Swami Sivananda - Easy Steps to Yoga

EASY STEPS TO YOGA

By SRI SWAMI SIVANANDA

Sri Swami Sivananda Founder of The Divine Life Society

SERVE, LOVE, GIVE, PURIFY, MEDITATE, REALIZE

So Says

Sri Swami Sivananda

First Edition: 1939

Sixth Edition: 1999 (2,000 Copies)

World Wide Web (WWW) Edition: 2000

WWW site: http://www.SivanandaDlshq.org/

This WWW reprint is for free distribution

© The Divine Life Trust Society

ISBN 81-7052-098-3

PUBLISHERS’PREFACE

Yogaisrightliving.Thisdefinitionmayappeartobesimple,butreallyitisverysignificant, forthemeaningofrightlivingisverywide.SwamiSivanandajiMaharajexplainsinaneasyand homelystylethebasicprinciplesthatabeginnerinYogahastounderstandandfollow.These Easy StepstoYoga arelaidoutwithaspecialviewtoenablethenovicetoascendwithoutmuchdifficulty theheightsofspiritualattainment.EthicalandmoraldisciplineformsthefoundationofYoga.Sri Swamijihasbeautifullybroughttogetherallthefundamentals:goodconduct,non-attachment, dispassion,unselfishwork,sense-control,meditationandknowledgetoformaconnectedpieceof completeinformationonthepracticeofYoga,beginningwithbodilyhealthandtraining,and endinginSelf-knowledge.Webringoutthesixtheditionofthispreciousvolumefortheedification ofstudents,bothintheEastandtheWest,whohavenoacquaintancewiththetechnicalities involvedinthesubject,butareeagertohaveanadequategraspofthemainguidingprinciplesin livingalifeofwisdomarisingoutof divinediscontent.

1.dç÷yasesarvabhåteùubràhmaõeùugaveùuca| dikùusarvàsugaganeparvateùunadãùuca||

Thouartseen(bythepiousandtheearnestSadhakas)inallcreatures,incowsandBrahmins inallquartersoftheglobe,inthesky,aswellasinallriversandmountains.

2. s:h+c:rN:HÂ:im:an:ÎS:t:S:i\:üHs:h+dákÏ.

tv:öD:ary:es:B:Üt:aen:p:àeT:v:iös:v:üp:v:üt:an:Î..

2.sahasracaraõaþ÷rãmàn÷ata÷ãrùaþsahasradçk| tvaüdhàrayasibhåtànipçthivãüsarvaparvatàn||

Thouartthousand-footed,theglorious,thousand-headedandthousand-eyedBeing.Thou supportestalltheworlds,thisearthandthemountains.

. dáSy:s:ðs:v:üB:Üt:ð\:Øb:ÒaÉN:ð\:Øg:v:ð\:Øc:.

3.yetvàüdevaüdhruvaübhaktyàbhajantepuruùottamam| pràpnuvantisadàkàmànihalokeparatraca||

ThosedevoteeswhozealouslyworshipThee,theHighestLord,eternallygloriousBeing, willalwaysbedulyrewarded,andhavetheirdesiresfulfilledinthisaswellastheotherworld.

TheRamayana

UNIVERSALPRAYER

Thouart,OLord,theCreatorofthisUniverse.ThouarttheProtectorofthisworld.Thouart inthegrassandtherose.Thouartinthesunandthestars.SalutationsuntoThee,ODestroyerofthe cycleofbirthsanddeaths!SalutationsuntoThee,OBestowerofBlissandImmortality!

OSweetLord!MayIbefreefromthebondsofdeath.MayIneverforgetmyimmortal nature!MayIbeabletolookuponallbeingswithequalvision!MayIattaintheSupremeseatof Brahman!MayIbefreefromimpurityandsin!MayIknowmyessentialnature!

AdorationstotheSupremeBeing,whodwellsintheheartsofallbeings,whoisinthefire andwater,whoisintheplants,herbsandtrees,whoisinthestone,brickandironbars,andwhois pervadingthewholeuniverse.

IbowtoThee,OSecretofsecrets!IbowtoThee,OIndwellerofourhearts!IbowtoThee, OSilentWitnessofallactivitiesofallminds!IbowtoThee,OInnerRulerofallbeings,who pervadesandpermeatesandinterpenetratesallthingsofthisuniverse.

SalutationstoThee,theSupremeLord!Thouartwithoutbeginningandend.Thouartthe flower.Thouartthebee.Thouartwoman.Thouartman.Thouartthesea.Thouartthewaves.Thou arttheoldmantotteringwithastick.Thouartthesaint.Thouarttherogue.

ThouartLightDivine.ThouartLightofknowledge.Thouartthedispellerofdarkness. ThouarttheSupremeGuru.Thouartbeyondthereachofmindandspeech.Thouartbeyondany kindoflimitation.ThouarttheSelfofthisuniverse.

ThouartSelf-luminous.Thouartwithoutparts,withoutactions,withoutlimbs,withoutany taintorfault,withoutbirthanddeath.ThouartourFather,Mother,Brother,Friend,Relative,Guru andSoleRefuge!ThouarttheembodimentofPeace,Bliss,Power,Knowledge,Strengthand Beauty.

