, love and heart.
Love Divine is the Supreme gift, the greatest force in the world. The
grace of God is obtained by true devotion. Devotion is the means to
attain Bliss Infinite. The highest form of devotion is to offer everything
as a sacrifice to God-your thoughts, actions, desires and everything.
If you do this you will attain intuitive vision of identity with Him.
Your life also can be most flavoursome and joy giving if you blend
into it carefully the choicest good thoughts, pure feelings, noble motives,
gracious speech and cleanest deeds. Add to it the fragrant flowers of
devotional worship, God love and Divine Name even as the fragrant Jasmine
blossoms have been added to your Jasmine tea. The fragrant flavour of
joy, peace and contentment, Shanti, Santosh will then permeate your
life. Virtue gives fragrance to your life. Devotion gives flavour to
life. Worship and service constitute the essence of life. May God endow
you with all of these. May your life be full of sweetness, beauty and
bliss.
There is no greater acquisition in this life than perfect faith in
God that stands all tests and trials. To love your neighbour is to love
your God. God dwells in all.
Let the fountain of universal love spring up in our hearts. In it there
is everlasting joy. The true vision is eternal and universal. It is
beyond the limits of all creeds, sects, dogmas, customs and religions.
The more you spend your energy in elevating and serving others, the
more Divine energy will flow to you.
Think positively. You grow into the likeness of the thought picture
which you hold on to with sincerity and persistence. Contemplate upon
your ideal into which you wish to grow. This forms part of daily Spiritual
life.
Seek the Immortal Self. Aspire for Bliss Eternal. Strive to find Reality.
He who strives, finds.
A life that is full of the spirit of service, full of the light of
love for all, full of devotion to God, is the real Divine Life. This
Divine Life is open to you always; you have to tread it by prayer, by
love, by service, by sweetness in speech and sweetness in life, by acts
of benevolence and kindness, by deeds of service and sacrifice. You
are indeed blessed to have come to this Ashram twice. The blessing is
lasting in its transforming effect upon your mind. Though the present
way be spiritually dull, soon you will have to inspire yourself by an
intensive study of Sri Gurudev's literature and other inspiring religious
works.
I will always consider it a matter of great delight to be of service
and of some help to you on your spiritual path. Kindly revitalise your
spiritual life. Awaken in yourself a great intensity of aspiration for
things Divine. Permit no indolence to invade you in this direction.
You must experience God in this very life. It is not impossible if only
you put in the needed effort. Therefore, please be up and doing. The
blessings of Gurudev Sivananda are with you; the Grace of the Divine
will favour you with every opportunity and circumstance for progress.
Therefore, try, try right now. Pack your day with thoughts of God, with
the memory of the Divine, with feelings that are in contact with His
infinite living Presence.
Yoga is eternal life in union with the Divine. Every step in Yoga will
bring new joy, new life. The more you advance in Yoga, the more you
will grow in purity, in peace, in light, in harmony, in power and joy.
Open yourself to the Divine through purity, faith, devotion, aspiration
and total ungrudging self-surrender. The Divine grace will descend upon
you.
Live divinely and radiate the Divine nature which is your true and
essential being. Live closely in touch with God. This is the secret
of inner spiritual life. It is the secret of blessedness.
May the ideal of Divine living and God attainment ever be radiant before
thee. Let life be lived for reaching perfection in God. The Grace of
the Divine ever be upon you.
Right intention and right aspiration form the sheet-anchor of higher
life. Spiritual aspiration should ever be burning bright within the
heart. It is the moving force that makes for progress in the life of
the aspirant. Then comes the factor-the all important factor-of Bhava.
Spiritual feeling should permeate the entire life and all activities
of life. Bhava has the power to transform ordinary activity into spiritual
movement and render your life work into Karma Yoga. The harmony between
inner and outer life can only be achieved by such transmutation through
Bhava.
Helping souls to evolve is verily one of the noblest kind of services.
Of course, it is God alone Who helps. We are not doers. But, to willingly
allow God to utilise our Seva is a great good fortune.
Progress is slow in the spiritual path. One cannot expect progress
in a month or two. You will have to struggle for many years. Then only
you can make some progress. Therefore, do all your duties with worshipfulness.
Give your mind to God and hands to work. Feel the presence of the Lord
wherever you go and whatever you do. This should form part of your daily
spiritual life.
Ever try to be an instrument in the hands of the Lord. Be Nimitta-matra.
Do your duty and leave the rest to God. This is the secret of self-surrender,
Sharanagati and dedication unto the Lord. This leads to devotion or
Bhakti. Have trust in God; you will ever enjoy the perennial bliss and
eternal peace.
The Divine Grace of Sadguru Bhagavan is ever with thee. The sincere
aspirations of a true disciple will surely be fulfilled by the loving
compassion of the Guru. Let me assure you of this. The key to success
in Sadhana is regularity. The importance of regularity in Sadhana cannot
be over emphasised. Regularity in Abhyasa is a secret of progress on
the Yoga-path.
Have intense faith in the Lord. Only then, the strong yearning for
attaining the divinity will dawn in your heart. Understand clearly the
nature and glory of the Lord, nature of the Divine Life and God-realisation.
Only then you can make progress in the spiritual path.
Shun all your fears. Fear is in the mind only. The best hours to study
your lessons are the early hours of the morning. Get up early in the
morning. Offer your worship to Sarasvathi and study your lessons. In
the early hours, the mind is calm and steady. You can understand the
subject without much effort. When you read your lessons, forget the
world. Fix your mind on the lessons. This is the way to master your
lessons.
Do not join any bad company. Observe strict Brahmacharya. Do not go
to pictures. Do not read novels. Do not read newspapers till you finish
your studies. All these distract your mind.
Take simple and pure food. Do not use excess coffee and tea. Take regular
physical exercise both in the morning and evening. Take Lord's Name.
Do not forget God even a single moment of your life. Read religious
books like the Gita, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana etc., besides your
class lessons.
Know that God is everywhere. He is nearer than your hands and feet.
He is nearer than your breath. There is no place where He is not. Therefore,
see Him in all places. He pervades everywhere.
In all the problems of your life put this question to yourself, "Is
this thing going to take me nearer to that ultimate attainment, or is
it going to slow me down in my progress towards the fulfilment of my
life?" If a thing binds you more to the sensual life, then reject it,
but if it hastens you towards the ultimate attainment, then adopt it.
Feel that the whole world is a manifestation of the Lord and you are
serving the Lord in all names and forms. Whatever you do-your actions
and the results thereof-consecrate them all to the Lord at the end of
each day. Do not identify yourself with actions. Then your heart will
be purified and you will be ready to receive the divine light and grace.
Each Sadhaka should bear in mind that Divine life is to be lived in
small details. If you are divine in small details you can be divine
in big things. Unless you are careful in your day-to-day life and mould
your life in accordance with your idealism, it cannot bear fruit.
He who has tranquillity of mind, who has self-restraint, who always
meditates on the Atman is indeed blessed.
The great goal of life is the realisation of God. This human life is
a rare chance given for attaining that destiny. We know also that we
have within ourselves all the potencies of expressing that divinity.
We are triune in nature. The real fact of our being is our essential
Divinity. We have to raise this shining human being towards the Divine
through constant contemplation of the Divine nature, always thinking
about it and reflecting upon it, and expressing it through our thoughts,
words and actions making the whole life as expression of that Divine
Being, through deep meditation.
The secret of happiness in life is to bring happiness to others. This
is what our Gurudev used to say very often. He lived and laid his life
for this one ideal.
Hear the Divine whisper in silence. Realise the power of faith. Feel
God's sustaining grace. Build the shrine of love or the temple of devotion
in your heart. Enter the glorious silence. Enjoy the life transcendent.
Live within. Merge in the Soul. Know the Self. Become That. Be free
and move about happily.
It's a privilege that belongs to the blessed ones like you, to be a
source of inspiration and help to others, a centre for the radiation
of spiritual vibrations, thoughts, feelings, power. The Grace of God
will guide you in this matter. We grow by giving, by sacrificing, by
hard work, by encountering stress and strain...... And, we have with
us every resource; only, we should begin using our inner powers; the
more we use them in our own way, the more they grow and also increase
in number. May God guide your footsteps to infinite Perfection.
Happiness results from good acts, pain from evil ones. Acts always
bear fruit. Without action no fruit arises. Virtuousness is a means
of attaining the vision of God. Everything can be attained by virtuousness.
You are blessed. God has created this rare opportunity for you. The
association with devotees of the Lord will take you to the Lord. All
your lower nature will be transformed into Divine nature in the company
of saints and devotees. Therefore, ever seek the company of saints and
devotees.
