Swami Sivananda Vani

[Guest guest]

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THE MASTER'S ROOM: It was the beginning of winter in 1949. The Master

led a visitor into his apartments. " There is a splendid view of the

Himalayas and the Ganges from here, " commented the Master as they

both entered his cottage. " If you sit in the verandah or even if you

are within the rooms, you will constantly hear the Pranava Nada of

the Ganga. "

 

The two then went into the inner rooms.

 

" You are living in this cottage, Swamiji? " asked the surprised

visitor. " Why, it is as ill-ventilated as a prison cell. You cannot

get any light in the rooms except during midday. They are not rooms,

they are caves, and too small even for that. And you work in this

room? It is not even sufficient to accommodate your manuscripts and

books. You cannot move in it without treading on something or

tripping over something else. The bedroom is damp and one cannot

even breathe in it. I wonder how you live in it! "

 

And the visitor continued, " Though I get a positive feeling of

spiritual elation while I am here, I think I will not be able to keep

body and soul together for six months if I live in this cottage. Why

don't you change to a better suite of rooms, Swamiji? "

 

" No, no. I am all right here, " assured the Master.

 

The visitor bowed and left.

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" Never complain against bad environments. Create your own mental

world wherever you remain and wherever you go. There are some

difficulties and disadvantages wherever you go. If the mind deludes

you, at every moment and at every step, try to overcome the obstacles

and difficulties by suitable means. Do not try to run away from bad,

unfavourable environments. God has placed you there to make you grow

quickly. " - Swami Sivananda

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