OAll-mercifulLord!ThroughThyGraceMayIrealisetheTruth.MayIalwaysentertain sublimethoughts.MayIrealisemyselfastheLightDivine.MayIservehumanitywithAtma Bhava.MayIbefreefromgreed,lust,egoism,jealousyandhatred.MayIbeholdtheonesweet ImmortalSelfinallbeings.MayIrealiseBrahmanwithpureunderstanding.

MaythatLightoflightseverguideme!MayHecleansemymindofallimpurities!MayHe inspireme!MayHebestowonmePower,CourageandStrength!MayHeremovetheveilinthe mind!MayHeremoveallobstaclesonthespiritualpath!MayHemakemylifehappyandfruitful.I bowtoThee,OLordoflords,OGodofgods,ODevaofDevas,theBrahmanoftheUpanishads,the SupportforMayaandIsvara,theSupremeBridgetoImmortality!

INTRODUCTION

Thereisrestlessnesseverywhere.Selfishness,greed,wrath,lustarehavocing.Fights, skirmishes,pettyquarrelsarepollutingtheatmosphereandcreatingdiscord,disharmonyand unrest.Bugleisblownandsoldiersaremarchinginthebattlefieldtokilltheirenemies.Onenation iswagingwaragainstanothernationforacquiringmoredominionsandmorepowers.Sidebyside peace-movementisworkingsilentlyforbringingconcord,harmonyandpeace,foreradicatingthe direignorance,therootcauseforhumansufferingsanddisseminatingDivineKnowledgeor knowledgeoftheSelfandinfusingdevotionintotheheartsofpeople.Mysteriousistheuniverse, stillmoremysteriousisthesilentworkingsoftheunseenGod,whopromptsRajasicpeopleonone sidetowagewarandtheSattvicpeopleontheothersidetostartPeaceCentresforthedissemination ofspiritualknowledgeandforbringingpeacetothesufferinghumanityatlarge.

TheGoaloflifeistheattainmentofSelf-realisationorGod-consciousness.Thereisone supremeundyingintelligentprincipleorEssenceorAtmanorBrahmanortheSupremeSelfwho dwellsinthechambersofyourheart.Heexistsinthepast,presentandfuture.Heisexistence absolute,knowledgeabsoluteandblissabsolute.Ignorantmanvainlysearchesforhishappiness andpeaceinperishableexternalobjects,thatareconditionedintime,spaceandcausation.Hehas nopeaceofmind.Hisdesiresarenotgratified.Heamasseswealth,begetschildren,getstitles, honours,name,fameandyethismindisrestless.Hehasnoabidingjoyandlastinghappiness.Heis stillinwantofsomething.Hehasnofeelingoffullness.Thisfeelingoffullnessandeternal satisfactioncanbeobtainedbyrealisingone’sownSelfthroughspiritualSadhana,self-restraint, purityandmeditation,andbyattainingthehighestrungintheYogicladder.

Peaceandhappinesscanbefoundonlywithin.Youcannotcertainlyfinditinexternal objects.Wealth,women,children,property,palatialbuildingscannotgiveyoutheeverlasting Peace.Lookwithin.RealiseyouronenesswiththatOneSupremeSelf,wholivesinthechambersof yourheart.WhenyouareestablishedinThat,whichisanoceanofPeaceandHappiness,youwill notbeshakenevenbyheavysorrow,lossorfailures,inharmoniousanddisagreeablevibrations. Youwilltideoveralldifficultiesorcrisesoflifeveryeasilyandwillcomebackwithtriumphinall experiences.MysteriousisthisPeace!MarvellousisthisPeace!RealisethisPeacethatpassethall

OmSantih!Santih!Santih!

understandingthroughYogaSadhanaandbefree.FloatinthisoceanofPeaceandrejoiceinthe PeaceofyourownSelf.

Whydoyou,Ofriend,clingtothismateriallifeofdisappointments,failures,diseases, afflictions,sorrowsanduncertainties?Penetrateintothehiddendepthsofthevastoceanofeternal lifewithin.TherealKailasandManasasarovararewithinyou.ThefountainofJoy,thespringofthe sacredwaterofimmortality,thevastlakeofambrosialnectar,thecelestialjewelthatbestowson youwhateveryouwant,arewithinyou.Whatisthisephemeralexistencewithallsortsofmundane troubles,thisevanescentlifelikeamushroomorabubblewhencomparedtothesweeteternallife inthesoulwithin?Willyounotstartnowonaspiritualexpeditionwithdeterminationandaniron resolvetoexploretheinfiniterealmsofpeaceandblisswithin?

Inthepresentbook EasyStepstoYoga Iamgivingyouusefullessonsonthepracticeof Yoga.AccordingtothetemperamentandcapacityoftheSadhaka,thestudentcanselectanycourse ofSadhanagiveninthisbookandsafelyproceedhigherandhigherinthespiritualpathandsurely attainthegoaloflifequickly.SpecialinstructionsgiveninChapterVIIwillbeofgreathelptoall aspirants.TheChapterVIIIcontainingsimplelessonsonthepracticeofAsanaswithillustrations willbefoundhighlyusefultoall.MayPeaceandHappinessabideinyouall!