You are extremely blessed in your noble aspiration to tread the path
of Divine Life. The Lord is all mercy and compassion and is sure to
shower His Grace upon all who turn to Him for protection and care. Kindly
trust in Him. Have no anxiety but surrender to the Lord under all circumstances
and conditions. Feel His protecting care at every step.
Our Divine Master always said that the teaching profession is the noblest
and best, for it gives you a grand opportunity of moulding young lives
and turning their minds towards noble spiritual ideals. Therefore take
to the profession with faith and enthusiasm and serve the Lord in your
students. Kindly make a more thorough study of our Master's works and
equip yourself fully to discharge your sacred duty efficiently. You
will shine and enrich the lives of your pupils.
Side by side with study of religious books and scriptures there should
be daily Satsang at home. Set aside a part of the evening when all the
family members can gather together, sing the Name of the Lord and commune
with Him.
Regular study of religious books, prayer, worship and meditation will
help you to reach God. Lead a simple and pure life. See God in all.
Give your mind to God and hands to work. This is the secret of success
in life.
Let us sing, remember and practise Sri Gurudev's one song which runs
as follows:-
Start the day with God
End the day with God
Fill the day with God
Live the day with God.
Pray to God daily. Spend your day in Seva, worship, Japa, meditation
and contemplation. Resort to some solitary place once in a week and
make self-enquiry. You will quickly evolve in the Spiritual path.
Divine grace is the fruit of self-surrender. A few drops of Divine
Grace will bestow upon you an ocean of Bliss.
To have knowledge of the Immortal Soul, to become identical with the
Eternal, is the supreme aim of existence.
The great goal of life is the realisation of God. This human life is
a rare chance given for the attainment of that Divine destiny. It's
your birthright to attain Divine Consciousness, that blissful experience
beyond all sorrow, pain, imperfection; and should be the central purpose
of your life here on earth. Plunge yourself into selfless service. Selfless
service purifies your nature; it develops devotion, and grants you a
vision of the Divine.
Pray for devotion, patience and understanding of His Divine will. Remember
that the more you give happiness to others, the more you get happiness.
This is the law. The refinement of one's nature, the culture and purity
of one's personality, is indispensable for the dawn of happiness in
your life. Thus, happiness is the product of selflessness. Kindly keep
up your Seva and Sadhana.
Have intense faith. Only then will the strong yearning for attaining
the divinity dawn in your heart. Understand clearly the nature and glory
of the Lord, nature of the Divine Life and God-realisation. Only then,
will you be able to do self-surrender.
God is the end of all your actions and movements. Seek Him. Realise
Him. Only then can you be perfect and free.
The personality of Sri Hanuman throws a flood of light upon the highest
ideal in living life. He represents perfect conservation of life-energy,
development of strength, offering up this strength to the Divine by
dedicating it in service. He was a warrior and a hero but ever a servant
of his Master. Human energy dedicated to Divine worship. Sublimation
is the key-note here. It is transformed into the dynamism of service.
This is Brahmacharya. This is Hanuman Mahavir. This is Bhakti, Dhyana
and Jnana based upon spiritualised Yogic Karma. Such a life leads to
Atma-Jnana even as Hanuman was ever united with Rama.
Utter the Name of the Lord with devotion. Feel His presence. See Him
in every face. There is no place where He is not. He is everywhere.
Read spiritual literature. Seek the company of the wise. Be regular
in your Prayers.
The Divine Being indwells all Names and forms in this universe. He
is the all-pervasive and the immanent being. To recognise and to feel
this will immediately transform service into worship. For, in man you
begin to perceive the Presence of God. A new Bhava or feeling springs
up in your heart. You become awake to a new vision wherein all things
that were secular a while before now verily become sacred. Service becomes
sanctified with this spiritual orientation. And, thus your life verily
becomes transformed into a Yoga process of ceaseless worship of the
Cosmic Manifestation of the Divine Spirit. Sarvam Vishnumayam Jagat.
The Holy Master taught us to remember this and to realise this.
It is indeed befitting that vacation days are utilised for spending
time in a spiritual way. The goal of life is to attain God. The wise
man utilises all his time as a means to this attainment. Holidays are
meant for worship, Bhajan and Satsanga. A rich harvest of peace and
bliss is reaped by the Viveki Purusha who thus moves towards God.
Bodies, names and forms are only instruments. The true Actor in this
world is Divinity. Realise this in every inch of His creation. Wake
up and shake off your ignorance. Feel, practise and become one with
it.
A true Spiritual Teacher alone can help a man spiritually. He can come
down to the level of an ordinary man and lead him to the higher goal
step by step. He can point out to him the snares and falls on the spiritual
path and guide him to the supreme goal of God-realisation. If an aspirant
is sincere and earnest in his higher pursuits, God will send him the
right Teacher at the right time.
God exists. Nothing can exist without God. The whole world is within
God. God is the Creator, Director and the Ruler of this Universe. God
exists as the life of your life. Soar high always in the realms of Divine
pursuits, and higher spiritual knowledge and realise the Lord of life,
love and joy. This indeed is the goal of life.
As the rivers flow into the ocean, so may you flow on to the Absolute,
the ocean of Bliss Immortal.
Spiritual work is glorious. Spiritual life is glorious. Everything
spiritual is glorious.
Life should be guided by spirituality. In every situation, our action
should be guided by the spiritual perspective, by Dharma, by Satyam,
Ahimsa, Brahmacharya.
The Lord came to this earth as Sri Rama with the sole purpose of guiding
misguided humanity. He played a drama in which every twist and turn
provides heart-warming, soul-inspiring guidance for humanity for all
time.
The Ramayana abounds in lessons which we can use in our daily life.
There is no situation in life, no problem in life for which we cannot
find a solution in the Itihasas.
Puranas are not just interesting stories. They contain vital spiritual
truths. The man who patterns his life after the noble souls in the Puranas
will become a spiritual hero, indeed.
Company of saints will take you to God quickly. The saints will make
you like themselves. The company of Sadhus will remove all the impurities
and make you pure. Their company will help you to remember God constantly.
Be still. Be in tune with the Divine will. Let go all worries.
There is in the heart of every man the supreme abode of eternal bliss,
the perennial fountain of joy, the pool of nectar, the divine centre.
Entertain sublime, divine thoughts. You will always have favourable
circumstances and environments.
Faith transcends reason. Faith alone opens the door of Eternal Bliss
and the Immortal Abode. Have unswerving, unshakable faith and enter
the illimitable domain of everlasting peace.
Yoga is the science of life. It gives completeness to life. God is
eternal and as such fills every moment of our lives. Yoga teaches us
how to contact God and thus fill our being with His light, power, peace
and bliss.
Seek the Immortal Self. Aspire for Bliss Eternal. Strive to attain
Reality. He who strives, finds.
Real sympathy directly enters the heart. Love includes all. Love purifies
and expands the heart. Purify your thoughts, through love and kindness.
Real peace can come only out of love and understanding. Man should
love man; nation should understand another nation. Everybody should
be filled with the spirit of self-sacrifice and selfless service. These
qualities will manifest themselves in man if he is made to feel he is
a spiritual soldier and that he is perpetually engaged in an inner war
with the senses, with the mind, with egoism, in order to regain the
Paradise lost. Ignorance is the common enemy. Egoism is the universal
enemy. Lust, anger and greed are the worst enemies of all mankind. Selfishness
is a powerful foe.
In order to root out these formidable enemies, man should cultivate
purity, nobility, charity, love and a spirit of service in his heart.
Remember; the Lord has created the world in order to provide a school
in which man could learn these virtues and exercise them. Your neighbour
has been created by the Lord in order that you might love him, serve
him and thus grow in divinity. The Lord Himself walks in the garb of
the poor and the sick in order to give you an opportunity to serve Him
and thus evolve spiritually. Therefore, serve all. Love all. For thus
would you secure a victory over your own lower animal nature.
Purify your thoughts, through love, celibacy, kindness, non-injury,
prayer and meditation. Eradicate evil qualities and cultivate virtuous
qualities. Do not deviate from the path of Truth. You will attain eternal
bliss and peace. May God bless you.
God exists. Nothing exists without God. The whole world is within God.
God is the Creator, Director and the Ruler of this Universe. God exists
as the life of your life.
The Higher Self is your friend, guide and philosopher. It guides you
with its still small voice of conscience. The lower mind is your enemy.
It keeps you bound to the wheel of Samsara.
Love of God is liberating. It will lead you to perennial bliss and
immortality. It is Bhakti which will bring about an Eternal Union between
you and the Supreme Lord of the Universe.
Pray to the Lord daily. He runs after those devotees who have a pure
heart filled with devotion. God loves you even when you turn away from
Him. How much more shall He love you, if you turn to Him again sincerely
with faith and devotion. Very great is His love, greater than the greatest
mountains, deeper than the deepest ocean.
