Inspiring Talks of Swami Sivananda
4 th AUGUST, 1948
THE REFUGE OF ALL
An aspirant has come from Orissa. He has received ochre-robes from a Sanyasi of his place who, however, did not accept him as his initiated disciple—it was his policy not to initiate anyone into Sanyasa and make him his disciple.
‘Yesterday, he came and requested that he should be initiated into Sanyasa. I said: No. Yet, he has the perseverance to come again today and request again. I had a heart-to-heart talk with him. Now, I have decided to give him Sanyas.
‘There should be some like him. I should have a heart-to-heart talk: if my heart permits me, I will give them Sanyas. God will take care of them.’
Turning to the new arrival, Siva said: ‘Yes, I will give you Sanyas on Vijaya Dasami day.’
Mystic or plain language?
25 th AUGUST, 1948
WHAT IS REST?
Sri A .... is enjoying a furlough. He caught Siva’s eye.
‘You are on leave? Yes: you should have some rest! You are heavily over-worked!’
And then added with a mischievous smile: ‘Na Gurur Na Sishyah! What is there in service? Silent meditation in seclusion is the only way to Moksha!’
Siva does not believe in holidaying. Change of work is rest for him. Nishkamya Seva with Narayana Bhav is itself the highest form of meditation, which compels perennial adherence.