Sivananda

CHAPTERI

YOGASADHANA

1.YogaforHealth

1.Mostofthediseasestaketheirorigininover-eating,sexualexcessandoutburstsofanger andhatred.Ifthemindiskeptcoolandcalmatalltimes,youwillhavewonderfulhealth,strength andvitality.Energyisdepletedbyfitsofanger.Thecellsandtissuesarefilledwithmorbid, poisonousmaterials,whenoneloseshistemperandentertainsdeephatred.Varioussortsof physicalailmentscropup.Thebloodbecomeshotandthinandconsequentlynightpollution results.Variouskindsofnervousdiseasesareattributabletoexcessivelossoftheseminalenergy andfrequentfitsofexplosiveangerorwrath.

2.Letanydiseaseremaininyourbody.Donotbothertoomuch.Donotfretandfume. Developthepowersofenduranceandresistance.Strengthenyourbody,mindandnerves.Take plentyofopen-airexercises,substantialnutritiousfood,medicatedoilbathandplentyofrest.Have mentalandphysicalrecreation.Leadawell-regulatedlife.Bemoderateinfood,drinkand enjoyments.Leadaspirituallife.Alldiseaseswillleaveyourbodybythemselves.Allmicrobes willdie,whenyourvitality,vigourandstrengthareatafloodtide.Thisisthesecretofhealthand happiness.

3.Donotbecarriedawaybythepompousadvertisementsmadebyquacksandcharlatans. Leadasimplenaturallife.Youwillbecomeallrightsoon.Donotspendanymoneyinpurchasing theso-calledpatentmedicinesandspecifics.Theyareworthless.Quackstrytoexploitthe credulousandtheignorant.Beware.Donotgotothedoctorsveryoften.Endeavourtoqualify yourselfasyourowndoctor.Understandthelawsofnatureandtheprinciplesofhygieneand health.Donottrespassagainstthelawsofhealth.

4.Baskinthesun.Exposeyourbodytotheraysofthesunforashorttimedaily.Thisis heliotherapyorsun-treatment.Sunisthesourceofenergyandpower.Youwillderiveenergyand powerfromthesun.

5.Soak12almondsatnight.Removetheskinandtakethealmondswithsomesugarcandy intheearlymorning.Oryoucanmakearefreshingbeveragebygrindingthesealmondswithalittle blackpepperandsugarcandy.Thisiscalled‘thandai’bythePunjabis.Thisisafine,coolingand strength-givingtonic.

6.Restinbedisnecessary.Adjustyourdiet.Takesimple,wholesome,easilydigestible, blandandnon-irritatingfood.Giveuphot,pungentcurries,chutneysandchilliestRestthestomach andthesmallbowelsbytakingrecoursetopartialfasts.Ifyoucanfastforawholeday,itisallthe better.Fastingeliminatespoisonsandoverhaulsthesystemthoroughly.Youcantakesagoandmilk barleywaterandfruitslikesweetoranges,grapes,etc.Ifyouarethirsty,youcantakelemonor orangejuicewithsugarcandy.

7.ObserveBrahmacharya.Getupat4a.m.andpracticeJapaof‘HariOm’oranyother Mantraandalsomeditationforonehour.TheNameoftheLordisthebestmedicineortonicinthe world.YoushouldhaveintensefaithinthepoweroftheNamesoftheLord.Incurablediseasesare curedbyJapaorsingingHari’sName.Meditationcreatesnew,healthyvibrationsinallthecellsof thebodyandremovesanykindofdisease.Allthetissuesarebathedinthenectarthatflowsduring meditation.Allgermsthatcausediseasesaredestroyed.TherationaleofthiskindofYogicor spiritualtreatmentisyetunknowntothemedicalprofession.

8.Whydoyouunnecessarilyintroduceforeigndrugsintothesystem?ResorttoNature CureandYogicChikitsa.PractiseregularlyPranayama,breathingexercises,Asanas,concentration andmeditation.Thisistheidealtreatment.Donotthinktoomuchofthediseaseandtoomuchofthe body.Toomuchthinkingofthediseasewillintensifythemalady.Keepthemindfullyoccupiedin somewayortheother.Thisisveryimportant.Takeawaythemindfromthebodyandthinkofthe diseaselessAtmaorSoulwithin,thebed-rockorsubstratumforthebodyandmind.Friend, cultivatethiskindofAtma-chintanaandattaintheAnamayapadaorthePainlessStateParam DhamaorImmortalBrahman.Cheeryourselfup.Haveacheerfulcountenancealways.Meditateon Om.ThinkofOm.SingOm.Omisthyrealname.Omisthebesttonic,specificorsheetanchor, panaceaorcure-all,‘pick-me-up’orsovereignremedyforalldiseases.Smileandlaugh.Thouart bodiless,undyingSoul.Never,neverforgetthis.

9.MayGodblessyouwithperfecthealth,highstandardofvigour,strength,vitalityand longevity.Mayyouprospergloriously!OmSanti!

2.EssenceofSadhana

1.Getupat4a.m.daily.ThisisBrahmamuhurtawhichisextremelyfavourablefor meditationonGod.

2.Asana:SitonPadma,SiddhaorSukhaAsanaforJapaandmeditationforhalfanhour, facingtheeastorthenorth.Increasetheperiodgraduallytothreehours.DoSirshasanaand SarvangasanaforkeepingupBrahmacharyaandhealth.Takelightphysicalexercisesaswalking, etc.,regularly.DotwentyPranayamas.