Pure and simple food will help you in observing Brahmacharya. Do not
read novels. Be moderate in diet. Take cold water bath. Avoid pictures.
Do not look at women. Whenever you chance to see them, think that they
are the manifestation of the Universal Mother.
A life of true and sincere Bhakti, love of fellow beings and selfless
service, is really one of immense blessing and no success in life is
more assured than in such a divine life.
In all the problems of your life put this question to yourself, "Is
this thing going to take me nearer to the ultimate spiritual attainment,
to the achievement of Divine Perfection, or is it going to slow me down
in my progress towards the fulfilment of my inner life?" This will be
the criterion. If a thing takes you towards the worldly life and binds
you to the heavy wheels of Samsaric existence, then reject it; but if
it hastens your movement towards the obtainment of God-vision and God-experience,
then adopt it.
The true fulfilment of a man's life is not in what he gets, but it
is in what he becomes and does. In being and doing lies success. The
highest success is in purest being and noblest doing. It is right action
unto perfection. Such is divine life that grants God-vision and confers
eternal bliss.
The realisation of Oneness in all existence, manifested and unmanifested,
is the goal of human life. This unity already exists. We have forgotten
it through ignorance. This Oneness can be attained by prayer, Vichar,
meditation and contemplation.
Love God fully and intensely with all your heart, with all your mind,
with all your soul. You will be wholly absorbed in Him.
Spiritual practice is not comprised by an isolated set of activities
distinct from life or plucked apart from its normal context. Yoga, Vedanta,
Divine Life and Sadhana verily imply the direction of one's life towards
the Divine Ideal. Yoga is not a part of life but your life spiritualised.
The essence of this spiritualisation consists in turning away inwardly
from desire for passing names and forms and integrating and centralising
all one's desire-potential and love-potential upon the Eternal Reality
which is the very life of our life, our true Source-Sustenance and Goal
Ultimate. It is the Father-mother GOD of the dualist devotee and worshipper
of God. To live for attaining the exalted Experience of your oneness
with Him, to remember Him always by an unbroken current of loving recollection,
to be aware of His abiding Presence at all times by knowing Him to be
the spiritual Essence hidden behind all Names and Forms and to feel
your self to be His child or His servant or an essential part of His
very Being-this is Yoga-this is Vedanta.
Live and act worshipfulness. Dedicate all the movements of life unto
the Supreme. Fill life with selfless activity, bounded by the terminals
of mystic contemplation and inner reflection in the morning and night.
Even while you act thus stand inwardly as a silent witness of thine
own actions. Dedicate all activity to the Supreme by offering them up
mentally to the Divine frequently during the day. This is practical
Vedanta. It is not action that binds but the association of our inner
consciousness with the actions of our mind and body. Practice of Self-Awareness
strikes at it and snaps this error of association. No more do actions
bind. Activity continues yet you abide in the Self. Such abidance in
the Self is the very secret essence of the Quest and the Path. All spiritual
Sadhanas are directed towards gaining this Self-Abidance. What have
you to do with this body and its movements? How can activities ever
touch or affect thy inner Reality, the hidden Splendour? Neither body,
senses or mind but Immortal Atman thou art. May the Divine Light guide
thy hands and feet at each moment, at each step every day. May supreme
Blessedness be thine.
Lead an ideal life of peace. Peace is a divine attribute. It is a quality
of the soul. It fills the pure heart. Peace comes from constant Prayer
and Nama-smaran. Feel, I am nothing, I have nothing, I can do nothing,
without the grace of God. Thou art everything. I am Thine, All is Thine.
Trust in God. You shall be filled with the Divine.
There is subtle spiritual mind existing in seed-form behind our gross
mind. Through contemplation, prayer and Japa this mind develops and
with its unfoldment a new vision opens.
Life in Spirit is real living. You will lag behind if you depend upon
bodily life. Thoughts of God cheer up the body, mind and spirit. Names
of God soothe the nerves. Love of God bestows peace and joy. Knowledge
of God breaks the fetters of Karma.
If an aspirant is sincere and earnest, God will help him. A Sadhak
or an aspirant should completely surrender himself to the Lord. He should
feel that he is only an instrument in the hands of God. Such a one is
bound to have success in the spiritual path.
Have self-confidence. Be bold and cheerful. Keep a cool, balanced mind.
Work for work's sake. You are bound to succeed in every undertaking.
God bless you.
The greatest goal of man is the realisation of the Divinity indwelling
his being. Life is for the unfoldment of the Divine Perfection within
you. Such realisation is Bliss, Peace and Eternal Life. Attain this
by renunciation, devotion and meditation.
Decide. Make a study of yourself. Try to have a clear picture of your
own nature. Draw a picture of yourself; weak points and strong points.
Eliminate all the negative qualities. Pray to God constantly. Lead a
simple life. Speak the truth at any cost. God will guide you.
Human birth is very difficult to attain. Having come to this earth
plane we should endeavour to lead an ideal life. The goal of life is
God-realisation. Have this noble ideal before you. Strive to attain
this ideal. Kindly practise a little Jape and meditation regularly.
Beloved Ram! Do not be impatient. No effort is lost. What is required
is deep faith and Bhava. Have perfect faith in the Lord. His Name is
your sole refuge and support. Faith heals, faith creates, faith works
wonders, faith moves mountains. Have faith. Purification, illumination,
unification, perfection and liberation are the stages in the spiritual
path.
Love God fully and intensely with all your heart, with all your mind,
with all your soul. You will be wholly absorbed in Him.
Have holy aspiration. Grow in purity. Meditate seriously. Entertain
lofty, divine thoughts. You will have Divine Life.
Lead a life of purity and simplicity. Divine Life rests upon the purity
of mind and simplicity in life. Take the Lord's Name always. Feel His
Divine Presence wherever you go. God is everywhere. There is no place
where He is not.
The attainment of God-realisation is the grand goal of life. It's your
birthright to attain Divine Consciousness, this blissful experience
beyond all sorrow, pain, imperfection. Plunge yourself into selfless
service. Selfless service purifies your nature; it develops devotion;
it grants you a vision of the Divine.
Live free from like and dislikes, attractions and repulsions. This
is life Divine.
Love is the greatest healing power in this world. Love of God really
means love of humanity.
Dharma includes all external deeds as well as thoughts and other mental
practices which tend to elevate the character of man. Dharma comes from
the Divine and leads you to the Divine.
Love is selfless service, mercy, compassion, fellowship, helpfulness,
understanding, tolerance and goodwill. Therefore cultivate love. Love
all. Befriend all.
Be still. Be in tune with the Divine will. Let go all the worries.
Ease out all cares and anxieties. Get deep down into the innermost corner
of your heart and plunge into the ocean of peace.
Remember God daily. Start your daily business after worship. Lead a
life of simplicity and purity. Help the poor and needy. Seek the company
of saints. This is Divine Life.
Ever indwell in the presence of the Lord. Perform all your activities
as a worship of God. Then only work does not bind you.
Great are the blessings of earnest spiritual aspiration, a lofty spirit
of service, daily prayers, and a study of inspiring philosophical and
religious literature.
Live in the world but be not of it, just as a lotus leaf lives in water.
Though the leaf is in water but it is not tainted by it. So also you
should live in the world and attain Divine perfection in this very life.
Ever live in God. The only thing worth seeking in this world is God.
God alone is to be sought in this world. All happiness and bliss are
centered in Him alone. Therefore, attain God.
Dedicate all work and actions to the Lord. Surrender unto Him. You
will soon experience the Divine Joy and Bliss.
Study the lives of saints. You are inspired at once. Remember their
sayings. You are elevated immediately. Walk in their footsteps. You
will attain peace and everlasting bliss.
Purify your thoughts, through love, celibacy, kindness, non-injury,
prayer and meditation. You will attain success in life.
Be kind to all. Trust not the senses. These two practices are quite
sufficient to make you a perfect man.
Service of humanity is service of God. This is the new religion as
preached by Sri Swami Vivekananda, Sri Gurudev and other modern saints.
This is the religion as taught by Mahatma Gandhi. It is God and God
alone that assumes all names and forms. He walks in the garb of a beggar.
He assumes the form of the sick and suffering.
Ever remember God. Feel His presence wherever you go for God is everywhere.
There is no place where He is not. He is nearer than your breath. See
Him in all faces. Cling to His feet. He will protect you and guide you.
Constant remembrance of the Lord will bring you everlasting happiness
and Supreme Peace. Let thy every movement be a living prayer to the
Lord. Think positively. You grow into a likeness of the thought picture
which you hold on to with sincerity and persistence. Contemplate upon
your ideal in which you wish to grow. This forms part of daily Spiritual
Life.
Have perfect faith in the Lord. His Name is your sole prop, refuge
and support. His temple is your pure heart. Be pure in heart and noble
in work.
