Swami Sivananda Vani

[Guest guest]

GUIDE TO SADHAKAS

 

No complete knowledge is possible as long as there is the

relationship of subject and object. When the subject and the object

merge into absolute union there are no doubts or questions. When you

enter the consciousness of the infinite you will have no problems.

You will have no questions to ask, for the questioner and the

questioned will be one subject and object will be dissolved.

 

Only when action is quickened with love and illumined with knowledge,

then the pilgrim in the spiritual path finds his destination and end.

The one you seek is he who seeks you. The essential craving of the

heart is the inner light. He who has faith, he who is tranquil and

self-controlled, he who meditates on the atman attains immortality

and eternal bliss.

 

So, reduce your wants to the utmost minimum. Adapt yourself to

circumstances. Never be attached to anything or to anybody. Share

what you have with others. Be ever ready to serve. Lose no

opportunity serve with atmabhava (feeling that the self is all).

Speak measured and sweet words. Have a burning thirst for

Godrealisation. Renounce all your belongings and surrender yourself

to God.

 

Keep your soul strong and fresh and give it spiritual food prayer,

japa (repetition of God's name), selfless service, etc. Feed your

mind with thoughts of God, your heart with purity, your hands with

selfless service. Remain soaked in remembrance of God, with

onepointed mind. Repeat the Lord's name with faith and devotion.

 

Meditate on his form and surrender your heart and soul to him.

Let the thought of God or reality keep away the thought of the world.

Forget the feeling that you are soandso, that you are a male or a

female, by vigorous brahmacintana (contemplation of God.) Never

postpone a thing for tomorrow if it is possible for you to do it

today. Do not boast or make a show of your abilities. Be simple and

humble. Always be cheerful. Give up worries. Be indifferent to things

that do not concern you. Fly away from bad company and discussion. Be

alone for a few hours daily.

 

Control the emotions by discrimination and vairagya (dispassion).

Maintain equilibrium of mind always. Give up backbiting and

faultfinding. Find out your own faults and weaknesses. See only good

in others. Do good to those that hate you. Shun lust, anger, egoism,

moha (delusion) and lobha (greed) like venomous cobras.