3.Japa:RepeatanyMantraaspureOmorOmNamoNarayanaya,OmNamahSivaya,Om NamoBhagavateVasudevaya,OmSaravanabhavayaNamah,SitaRam,SriRam,HariOm,or Gayatri,accordingtoyourtasteorinclination,from108to21,600timesdaily.

4.DieteticDiscipline:TakeSattvicfood(SuddhaAhara).Giveupchillies,tamarind,garlic, onion,sourarticles,oil,mustard,asafoetida.Observemoderationindiet(Mitahara).Donot overloadthestomach.Giveupthosethingswhichthemindlikesbestforafortnightinayear.Eat simplefool.Milkandfruitshelpconcentration.Takefoodasmedicinetokeepthelifegoing.Eating forenjoymentissin.Giveupsaltandsugarforamonth.Youmustbeabletoliveonrice,Dhaland breadwithoutanychutney.DonotaskforextrasaltforDhalandsugarfortea,coffeeormilk.

5.Haveaseparatemeditationroomunderlockandkey.

YOGASADHANA

6.Docharityregularly,everymonth,orevendailyaccordingtoyourmeans,saysixpaise perrupee.

7.Svadhyaya:StudysystematicallytheGita,theRamayana,theBhagavata, Vishnu-Sahasranama,Lalita-Sahasranama,AdityaHridaya,theUpanishadsortheYoga Vasishtha,theBible,theZendAvesta,theKoran,theTripitakas,theGranthSahib,etc.,fromhalf anhourtoonehourdailyandhaveSuddhaVichara.

8.Preservethevitalforce(Veerya)very,verycarefully.VeeryaisGodinmotionor manifestation—Vibhuti.Veeryaisallpower.Veeryaisallmoney.Veeryaistheessenceoflife, thoughtandintelligence.

9.Getbyheartsomeprayer-Slokas,StotrasandrepeatthemassoonasyousitintheAsana beforestartingJapaormeditation.Thiswillelevatethemindquickly.

10.HaveconstantSatsanga.Giveupbadcompany,smoking,meatandalcoholicliquors entirely.Donotdevelopanyevilhabits.

11.FastonEkadasiorliveonmilkandfruitsonly.

12.HaveJapaMala(rosary)roundyourneckorinyourpocketorunderneathyourpillowat night.

13.ObserveMouna(vowofsilence)foracoupleofhoursdaily.

14.Speakthetruthatallcost.Speakalittle.Speaksweetly.

15.Reduceyourwants.Ifyouhavefourshirts,reducethenumbertothreeortwo.Leada happy,contentedlife.Avoidunnecessaryworry.Haveplainlivingandhighthinking.

16.Neverhurtanybody(AhimsaParamoDharmah).Controlangerbylove,Kshama (forgiveness)andDaya(compassion).

17.Donotdependuponservants.Self-relianceisthehighestofallvirtues.

18.Thinkofthemistakesyouhavecommittedduringthecourseoftheday,justbefore retiringtobed(self-analysis).Keepdailydiaryandself-correctionregister.Donotbroodoverpast mistakes.

19.Rememberthatdeathisawaitingyouateverymoment.Neverfailtofulfilyourduties. Havepureconduct(Sadachara).

20.ThinkofGodassoonasyouwakeupandjustbeforeyougotosleep.Surrenderyourself completelytoGod(Saranagati).

ThisistheessenceofallspiritualSadhanas.ThiswillleadyoutoMoksha.Allthese Niyamasorspiritualcanonsmustberigidlyobserved.Youmustnotgiveleniencytothemind.

3.GistofKarmaYoga

1.KarmaYogaisselflessserviceuntohumanity.Theimportantpointistoservehumanity withoutanyattachmentoregoism.ThecentralteachingoftheGitaisnon-attachmenttowork.Lord Krishnasays:“Workincessantly.Yourdutyistoworkbutnotexpectthefruitsthereof.”

2.Themindissoframedthatitcannotworkwithoutexpectationoffruitsoranticipationof rewardsorevenappreciation.Youwillhavetotrainthemindtoworkdisinterestedly.Worldly peoplecannotunderstandthespiritofNishkamyaKarmaYogaastheirmindsarechargedor saturatedwithimpurities.Dovigorousserviceforsometime.Youwillgraspthespiritof Nishkamyaservice.

3.AKarmaYogishouldbeabsolutelyfreefromgreed,lust,angerandegoism.Thenonlyhe candorealusefulservice.EveniftherearetracesoftheseDoshas,heshouldtrytoremovethemone byone.

4.AKarmaYogishouldhaveanamiable,loving,socialnature.Heshouldhaveperfect adaptability,tolerance,sympathy,cosmicloveandmercy.Heshouldbeabletoadjusthimselfto thewaysandhabitsofothers.Heshouldhaveanall-embracingandall-inclusiveheartandequal vision.Heshouldhaveacoolandbalancedmind.Heshouldrejoiceinthewelfareofothers.He shouldhavealltheorgansunderperfectcontrol.Heshouldleadaverysimplelife.Heshouldbear insult,disrespect,dishonour,censureinfamy,disgrace,harshwords,heatandcoldandthepainof diseases.Heshouldhavepowerofendurance.Heshouldhaveabsolutefaithinhimself,inGod,in scripturesandinthewordsofhisGuru.SuchamanbecomesagoodKarmaYogiandreachesthe Goalquickly.