Japa of Lord's Name is your real wealth. Everything else will pass
away. The bungalows, the bank balance, the cars and gardens, do not
constitute your real wealth. They will not give you peace of mind. You
can have peace and bliss only in Him. Yo Vai Bhuma Tat Sukham. Remember
this always.
Do Japa, Kirtan, Prayer. Never hurt other's feelings. Thought should
be noble and divine. Start the day with God. End the day with God. Fill
the day with God. Live the day with God.
Japa of Lord's Name is your real wealth. Japa, Kirtan, Prayer and meditation
will surely help you in the purification of the mind and heart.
Please take that Mantra which your heart likes best. That Mantra is
the right Mantra which, when taken, brings joy and Peace. You should
stick to one Mantra. You should not change from one Mantra to another.
Ever repeat the Name of the Lord. The Lord is everywhere. He is in
you and you are in Him. There is no place where He is not. He is closer
than your hands and feet. Attain the Lord by regular Japa, Puja and
meditation.
Ever repeat the Divine Name of the Lord. The constant chanting of the
Divine Name will bring you all joy and happiness.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Have separate hours for prayer
and meditation. Speak sweetly. Speak little, Help others. Speak the
truth at any cost. Be regular in your duties. Remember God at all times.
This is Divine Life in essence.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Let the sacred Name of the Lord
ever be upon thy lips. Feel the presence of God everywhere. God is in
you and you are in Him. Do not forget this point. Therefore, hate not
any one. Love all.
Practise the presence of the Lord wherever you go. God is everywhere.
You are in Him and He is in you. This you will feel as you make progress
in prayer and Meditation.
Before you start your Japa in the morning, wash your face and hands
thoroughly or take bath if you are used to taking cold bath. Select
a particular place to do Japa. Daily practise Japa in the same place
where you do Japa regularly. Do not change the place. Lead a simple
life. Take Mitahara. Talk little. Speak truth. Be good. Do good. Do
not hate anyone. Help others. Pray to God daily. Live righteously. Act
truthfully. Meditate regularly. Attain knowledge of the Imperishable.
There is no other way to wisdom and peace.
Ceaselessly think of God. Let the sacred Name of the Lord ever be upon
thy lips. A regular study of scriptures, enquiry of "Who Am I",
and discrimination will undoubtedly lead your goodself to God.
Kindly continue to do your Japa. Wherever your mind moves feel there
also, that there is God. Make the mind understand that there is no place
left where there is no God. There is God in every speech. Watch the
mind steadily. Let it wander for some time. Then try to bring it back
upon your chosen ideal. Loud recitation of God's Name helps to develop
concentration. If you are not able to read books then request someone
in the house to read for you an hour every day some useful spiritual
literature.
Live in tune with the Infinite. Rejoice in the Self within. This is
a great slogan of life. Ever remember the sacred Name of the Lord.
You can daily sing Lord Siva's Name both morning and evening. Siva
is everywhere. He is in you and you are in Him. Feel His presence everywhere.
Feed your mind with thought of God, your heart with purity and your
hands with selfless service. Remain soaked in the remembrance of God
with a one-pointed mind.
Have some Ideal in your life and work for it. The highest ideal in
man's life is the attainment of Perfection. This Perfection is full
of peace and happiness. Peace and happiness can be attained by regular
prayer and contemplation. Therefore, set apart a few hours of the day
for this purpose. Start the day of your activities with prayer and end
the day with prayer. Practise the presence of God by remembering Him
constantly.
Let the sacred Name of the Lord ever be upon thy lips. See God in every
face. Treat all with kindness and compassion. Live a life of simplicity
and purity. This is Divine Life.
May His presence ever be felt by you wherever you are, whatever task
you are engaged in and at all times. Make His Name thy supreme support.
Let remembrance of the Divine be unto you even as breath in the nostrils.
Know Him to be the indweller of all things. He is the ever present reality
in the midst of changing names and forms.
A harmonious development of the body, mind and soul alone can enable
you to fulfil the glorious role for which you have taken birth here.
You can attain Self-realisation. Take the sacred Name of the Lord always.
Nama Smaran or constant remembrance of the Lord is the only easy Sadhana
for God-realisation.
Set apart some fixed hours for Japa and prayer daily. Ever remember
God. Let His sacred Name ever be upon thy lips. God is nearer than our
hands and feet. He is nearer than your breath. He is everywhere. He
is in you and you are in Him. See Him in all places.
Love God fully and intensely with all your heart, with all your mind,
with all your soul. You will be wholly absorbed in Him.
Kindly do Ananya Chintana (constant remembrance) of the Lord. None
can explain the immense benefits of Japa. Japa is the rod in the hand
of the blind aspirant to plod on the road to realisation, Japa is the
philosopher's stone or divine elixir that makes him God-like. Through
Japa alone one can realise God in this life.
Pray to God daily. Let the sacred Name of the Lord ever be upon thy
lips. Dedicate all your household duties to the Lord at the end of each
day. Feel the presence of the Lord wherever you go.
Life is precious. Therefore, spend your time in useful pursuits. Set
apart sometime during the course of the day for prayer and worship.
Feel the presence of the Lord wherever you go for He is everywhere.
He is closer than our breath and nearer than our hands and feet. He
is in you and you are in Him. Always abide in Him.
Start the day with prayer and Japa of the Divine Name. Follow this
by little exercises and deep breathing. Remember God at all times, everywhere.
You need not be a Yogi but you must be an Aadarsha-Purusha. Your personality
must shine with a radiant light of great qualities. Virtue must occupy
your heart and mind. Be bold. Be courageous. Be cheerful always. Service,
worship and meditation must constitute your inner life. Always do vichar.
Feel the presence of God wherever you go for God is everywhere. There
is no place where He is not. He is in you and you are in Him. He is
nearer than relatives and friends. Live in Him. Love for the Lord brings
you all joy, bliss and blessedness in life.
Real happiness lies in a simple and pure life. Love of the Lord will
transform you into a Divine Being. Cultivate true love for the Lord
by glorifying Him, by chanting His Name and by hearing His glories.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Be regular in your prayers, Japa
and Svadhyaya. Do not forget the Lord even a single moment of your life.
Hold on to God as fast as you can. In Him alone you will find true happiness.
Always remember God. Let His sacred Name ever be upon your lips. Be
merged in the thought of God. Give your mind to God and hands to work.
Be good. Do good. Hate none. Love all. This is Divine Life.
Live in God. The love of God alone can bring you real happiness in
life. God alone is real and all else is unreal. Therefore detach yourself
from the worldly objects and attach yourself to God. Ever repeat His
sacred Name. Do all your duties as worship of the Lord.
Life is a holy and joyous movement towards God, who is the eternal
Source of our being. Life is an expression of our continuous spiritual
link with the Divine Essence that pervades and is present everywhere.
The practice of the Divine Name and loving remembrance is the secret
of regaining this Inner Connection. Offer up all that you do, dedicate
your life unto the Divine. This is the golden key to blessedness, fearlessness,
freedom and bliss.
Do your duties with full attention. Every act is worship and Yoga if
done with the correct spiritual Bhava. The tongue may always go on repeating
the Divine OM silently when the body is engaged in work. Morning and
evening offer your activities to God by doing Brahmarpan or Krishnarpan.
In prayer, you draw near to the Divine. Devotion develops the spiritual
consciousness in the devotees. The practice of the Divine Name grants
the priceless treasure of Bhakti or devotion or Divine Love. Loving
remembrance of God makes mature this Bhakti and brings you face to face
with God. Live for attaining God-vision.
Even though you do not find much time to spend in meditation you may
repeat the Lord's Name during the day, whatever the body may be engaged
in. This is a very effective Sadhana to win the Lord's Grace. The Divine
Name is very potent. Together with the repetition of the Name there
should be the attitude of surrender to the will of the Lord, knowing
that everything happens by His Will and for our own good. With this
inner feeling of absolute surrender to God there arises constant peace
and bliss.
Remember to do three things without fail: one: cultivate the virtues
of truth, purity, selflessness, kindness, and simplicity in nature.
Control anger, give up hatred or ill-feelings. Treat all as thine own.
Two: remember God at all times and repeat His Name constantly. Three:
dedicate all thy actions to God. Don't think of any activity as worldly.
Regard all that you do as sacred and make Arpan to God at every step.
Let each day be a day of worshipfulness. Develop your pure emotions
but keep them in wise check. Discriminate wisely.
Constantly aspire to feel His presence by calling upon Him. Repeat
the Holy Name of the Lord. Constant remembrance of the Lord by the repetition
of His Name and thinking of His peace, bliss and light is the surest
way to contact Him and live in His immediate and comforting presence.
What is wanted is a sustained and constant aspiration with a heart full
of love. The Lord is sure to respond to a heart that calls in love,
for He is all mercy and all compassion. Be patient and calm and His
response will always come.
Side by side with daily and constant meditation you may also read inspiring
books written by realised saints and sages. This will keep the aspiration
intense and will inspire you. Kindly go through the books of our Divine
Master. Every word of his is filled with power and the ability to transform
us and lead us Godward. Introspect and remove all defects. At the same
time fill the entire being with all Divine qualities.
It is only through selfless service, prayer and worship that one can
attain purity of mind. Constantly remember the Lord's Name.
Remain firm in thy adherence to the ideal of Divine Living. Never neglect
the study of spiritual books daily even if it be for a short period.
Spiritualise thy ordinary professional work by the Bhava of worshipfulness.
Be ever cheerful. Practise kindness and charity towards souls that are
less favoured by Providence. Let the Divine Name of God be ever upon
thy lips. Be a fearless Messenger of Truth and a humble servant of God.
Remembrance of God is Life. Forgetfulness of God is death. The most
invaluable and supreme treasure in this world is faith in God and devotion
to God. A life without devotion is a dreary waste. Such a life is essenceless
and useless. There is no greater treasure than the Divine Name. There
is no greater wealth than Dharma or character. Dharma leads to God and
in God alone you will find true happiness, peace and bliss. If you want
happiness, you must attain God. There is no other way. This is the only
way. This is the truth.
He who turns your mind towards God is your greatest well-wisher. He
who creates in you devotion for Dharma is your true friend. Spiritual
discourses and Satsangas inspire man and turn the mind towards God.
A lofty service indeed to mankind.
Set apart sometime both morning and evening for prayer and repetition
of God's Name. Start the day with the thought of God. Fill the entire
day with the thought of God and retire to bed with the thought of God.
Ever remain immersed in the thought of God for God is everywhere. There
is no place where He is not. He is in you and you are in Him. Feel this
by regular worship and prayer to God.
Your only sole purpose in life is to attain God. All else is useless
and worthless. Therefore, strive to attain the Supreme by leading a
noble life of simplicity and purity. Take the Name of the Lord always.
Let His sacred Name ever be upon your lips. His Name when sincerely
taken bestows upon you all joy and blessedness.
Start this New Year feeling the Divine Presence everywhere. Constantly
offer prayer to the Lord. Feel He is your very own. Turn your gaze within
and enjoy the Eternal Bliss.
Please be regular in your daily meditation. Morning and evening, you
should spend at least half an hour in meditation. Constantly live in
the remembrance of the Lord. Let His sacred Name ever be on thy lips.
My advice to you is: Lead Divine Life. Practise Japa every day. Sing
the Lord's Name every morning and evening. Take regular morning exercises.
Speak the truth. Serve the elders. Study Gita and Ramayana. Develop
Bhakti. This is Divine Life. Live this noble life. You will attain God-realisation.
Kirtan purifies the mind and heart. All worldly thoughts will disappear
during Sankirtan. In this Kaliyuga, the Name of the Lord is the surest
remedy for all worldly ills. Please carry on your Sadhana with redoubled
vigour and zeal.
You should continue to repeat the sacred Mantra, Om Namah Sivaya. This
has my approval. Yes, you can combine Bhakti Yoga and Raja Yoga. Try
to do Japa of the sacred Mantra. Also write the Mantra on a separate
notebook. This is called Likhit Japa. Write for half an hour daily.
Observe Mouna while writing Japa. Practise Asanas and easy Pranayama
to start with. Spend two hours in the early morning in spiritual Sadhana.
Chalk out a Sadhana programme for daily practice.
There is infinite Shakti in the Lord's Name. The Lord's Name is the
solution for all the troubles that have beset mankind in this modern
age.
You are simple and pure. You have to strive hard to cultivate virtues.
Be noble. Be simple, and plain like a child. Be honest and truthful.
Do not forget to offer daily prayers-morning and evening-unto the Lord.
Do Japa and observe silence for half an hour daily. You will have Divine
Life.
Have reverence and faith for the Name. The glory of the Name of God
cannot be established through reasoning. But it can certainly be experienced
through faith, devotion and constant repetition.
Ever repeat the Name of the Lord. Feel His presence wherever you go.
He is in you and you are in Him. Let all the various duties that you
discharge be as one continuous prayer to the Lord.
Do all your work as a worship or as an offering unto the Lord. Repeat
the Name of the Lord mentally all the time. Remembrance and worship
are the potent means of drawing His grace. Whatever may be your occupation,
wherever you may go or travel, constantly remember Him and offer all
that you do as worship unto Him. You will soon attain Divine Grace.
Live in the awareness of God. Seek the company of saints. The company
of saints will inspire you and you will be filled with noble thoughts.
They help you to contact God. God is the only thing that is worth seeking
in this world. Therefore, cling to his Divine Name.
Yes, You are perfectly correct in saying that the easiest way to attain
Him is to remember Him always. In remembering Him you grow in love for
Him. To think of the Lord is to draw His grace. In His grace there is
fulfilment of the purpose of human birth.
Ever repeat the sacred Name of the Lord. The Divine Name is a powerful
spiritual force which can counter and ultimately destroy all obstacles,
all forces that oppose the aspirant in his inward path of meditation
and prayer. The power of the Name cannot be easily realised unless one
keeps deep faith in the Name of God and goes on practising it, and the
method of awakening the power of the Name is through proper Bhava.
There is infinite Shakti in Ram Nam. Rama Nama is the remedy for all
ills. Therefore, let the sacred Name of the Lord be ever upon your lips.
The sacred and auspicious Name of Siva may be repeated all the times
of the day. There is no such restrictions that you should recite only
at particular times. For a Sadhaka every moment of his life is precious.
Therefore, think of the Lord Siva always besides your morning and evening
sittings for Japa. Even in the midst of your work, you can repeat His
Name mentally. There is no fixed rule.
The Name of the Lord is the surest remedy for all the ills of life.
Not only it removes physical troubles, but also cures Bhava-Roga. Therefore,
take the Name of the Lord with faith and devotion. Cling to the Divine
Name. The Name of the Lord is great relief and consolation.
Verily, life is temporary, body is perishable, and death is a certainty.
But God is a great Reality and while man lives he must seek the Eternal.
This is life and its central purpose.
Even when the body is engaged in activities, even then your inner being
must contemplate the permanent Reality. Let there be remembrance every
moment. Let the Name ever be upon thy tongue. Even daily activity should
be a dedication with devotion. The Divine Presence is here and now.
Behold the light shining through all forms. Such a life will bring you
blessedness, joy and peace.
Let the holy and sacred Name of Rama ever be upon thy lips. Do not
forget God even a single moment of your life. Give your mind to God
and hands to work.
Be rooted in firm faith. Make God the very centre of your life. Draw
strength from prayer. His Divine Name is your support. Chant the Name
of the Lord loudly in the morning and night. Let the Divine Name fill
the home. May peace, prosperity and blessedness be yours.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Pray to the Lord daily. There
is no place where God is not. He is everywhere. He is all-pervading.
See Him everywhere.
Always feel that every movement of your entire being is a living prayer
and adoration to the Divinity that resides within the innermost centre
of your being. He is the Antaratman. He shines within us as a Divine
Light. You are never away from Him even for a moment. He is ever with
you. This is the truth. Japa is the method of keeping up this awareness.
Ever feel the presence of God and ever remember Him and take His Name
at all times. Serve man and worship God. Fill thy home with the chant
of His Divine Name.
When you do Japa concentrate upon the Mantra. Recite every Mantra clearly.
When your mind is restless, you can chant the Mantra a bit loudly so
that you alone could hear. When your mind is calm, then you can do Japa
of this Mantra mentally. Have a fixed place and Asana. Do not change
the place. Keep the place neat and clean.
Constant remembrance of the Lord comes through regular habit. Feel
the presence of the Lord wherever you go. Feel His presence in every
action you do during the course of the day. Make a conscious effort
to remember God at all times. Associate God's Name with the work you
do daily mentally. Take God's Name while you walk, while you sit and
while you eat.
Feel that God is the inner ruler who manipulates your mind, body and
sense-organs. Feel that I am only an instrument in the hands of God.
Feel that God is the doer. Ever remain immersed in the thought of God.
Constantly take the sacred Name of the Lord.
Have a stiff bound notebook to write Mantras. Keep the notebook where
you do prayers and worship. Observe silence when you write Mantras.
Do not entertain any worldly thoughts during Mantra writing. Write the
sacred Mantras with Bhava.
Feel the Presence of the Lord wherever you go for God is everywhere.
There is no place where He is not. He is in you and you are in Him.
Feel this by regular Japa and meditation.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Remember the Lord always. Have
a fixed period for prayers and Japa. Respect elders. Entertain guests.