5.Themanwhoservestheworldreallyserveshimself.Thatmanwhohelpsothersreally helpshimself.Thisisanimportantpoint.Whenyouserveaman,whenyouserveyourcountry, alwaysthinkthattheLordhasgivenyouarareopportunitytoimprove,correctandmouldyourself byservice.Begratefultothatmanwhohasgivenyouachancetoservehim.

6.KarmaYogapreparesthemindforthereceptionofLightorKnowledge.Itexpandsthe heartandbreaksallbarriersthatstandinthewayofunityoroneness.KarmaYogaistheeffective SadhanaforChittaSuddhi.

7.Bydoingselflessserviceyoupurifyyourheart.Egoism,hatred,jealousy,ideaof superiorityandallthekindrednegativequalitieswillvanish.Humility,purelove,sympathy, tolerance,andmercywillbedeveloped.Senseofseparatenesswillbeannihilated.Selfishnesswill beeradicated.Youwillgetabroadandliberaloutlookoflife.Youwillbegintofeelonenessand unity.EventuallyyouwillattainknowledgeoftheSelf.Youwillrealise‘OneinAll’and‘Allin One.’Youwillfeelunboundedjoy.WorldisnothingbutmanifestationofGod.Serviceof humanityandcountryisserviceofGod.Serviceisworship.

8.GenerallypeopleareimpatientandtheyexpectSiddhisafterdoingalittleservice.The realKarmaYogiwhoservesthepeoplewithhumilityandAtmaBhava(seeingGodineveryface) becomesarealruleroftheworld.Heishonouredandrespectedbyall.Themoreserviceyoudo withAtmaBhava,themorepower,energy,andcapacityyouwillget.Practisethisandfeel.

9.Whenthethoughtofdoinggoodtoothersbecomespartandparcelofaman’sverybeing, thenhewillnotentertainanyleastmotiveatall.Hetakesimmensedelightinservingothers,in doinggoodtoothers.ThereispeculiarjoyandAnandainthevigorousNishkamyaservice.Hegets innerspiritualstrengthandpowerbyperformingmotivelessandselflessactions.

10.Nevergrumbleormurmurwhenyoudoservicetoothers.Takedelightinservice.Be everreadytoserveothers.Watchforopportunitiestoserve.Nevermissasingleopportunity.Create opportunities.Createfieldofgoodservice.

11.InthepracticeofNishkamyaKarmaYoga,thereisnolossofeffort.Thereisnoharm. Thereisnotransgressionalso.Evenalittleofthispracticecanprotectyoufromgreatfearofbirth anddeathwithitsconcomitantevils.YouwillreapthefruitsofKarmaYoga,viz.,Jnana.Thereis nouncertaintyhere.ThepathofKarmaYogaeventuallyleadstotheattainmentofBlissoftheSelf.

4.BhaktiYogaSadhana

1.BhaktiistheslendersilkenthreadofPremaorLovethatbindstheheartofadevoteewith theLotusFeetoftheLord.BhaktiisintensedevotionandsupremeattachmenttoGod.Itisthe spontaneousoutpouringoflovetowardsGod.Itispure,unselfish,DivineLoveorSuddhaPrema. Bhaktiissacred,higheremotionwithsublimesentimentthatunitesthedevoteewiththeLord.Ithas tobeexperiencedbytheBhaktas.

2.Humanloveisallhollow.Itismereanimalattraction.Itispassion.Itiscarnallove.Itis selfishlove.Itiseverchanging.Itisallhypocrisyandmereshow.Thewifedoesnotcareforher husbandwhenheisintheroleofunemployment.Shefrownsathim.Thehusbanddislikeshiswife whenshelosesherbeautyonaccountofsomechronicdiseases.Youcanfindreal,lastinglovein Godalone.Hisloveknowsnochange.

3.Bhaktiisthebasisofreligiouslife.BhaktidestroysVasanasandegoism.Alifewithout Bhakti,faith,loveanddevotionisadrearywaste.Bhaktisoftenstheheartandremovesjealousy, hatred,lust,anger,egoism,prideandarrogance.Itinfusesjoy,Divineecstasy,Bliss,Peaceand Knowledge.Allcares,worries,anxieties,fears,mentaltormentsandtribulationsentirelyvanish. ThedevoteeisfreedfromtheSamsaricwheelofbirthsanddeaths.HeattainstheImmortalAbode ofeverlastingPeace,BlissandKnowledge.

4.SakamyaBhaktiisonewheretheBhaktaworshipsGodforgettingriches,sonorfor removalofsufferingsfromdiseases.VyabhichariniBhaktiisoneinwhichthedevoteeworshipsor lovesGodforsometimeandthenhiswife,childrenandpropertyforsometime.ToloveGodand GodaloneforeverandeverisAvyabhichariniBhakti.Prahladaintheadvancedstageofdevotion meditatedonhisownselfasLordHari.ThisisAbhedaBhakti.

5.TheBhaktaremainsintheLokawhereLordVishnuresideslikeaninhabitantofastate. ThisisSalokyaMukti.InSameepyaMukti,theBhaktaremainsincloseproximitywiththeLord liketheattendantofaking.InSarupyaMuktihegetsthesameformlikethatoftheLordlikethe brotherofaking.InSayujyaMukti,hebecomesonewiththeLordlikesaltandwater.Thusthere arefourkindsofMuktifortheBhaktas.