Serve thy neighbour. Lead an ideal life. Be an example to others.
Your goodself will find eternal happiness only in God. Trust in Him.
Have faith in Him. He will give you all joy and happiness. Lead a life
of simplicity and purity. Have fixed hours to practise prayer and Japa.
Take His sacred Name constantly. Feel His all-pervading presence wherever
you go. God is nearer than your hands and feet. He is nearer than your
breath.
Take God's Name always. Rama Nama will cure all the ills of life. Have
intense faith in His Name. He and His Name are one and the same. There
is no difference. Feel His presence everywhere.
Do your work as the worship of God. Feel the presence of God in your
office. Have confidence in yourself. Be kind to one and all. Do not
use harsh words. Respect your superior officers. Do not doubt your subordinates.
God bless you.
Set apart some fixed period for Japa and meditation. Do Kirtan. Do
worship of God. Give your mind to God and hands to work.
See God in every living creature and within you. Feel His presence
everywhere. You will experience immense bliss, strength and indescribable
joy.
Do not forget God even a single moment of your life. God is the source
of strength. Remembrance of God is strength and life.
Be ever repeating the holy Name of the Lord which you like most. Start
it now itself. Cultivate intense faith and love for God. Ever long for
His Grace. Through regular Japa and meditation the Divine flame grows
brighter and brighter.
The Lord is within you. He is seated in the heart of all beings. Whatever
you see, hear, touch or feel is God. Happiness comes to him who seeks
the happiness of others. Relieve the sufferings of those who are distressed
as per your ability.
Always repeat the Name of the Lord. Let His sacred and holy Name ever
be upon the lips of all devotees and members of your Branch. God alone
is real. This life is meant to attain Him. Therefore, lead a life of
simplicity and purity and attain this life's end.
Aspire for Bliss Eternal. Strive to attain Reality. Find God everywhere.
Ever practise the presence of God. Rise up from bed with his sacred
Name upon thy lips. Remember Him throughout the day during your activity.
Retire to bed with His holy Name on your lips. Such a constant Smaran
of the Lord will bring you all peace and happiness.
Start your Japa with right earnest and become a great Japa Yogi. Cling
to the Lord's Name. The practice of the constant repetition of the Lord's
Name is the greatest of all Yogas in this Kali Yuga. Therefore, acquire
the habit of "Ananya Chintan" of the Lord. This will take you to the
Lord safely.
Devotion to the Lord is regarded as a very efficacious method of attaining
self-realisation. Therefore, cultivate devotion through Japa, prayer,
Kirtan, study of Ramayana, Bhagavata and through service of Sadhus and
His devotees.
Kindly do not worry that you are not able to visualise the form of
your Ishta Devata when you do Japa. When you advance in the path you
will achieve this.
Sit in front of the picture of your Ishta Devata. Look at it with a
steady gaze for some time. Then close your eyes and bring the form to
the mind. Repeated efforts will give you success. Withdraw the mind
from worldly thoughts. Develop concentration and attention. Be patient.
Take Sattvic diet. Pray. Be regular in Japa. All these will aid you
to advance in the spiritual path.
With every problem is born its solution. Therefore, be not afraid when
problems arise. Make God the Pole-star of your life. Overcome personal
desire and aspire for Him alone. What is pleasant does not necessarily
lead to supreme happiness. Live for Him, Who has brought you into this
world. To know Him utilise every moment of your life well. You become
what you think. God is the greatest wealth. Bliss is within.
The path of Yoga is no doubt difficult. One has to come across various
temperaments. It is not unoften that the student of Yoga is confronted
with disappointments, failures and set-backs. The earnest aspirant sees
in all these the hidden hand of the Lord, an opportunity to perfect
the imperfect nature. Hence all such so-called obstacles are converted
into opportunities to triumph over our nature. Patience is necessary.
It is our duty to give love to all, even to those who tend to disappoint
us. Love that is not given freely is not true, Divine love. Through
such perfect Divine love you will be able to change the heart of your
friend. Pure love always conquers in the end. It transforms the hearts
of others as well as the heart of the giver.
Never fear about your spiritual progress. Your faith and devotion will
help you at every step. Guru-kripa ever guides the faithful disciple.
Live in the awareness of the Divine presence. Let your daily life be
an unbroken stream of God-remembrance. See Him in and through all faces.
Be worshipful at heart. His Name is thy strength and support, unfailing.
This mundane life is full of miseries. Pain is a blessing in disguise.
Pain turns your mind towards God, in Whom alone there is lasting happiness
and peace.
Incessant remembrance of God destroys the misery of the whole world
and fills a person with the Highest Bliss.
The seeker, during spiritual practices will have to undergo different
kinds of experiences. These experiences are part and parcel of Spiritual
life. Sometimes the seeker feels joy and sometimes feels no taste for
the spiritual life. You will have to rise above happiness and unhappiness.
Let not these trouble your mind. They come and go.
Essentially you are Divine. Your real nature is Peace. Nobody can disturb
you. Nothing will disturb you. You are not affected by the external
environments.
Pray to God silently. Seek solitude and do enquiry of "WHO AM I" in
right earnest. Tell your mind to constantly plunge into the thought
of God. Regular practice of contemplation and meditation will bestow
upon you peace and happiness. Think positively always. You grow into
the likeness of the thought picture which you hold on to with sincerity
and persistence. Contemplate upon the ideals into which you wish to
grow.
This body is the product of Prarabdha. It is an ever changing, unreliable
vehicle which we have assumed to enter into this earth life. You are
the glorious Self or the Atman that shines radiant and ever abides in
its changeless shape of peace, bliss and fullness. For, it is the Divine
Spark, a ray of radiance emanating from the Supreme Lord SHRI HARI Who
is its Source, Support and Ultimate Destination. Body is not your true
Self. It is both the vehicle and a vexing bondage too, but it is a blessing
in as much as we are enabled to worship the Lord, take His Name and
meditate upon His wondrous Divine Being with the help of this body.
But, even independent of it you ever abide in your primal, shining state
of pure Atmic being. You are Nitya, Nirmala, Sasvata, Amara Satchidananda
Svarupa. To be rooted in this Truth-Consciousness is the most pleasing
worship of the Lord Narayana.
Be perfectly confident. Banish all fear from the mind. Mind is a great
deceiver. It is the root of all sorrows. Fear is itself the main disease.
Throw it out of the mind. Be always smiling. Your real nature is Joy,
is Bliss. Know yourself to be different from the mind. Rise above it.
Discard its dominance by asserting your real spiritual nature. You are
Soul Immortal.
Calmly if you reflect over your life and its circumstances, you would
find that you enjoy better ease and a better situation than those that
are meted out by the Hand of Providence to thousands around us. The
best way out of the present difficulties is more faith in the Divine,
greater industry, more hard work, and a continued appeal to the Divine
to use your energies more and more, and afford you unasked the necessaries
of life in greater measure. I am conducting special prayers for you
and I am sure the Divine Lord will not only enable you to bear your
difficulties with a cheerfulness and a calmness and a peace that belong
to spiritual aspirants like you, but also to give you opportunities
for increasing your income, for overcoming your financial odds.
Be of good cheer! Destiny by which the Merciful Providence is familiar
to people, will help your industry, your hard work, your prayers, your
brave will and will soon show you a way out of your predicament. Kindly
conduct Satsangs at home. Kirtans, Bhajans, prayers-these are the great
spiritual treasures which will bring you material wealth too.
Never be afraid of Samsara. When you have the Name of God upon your
tongue and the Smaran of Sri Gurudev in your heart, what can Samsara
do? If you are careful about your diet, your health will improve. Do
not take hot drinks; avoid strong tea etc. Avoid fried articles, chilly
and pepper. Take little quantities of milk frequently. Never worry.
Never hurry. Keep your mind free from anxieties. Be happy and in a cheerful
mood always. Smile at everyone. Laugh a number of times during the day.
Atman is Ananda. You are Paramananda. Feel and express this.
There may be ups and downs, storms and stresses, smiles and tears,
as you go on living your life amidst its many vicissitudes, trials and
tribulations. Do not lose faith but press on with a firm conviction
that God wants to mould you in His own image through sufferings and
tribulations. Pray fervently and wholeheartedly. Leave everything to
God. He will do what is good for you.
Spiritual life is life in the Divine through control of mind. The spiritual
path demands long perseverance and great patience. The thought you create
in your mind and the images you form in your daily life help you in
making you what you are or what you would become. Therefore do not be
brooding over failures in controlling anger etc. "Let the dead past
bury its dead; act, act in the living present" is a golden precept.
Therefore substitute Divine thoughts. The very thought that you will
be successful in Brahmacharya in the next month will make you successful
in the ensuing month.
The Lord is everywhere. Feel His presence everywhere. His eyes behold
everything. His hands protect all. Trust in Him. Take refuge in His
sweet Name. You need not despair. You need not be afraid of anything.
The Supreme Lord is all mercy and love. He is ever waiting to take
charge of us and remove all our difficulties and obstacles. We should
unhesitatingly seek His grace and make Him our loving companion.
The only way to get rid of your present difficulty is through self-control.
There is no other way and no remedy for this. The first thing you will
have to do is that you should change your attitudes towards women. Except
your legally married wife, you should consider all other women as the
very embodiment of Divine Mother. Do not see the world as it appears
to you but see it as it is. What is there in the woman? What charm is
there? It is only a cage of flesh and blood. There is no beauty in reality.
You think she is beautiful due to your own imagination. Maya is so powerful
that it covers the reality. Study the works of Mahatma Gandhi. Study
our Gurudev's book, "Practice of Brahmacharya".
The attainment of purity helps you to control negative thoughts. Regular
prayer to God, reading of religious books like Ramayana, Mahabharata,
Shrimad Bhagavad Gita and the company of saints will immensely help
you to attain purity of mind.
Ups and downs, troubles and tribulations are common in the world. They
are common to one and all. Each individual in one stage or other has
to face these circumstances. There is no way to escape from them. There
are many instances in our Puranas of those who had to undergo a lot
of sufferings. What about Harischandra? What about Nala? What about
Dharmaraja?
Face them bravely. Each obstacle will strengthen you. Each failure
is a stepping-stone to success. Please be happy wherever God has placed
you. Rely upon Him. Pray to God to give you strength to face them calmly.
Total surrender to the Lord will bring you highest happiness. He knows
what is best for you. Have intense faith in Him. He will protect you
and guide you. He is the supporter of the entire Cosmos.
Kirtan also is equally important. God is not keen on your voice and
music; but your heart, regularity and surrender. Cultivate the habit
of singing the Lord's Names and His glories. This will make you blissful
in a short time and will remove all your tiresomeness and worries.
Beloved Self, kindly do not give way to anxiety and fear. Be cheerful
and trust in the Lord. He will guide you in everything you do. Surrender
unto Him, knowing that it is His will that does everything.
Daily make it a point to study some religious books and reflect upon
the truths contained therein. Spend some time in silent communion with
the Lord. Think of Him during the day also, when you have some leisure.
Seek His guidance like a little child. The more you trust in the Lord,
the more will you feel His Divine hand leading you. You will enjoy immense
peace of mind and joy.
Sickness is only in this perishable physical body. The real "You" is
beyond all sickness. This real "You" is beyond all these mundane afflictions.
Your real nature is Divine. Know this through regular meditation, contemplation
and by right Vichar.
The spiritual path is a question of supply and demand. If the demand
is there in the form of constant aspiration and remembrance of God,
the supply in the form of guidance, protection and peace is bound to
manifest itself. God, who is an ocean of mercy and love is waiting with
outstretched arms to receive His children. So let us turn to Him now.
Through the healing you have mentioned in your letter you clearly notice
a manifestation of the Divine power of God. It is God alone who is the
Great Healer, not only of all physical ills, but the more serious ills
of the mind and soul. Aspire for purity, perfect love and compassion.
Then the Divine Power will flow through you automatically and bring
solace and comfort to all.
Unceasingly pray to God. Surrender to Him whole-heartedly. God runs
to him who prays with a sincere heart. You may be certain of that. Be
pure in heart. Let your mind and your lips be as one. Surrender yourself
to His care.
The Lord will hear your prayers. If your prayers are not heard, wait
for sometime. God is all-merciful. He will certainly listen to you.
Your prayer must come from your heart. Then only, He will take care
of you.
Always take God's Name. His Divine Name is your strength. He is your
Father and Mother. Take shelter in Him.
Difficulties come in our path to test our strength. As such, we should
welcome them, and with faith and trust in the Lord and His Holy Name,
we should tide over them. Therefore, take refuge in the Lord's Name
and surrender unto Him happily, and without question.
Kindly conduct regular Satsang at home daily in the evening and sing
the Name of the Lord. Surrender to Him and pray for His help. He will
solve all your difficulties and fill your life with joy, peace and prosperity.
Always remember Him during the day by repeating His Holy Name. Nama-Smaran
will call forth His Grace and protection upon you. The Lord knows what
is best for us. So trust in Him and rest in peace.
Lead a life of simplicity and purity. Be regular in your daily prayer.
Take daily some physical exercise. Do not mix with bad or evil company.
Do not entertain negative thought. Let not undesirable thoughts cross
your mind. Develop healthy habits. Take simple and wholesome food. Pray
to the Lord to give you strength to lead a spiritual life.
Be a Dhira. Take courage. Do not despair. Develop a strong and iron
will. Read Gurudev Swami Sivanandaji's books, viz., "Thought Power,"
"Sure Ways to Success in Life and God-Realisation". You shall be immensely
benefited. Get up in Brahma-muhurta at 4 a.m. Take bath or wash your
hands, feet and face. Dash cold water on your face. Take the name of
the Lord. Chant a few hymns in His praise. Offer prayers to the Lord.
Then remember the Divine Attributes of the Lord. Meditate on them. Forget
the past. Forget your weaknesses. You are now a spiritual personality.
Ever engage in reading spiritual literature, remembering the Lord's
Divine Name and doing something good and useful. Never be idle. Do not
waste life in sensual pleasures. Avoid company of friends. Look upon
women as Divine Mother-Para Sakti.
Beloved Self, doubt not the mercy of God. God is merciful and kind.
Take shelter in Him. Pray to Him. Sing the Name of the Lord. This will
bring you peace.
"Om Shri Hanumate Namah" is the correct wording of the Mantra. You
may kindly do 108 Malas of this sacred Mantra daily. It will bring you
peace of mind. Even when you are on duty, think of God for a while.
Do your duty as worship of the Lord. Dedicate all your actions unto
Him. Have trust in Him. Remember, even this will pass away.
You are a man; a young energetic youth. It is expected of you to be
manly; to be bold; to be courageous. Take up courage. Try to understand
life. Read Gurudev's books. Do not depend on others for your own happiness.
Happiness lies in self-control, self-reliance, in selfless service and
in leading an ideal life. Forget the past. Mould your life with new
ideals, new thoughts. Be a hero. Thus you will be happy.
Thy kind letter has brought me a great deal of delight. The four difficulties
you have listed therein, concerning your Sadhana are very common, and
the way out lies in your palms. It's easy. Despair or impatience can
itself act as a great obstacle; therefore, preserve patience, and explore
new ways and fresh paths for progress.
Like the mind itself, faith does indeed flicker and waver. Faith is
tried and tested even in those who have already made remarkable progress
on the path. One grand way of sustaining and also helping the growth
of faith is the study of inspiring literature of saints and sages, and
other religious and philosophical literature.
Japa will cease to be tiresome and mechanical only after a good deal
of practice; only when the mind is adequately purified by Japa. BHAVANA
should be developed. The Deity of the Mantra should be approached in
various ways....perhaps when tiresome, the mind will take in with enthusiasm
loud chanting or Kirtans. With fervour and zest and enthusiasm Japa
should be taken to. Remember the essencelessness of Samsara, of worldly
pleasures; and constantly bring before the mind the picture of the endless
blessings that are yours for a contact with, and realisation of, God.
The third and fourth of your difficulties are identical. This difficulty
disappears by gradual and persistent practice. You must have before
your eyes the very best and the most pleasing image or picture of your
Istha-Devata. It must absorb your interest, engage your attention, and
quicken the highest sentiments in your heart. It must be very fascinating,
and you must be in a position to see it when you close your eyes. You
must know that it is everywhere; it is omnipresent, omnipotent, omniscient;
that it will talk to you, smile at you. Auspiciousness, peacefulness,
blissfulness, immortality or triumph over death and ignorance, are some
of the Kalyana-gunas of Lord Siva. KINDLY MARCH FORWARD with a SWIFTER
PACE.
But one thing you must always remember, that you are never alone. God
is always with you. He is your Antaryamin. Therefore feel His presence
within and do all your work with Atma-samarpana Bhava. This is divine
life.
Your soul is pure. Take courage. Do not lose heart. God will protect
you. Forget what is past. Pray to God. He will give you strength. If
God wants to protect you nobody will do you any harm. God protects His
devotees. Therefore, surrender to God. Pray to Him for His mercy.
You are very dear to the Lord. Those who are dear to the Lord sometimes
have to suffer for God's sake. God puts them in difficult circumstances
in order to strengthen them, in order to make them perfect. Do not hate
anyone. Pray to those who harm you. Pray to the Lord to give them better
understanding. This is the way of any aspirant who devotes his life
to attain Him.