6.OutoflovetheformlessBrahmanassumestheformofLordHaritopleaseHisdevotees. Godisanembodimentofmercy.TheLordrunsafterHisdevoteeswithfoodandwaterinHishands totheforests.HebecomesaslaveofHisdevotees.LordVishnusaystoPrahlada:“Dear,youaretoo tenderofageandtoodelicateofbodytostandtheterribletorturesinflictedonyoubythe hot-headedfather.AparallelofhisatrociousdeedIhaveneverseenbefore.Pray,therefore,excuse MeifIwaslateincomingtoyourrescue.”AgainLordKrishnasays:“IamnotinMycontrol.Iam underthecompletecontrolofMyBhaktas.TheyhavetakenentirepossessionofMyheart.Howcan IleavethemwhentheyhavetakenentirepossessionofMyheart?HowcanIleavethemwhenthey haverenouncedeverythingforMysake?HewhoseeksMeinallthings,andallthingsinMe,tohim Iamneverlost,norhetoMe.”

7.Byfollowingthefollowingninemodesofworship(NavavidhaBhakti),youcandevelop BhaktiandattainGod-realisation:Sravana(hearingtheLilaofGod);Kirtana(singingHispraise); Smarana(rememberingHisName);Padasevana(worshippingHisLotusFeet);Archana (offerings);Vandana(prostration);Dasya(service);Sakhya(friendship)andAtmanivedana (completeself-surrender).StudytheGita,theRamayanaandtheBhagavata.HaveSatsanga.Visit holyplaces(Teertha-Yatra).DoJapa.Meditate.SingHisName.YoucandevelopBhaktiandhave HisDarsana.

8.DoyoureallywantGod?DoyoureallythirstforHisDarsana?Haveyougotspiritual hunger?YoumaydeliverthrillinglecturesonBhakti.YoumaywriteseveralvolumesonBhakti, andyetyoumaynotpossessagrainoftruedevotion.HewhothirstsforDarsanaofGodwill developBhakti.IfthereissinceredemandforGod,thenthesupplywillcome.Byregular,steady SadhanamayyouattainPeace,Bliss,Knowledge,PerfectionandGodrealisation!

9.TheNameofGodchantedinanyway,correctlyorincorrectly,knowinglyor unknowingly,carefullyorcarelesslyissuretogivethedesiredresult.TheGloryoftheNameof Godcannotbeestablishedthroughreasoningandintellect.Itcancertainlybeexperiencedor realisedonlythroughdevotion,faithandconstantrepetitionoftheName.EveryNameisfilledwith countlesspotenciesorSaktis.ThepoweroftheNameisineffable.Itsgloryisindescribable.The efficacyandinherentSaktioftheNameofGodisunfathomable.

10.Justasfirehasthenaturalpropertyofburninginflammablethings,soalsotheNameof Godhasthepowerofburningthesins,SamskarasandVasanasandbestowingEternalBlissand everlastingpeaceonthosewhorepeattheNameoftheLord.Justasburningqualityisnaturaland inherentinfire,soalsothepowerofdestroyingsinswiththeirveryrootandbranchandbringingthe aspirantintoblissfulunionwiththeLordthroughBhava-Samadhiisnaturalandinherentinthe NameofGod.

11.Oman!TakerefugeintheName.NamiandNameareinseparable.SingtheLord’s Nameincessantly.RemembertheNameoftheLordwitheveryincomingandoutgoingbreath.In thisironageNamasmaranaorJapaistheeasiest,quickest,safestandsurestwaytoreachGodandto attainImmortalityandPerennialJoy.GlorytotheLord.GlorytoHisName.Sing‘HariOm,’‘Sri Ram,’‘Radheysyam,’‘HareRamaHareRamaRamaRamaHareHare,HareKrishnaHareKrishna KrishnaKrishnaHareHare.’

5.Pearl-dropsofPrema

1.Everyaspirantinthespiritualpathbecomesavictimtothemoodofdepressioninthe beginningoftheSadhanaperiod.Youwillhavetoovercomethismoodthroughdiscrimination, reflection,Vichara,singingHari’sName,prayer,etc.Thismoodislikeapassingcloud.Youshould notbeunnecessarilyalarmed.Itwillpassoffsoonifyouarevigilant.

2.Donotmistakeemotionfordevotion.Wheneveryougetthemoodofdepression,sing Hari’sNamevigorouslybysittingaloneinyourroomwithameltingheart.Youmaysingsilently. Thisisaneasymethodtodriveawaythisundesirablemood.

3.Trytocontrolwildoutburstsofweeping.Thisisaweaknessandnegativestate.Butallow thepearl-dropsofDivinethrillorecstasytotrickledownoccasionallywhenyouareinaprofound prayerfulmoodormeditativestate.

4.ShedtheprecioustearsofDivinePremawhenyouarealone,whenyouareincommunion withtheLord.Donotweepinthepresenceofothers.Therarepearl-dropsofDivinePremaarethe outcomeofmeltingoftheheartbythefireofdevotionandthefireofVirahaorpainfulseparation fromtheLord.Manypeopledevelopahabitofweepingandtearsflowonaccountoffrequent irritationoflachrymalglandsthatsecreteormanufacturethetearsbutnotonaccountofdevotion.