Blessed self, suffering is part and parcel of our life. Every one of
us, at some stage or other has to encounter it. It comes to strengthen
us. It paves the way for the onward march in the spiritual path. Therefore,
face it bravely. It is a blessing in disguise. Not only in times of
stress, but at all times an aspirant should remember God. He or she
should always practise the presence of God. One should feel His presence
everywhere. Do all your duties as the worship of God and offer them
to the Lord at the close of the day.
Prayer is an unfailing remedy for all situations. Prayer is the trusty
companion along the weary path to Moksha. Prayers bring you near to
God and make you feel the Divine consciousness and your essential immortal,
blissful nature.
Your attitude towards suffering is quite right. It is the attitude
of a sincere seeker after Truth. Even the very Lord Christ had to undergo
a lot of suffering. God sometimes puts His devotees in difficult situations
in order to strengthen them spiritually. We cannot understand His ways
unless we move towards Him.
Kindly take heart. Face every situation in life calmly. Troubles and
tribulations are common in everyone's life. Life is not a bed of roses.
Such trying situations will strengthen you. Smile at such situations.
Be witness of all these circumstances.
The Lord is everywhere. Feel His presence everywhere. His eyes behold
everything. His hands protect all. Trust in Him. Take refuge in his
sweet name. You need not despair. You need not be afraid of anything.
Ever live in the awareness of God. Feel His presence wherever you go.
God is merciful and kind. See His mercy. He means always well. Let His
Divine Name ever be upon thy lips.
Regret to learn that once again the peaceful atmosphere in your factory
was disturbed. This is the nature of the world. Be a mere witness of
all that happens in this passing world. Grow inward. You are undisturbed
Peace within. Our essential nature is Sat-Chit-Ananda. Do not forget
this. Gurudev again and again reminded us of this by his songs and writings.
Dwell within. Everything will pass away. Peace will prevail again.
God's ways are mysterious. He gives and takes. The world is the play
of God. Be a witness in the world's play. There is nothing permanent
in this world. God alone is real. Therefore, cling to Him with all your
might and strength. Refuge in God promotes all happiness and peace.
Always remember God. Feel His presence wherever you go. For God is
everywhere. There is no place where He is not.
It is very difficult to understand the ways of God. He knows what is
best. We have to only witness His play.
Take shelter in God and Gurudev. No harm comes to him who obtains God's
grace by constant praying. Therefore, pray to God and Gurudev ceaselessly.
Let the sacred name of the Lord ever be upon your lips. Do not forget
Him even a single second of the day. God is just. The Divine law is
just. He who believes in this, remains unperturbed in all trials and
adversities.
The Name of the Lord alone is the sure remedy for all ills of life.
Therefore, take the holy name of the Lord always. Feel His presence
wherever you go for God is everywhere. Take shelter in Him. He means
always well.
Rise above the body idea. Feel and realise that you are the infinite,
the supreme Self, and how can you be affected by passion or greed?
Ram Nam is the great strength of the seeker. It is full of Divine Power.
Repeat Ram Nam and obtain the Grace of God. The Divine Name will give
you immense inner strength to overcome all obstacles.
Turn away now resolutely from all sense-experience. You are your own
master. There is nothing that you cannot do. Make up your mind this
minute and you will be a new man. There is no satan. Discard such thoughts.
Imagination of the mind has to be given up. Occupy yourself with active
interesting work. Keep the mind engaged. I send you my spiritual good
thoughts. Stand up and march towards God. Never give up right principles.
God bless you!
Despair not. Be courageous. Be brave. Be bold. All this will pass away.
Such sufferings and trials are part of our life. They will make you
perfect. Do not worry. It is worry that weakens the mind and body. You
cannot remove worries by worrying. Seek some remedy. Observe the principles
of nature. Do not violate the principles of nature.
Beloved Self, know that God is kind and merciful. At times, He puts
His devotees in difficult situations, in order to strengthen them. Therefore,
despair not. Be calm and serene. Know thy essential nature. Your essential
nature is Shanti Maya and Sat-Chit-Ananda-Maya. Understand this and
immerse in this thought.
Blessed self, have no worry of any kind. What makes you unhappy? All
this unhappiness, depression and dejection will only touch your body
and senses and not your spirit. Nothing can touch you. Nothing can disturb
you. Your essential nature is Divine. Your true nature is full of bliss.
You are Sat-Chit-Ananda. Understand this essential nature. Face life.
Be courageous and brave.
Be ever cheerful and happy. Away with depression and gloom. Pray and
worship the Lord with faith and devotion.
Keep yourself in a positive state. Overcome negative thoughts by entertaining
positive divine thoughts. Do not be dejected. You have got immeasurable
strength and power within. Face all difficulties with a smile on your
face. Never be despondent. Ever laugh, jump and smile. Always remember
God. Let the sacred Name of the Lord ever be upon thy lips. Take shelter
in Him. He means always well.
Kindly ascertain your inner nature. You are the undisturbed peace within.
This is your real nature. Go deep in this realm. Be a mere witness to
the play of the outer world. Stand aside and see the Lord's play. Do
not be perturbed. It will vanish as it came, leaving no trace of it.
God is merciful. Whatever happens in one's life is for the good of
that individual. God's grace does come but one has to wait and watch.
We cannot understand Him. It is beyond our comprehension.
Regular study of holy scriptures, the right enquiry of "Who Am I" and
constant prayer and meditation will undoubtedly lead you to God. May
you always abide in the Lord.
Be brave. Be courageous. Do not lose heart. God will protect you. Such
trying circumstances do come to everyone of us in some stage or other.
This is life. Life in this world is full of unhappiness. It is the nature
of the world. Life is full of ups and downs. This will pass away soon.
Take shelter in God. He knows what is best. Throw your burden upon Him.
He will remove all your difficulties and bring you peace and happiness.
Kindly read Mahabharata and stories of Savitri, Damayanti and Draupadi.
Even they had to face troubles and trying circumstances in life. Resort
to the repetition of the Lord's Name. Feel His presence wherever you
go. Do not forget Him even for a single moment of your life.
But ever remember that your essential nature is Satchidananda Svarupa.
You are not this body, not this ever-changing mind but that ever-blissful
Satchidananda Atman. May you ever be deeply immersed in your own Svarupa.
You are verily THAT. May God bless you.
Try to adapt, adjust and accommodate. Look upon everything as the Lord's
Will. Study the life of Rubia a Sufi saint, who was a maid servant sold
to a Jamindar. Draw inspiration from the lives of saints. The inner
life and the outer life should meet in one Divine Life.
Know that God alone is real. The world is unreal. All the things of
this earth will perish. God is the only Reality. Therefore, seek God
alone. Pray daily. Worship Him. Always take the Name of the Lord.
Please despair not. Take courage. It is life. No man is free in this
world. Everyone of us at some stage or other has to suffer. Suffering
is part and parcel of our life. No man can escape. Specially devotees
of God suffer much. Our suffering is nothing when compared to the suffering
of great saints. Face them boldly. Rise above them. Sufferings will
strengthen you. They are blessings in disguise.
Your essential nature is Ananda Maya. Dwell in this Svarupa. Nothing
can touch you. All births, deaths and diseases are only for the body
and not to the Spirit. This body comes and goes. Rise above the body-idea
through right discrimination. This body is Anitya. One day you will
have to cast it aside. Then, why worry for this?
If we feel the power of the deathless and imperishable nature of the
Self, we are sure to forget the body and its limitations. As we establish
ourselves more and more within, we will enjoy more and more peace and
bliss.
Suffering purifies and turns the mind towards God. Suffering strengthens
the will, softens the heart and generates the power of endurance. Ever
be rooted in the thought of God. Let the constant Smaran of the Lord
ever be upon thy lips. Cling to Him fast. Think of His mercy. He is
kind and all love. He is Karuna Sindhu. There is no end to His mercy.
He means always well with you. Those who surrender to Him will have
no fear. Only happiness and joy await the spiritual aspirants in the
end.
Know that God alone is real. The world is unreal. All the things of
this earth will perish. God is the only Reality. Therefore, seek God
alone. Pray daily. Worship Him. Always take the name of the Lord.
The aim of life is to avoid misery and attain Eternal Bliss. Birth
in this world is inseparably connected with misery. If you wish to avoid
misery, pain and sorrow, you must avoid rebirth. Knowledge of Brahman
is the only means of avoiding rebirth.
God is beyond the reach of the senses, but you can realise Him, know
and feel Him, if you withdraw yourself from the senses and their objects.
You are in the Light of the Holy Master's spiritual blessings and benedictions.
The Divine indwelling in thy heart ever takes care of your spiritual
welfare. Please be not troubled. Act in prayerfulness. Let the presence
of God enfold you in His