5.Sometimesmanfeignstobeadevoteeandshedsfalsetearsjusttomakehisneighbours thinkthatheisagreatdevoteeandonaccountofsympatheticactionhisneighboursalsobeginto weep.YouwillwitnessanicesceneofabandofweepingpeopleinaSankirtangatheringbutinthe caseofhearttherewillbenotaniotaofdevotion.DevotionisaveryraregiftfromGod.Weepingis notbyitselfacriteriontojudgethedevotionalnatureofamanorawoman.Donotmistakethe crocodiletearsofahypocriteBhaktaforthegenuinepearl-dropsofDivinePremawhichinspireand elevatethebystanders.Onemaynotweepoutwardlyandyethemaybeagenuinesilentdevotee.

6.Openthedoorsofyourheart.Letthelightningsparkofloveariseinyourheart.Letthe lovepierceyouthroughandthrough.Lettheheartsingtoheart.LetyoursoulmixwiththeSupreme Soul.Lettheheart-lotusblossomandwaftitssweetDivinefragrance.LettheDivinethrillstrikethe stringsofyourheart.Letthetearsflownowonyourcheeks.LettheDivineecstasyfillyourwhole being.

7.LordHariisanoceanofmercy.HehasboundlessloveforHisdevotees.Heisapurifierof thesinfulandthefallen.HeacceptedevenAjamilaandthatfallenwomanPingala.Hedrovethe chariotofArjunainthebattlefield.HerantosaveDraupadiandGajendra.ThoughHeisthemaster ofthethreeworlds,HeisaslaveofHisdevotees.

8.Sitsilent.Collectthedissipatedraysofthemind.Becomeserene.RepeatGod’sName: ‘HariOm’or‘SriRam’or‘OmNamahSivaya.’Yourhappinesswillknownobounds.Godwill dwellinyourheart.

9.MayLordNarayanatakeyoutoHisbosomandbatheyouinthesacredwatersofDivine PremaandtranscendentalBliss!

6.HowtoSpendYourHolidays

1.Inthewhirlpooloffleetingsensualpleasuresyouhaveforgottenthepurposeoflifeand goal.Youlivemoreforthebodythanforthesoul.Inyourpursuitafterthephantomshowsof worldlyvanities,youhaveannihilatedthespiritualinstinctsandlongingsofthesoul.Whatasad state!MysteriousisMaya!MysteriousisMoha!Openyoureyesnow.Wakeupfromthelong slumberofignorance.RealisetheultimateRealityandenjoyeternalbliss.

2.Spiritualwealthistherealinexhaustiblewealth.Spiritualknowledgeisthereal knowledge.Spirituallifeisthereallife.Aspire.KnowtheSelfandbefree.RegaintheDivine Glory.MeditateandrealisetheImmortalAtmantheIndwellerofyourheart,theInnerRuler,the self-existent,self-contained,self-luminousimperishableSoul.

3.RajaJanakarealisedhisSelfwithinthetwinklingofaneye.RajaKhatwangaattained Self-realisationwithinaMuhurtaorforty-eightminutes.RajaParikshitachievedthefinalbeatitude oflifewithinaweek.YoucanalsohaveSelf-realisationwithinaweekifyouthirstforGodandif youapplyyourselfdiligentlytospiritualSadhanainrightearnestwiththerightattitudeofmind.

4.Holidaysarenotmeantforplayingcards,idlegossiping,feasting,sight-seeingoraimless wandering.Itisverydifficulttogetahumanbirth.TheaimoflifeistoattainGod-consciousness. Holidaysmustbewellspent.Everysecondmustbeutilisedinworshipandmeditation.Delayin Self-realisationispracticaldeath.Youhavewastedalreadyyourlifetillnow.Willyouwastethe remainingportionofyourlifealso?Willyouwasteyourholidaysalso?Nowwakeup.Girdupthe loins.WheneveryougetholidaysstartyourSadhanawithzealandenthusiasmandmarchdirectto thegoal.

5.Hereisadailyroutineforyou.Followthistenaciouslywithfaithandearnestness.You canselectaquietsolitaryroomforyouinyourownhouse.Ifyoucanconvenientlymanage,youcan doyourAnushthanaeitherinRishikesh,Prayag,BenaresorNasikoryoucanselectanyconvenient placeonthebanksofGanga,Yamuna,NarmadaorKaveri.Youwillhavepurespiritualvibrations intheseplaces.Thesevibrationswillhelpalotinyourspiritualpractices.Themindwillenterinto themeditativemoodwithoutanyeffort.Youcanputasmallgrasshuthere.Liveonmilkandfruits. Ifyoufinditdifficulttoliveontheregimen,youcantakealittlerice,vegetables,Dhalandbread. Livealone.Observecompletesilenceforaweek.Shutyourselfintheroom.PlungeyourselfinJapa andmeditation.YoucandoJapaofeitherOm,OmNamahSivaya,OmNamoNarayanaya,Om NamoBhagavateVasudevaya,HariOm,SriRam,Gayatri,accordingtoyourtasteortemperament orrepeatyourGuruMantra.Havesleepforthreetofourhours.Youmustgetupat3or4a.m.

6.IfyouarenotabletospendthewholetimeinJapaandmeditation,youcancombine KirtanandstudyofreligiousbookssuchastheGita,theRamayana,theBhagavata,theUpanishads, etc.WheneverthemindgetstiredtaketoKirtanforoneortwohours.Thenstudyreligiousbooks. ThenwriteyourIshtaMantrainanotebookforonehour.Thiswillbeasortofrelaxationforthe mind.Againsitformeditation.ThenagainhaveKirtan,studyofbooksandMantra-writing.Rotate inthismanner.Haveasmanysittingsasyoucan.Youwillhavegoodspiritualexperiences.

7.Wakeupfromyourlongsleepofignorance.GetknowledgeoftheSelf.Owandererinthe quagmireofSamsara!GobacktoyouroriginalabodeofeternalpeacethefountainofinfiniteJoy andpower,thespringofboundlessecstasy,thesourceoflife,theoriginoflightandlove,the immortalblissfulBrahmicseatofillimitablesplendourandpristineglory.Fillthemindwith thoughtsofSelf.Saturateyourfeelingswithpurityanddivinity.LettheLightoflightsshinein everyhaironyourbody.LettheinfiniteGodheadvibrateineverycellofyourbody.Letevery breathsingthesongofinfinityandeternitywithSohamorShyamorRam!

8.OnsomeholidaysyoucanarrangeforaSankirtanSammelanorReligiousConference. Youcaninvitegreatmen,SadhusandSannyasinsforKirtanandlectures.Onsuchoccasionsfeed thepoor,Sadhus,Sannyasins,Mahatmas,Brahminsandstudents.Publishsomeleafletsand pamphletsonBhakti,YogaandVedantaforfreedistribution.Thousandsofpeoplewilltakepart andgetspiritualbenefits.Thisisawonderfulwayofspendingtheholidaysbywhichthewholecity willbespirituallybenefited.

7.MessagetoRetiredPeople

Thisisagoodpracticeforretiredpeople.Afterretiringfromserviceyoushouldliveforone ortwomonthsinPrayagorRishikeshorinasolitaryplaceonthebanksoftheNarmadaorthe GangaorYamunawhereyoucangetSatsangaofMahatmas.Youshouldlivealone.Ifyoudonot knowhowtocookyourfood,andifyoucanaffordyoucanhaveacook.Thenonlyyoucandestroy Mohaorattachmentforyourwifeandchildren.Thenonlyyoucanhavegoodconcentrationand solidspiritualpractice.Youcanreturnbacktoyourhome.Livenowinasolitaryplacethatis situatedamileawayfromyourhouse.ConstructasmallKutir.Askyourpeopletosendthefoodto yourplace.Sometimesyoucantakeyourfoodinyourhouse.Thenagaincomebacktothebankof theGanga.Bysodoingyouandyourfamilypeoplewillbeusedtoseparation.Theywillnotgetany shock.Eventuallyyoucanstayinseclusionforanynumberofyearswithoutanydifficulty.Donot writeanyletterstoanybodywhenyouareinseclusion.Spendthepensionincharity.Plunge yourselfinJapa,meditation,KirtanandPranayama.Drawadailyroutineandsticktoittenaciously. SriR.S.S.,Mr.T.R.V.andothersarefollowingthisplan.Theyhavederivedwonderfulspiritual benefits.

Ooldman!Whatistheuseofgettingahumanbodyifyoudonotutiliseeventhelastportion ofyourlifeindivinecontemplation,Bhajanorworship?Itisverydifficulttogetahumanbody again.Wakeupfromtheslumberofignorance.Startthispracticeatonce.RejoiceIn Sat-Chit-AnandaAtman.RealisetheSelfandbefreeinthisverybirth!

1.Itisduetotheveilofignorancethatyouhaveforgottenyourrealessentialnature,the Sat-Chit-Anandastate.Itisnotatallnecessaryforyoutorenouncetheworldandruntosome Himalayancavetoregainyourlostdivinity.HereisaneasySadhanabywhichyoucandefinitely attainGod-consciousness,evenwhilelivingintheworldamidstmultifariousactivities.

2.YouneednotnecessarilyhaveaseparateMeditationRoomorfixsometimefor meditation.CloseyoureyesforaminuteortwoonceineverytwohoursandthinkofGodandHis variousDivinequalitiessuchasmercy,love,joy,knowledge,purity,perfection,andsoforthduring work,andmentallyrepeat:“HariOm,”or“SriRam,”or“RamRam,”oranyotherMantra accordingtoyourtaste.

3.Thisshouldbedoneevenduringnightwheneveryouhappentogetupfrombedto micturateoronanyotheraccount.Thoughyouarenotinthehabitofgettingupfromsleep,you shoulddothispracticeatleastoccasionallywhenyouslightlychangeyourpostureduringsleep. Thissortofhabitwillcomeonlybyrepeatedpractice.

4.FeelallalongthatthebodyisamovingtempleofGod,yourofficeorbusinesshouseisa bigtempleorVrindavan,andallactivitiessuchaswalking,eating,breathing,seeing,hearing, reading,etc.,areofferingsuntotheLord.Workisworship.Workismeditation,whendoneinthe rightspirit.

5.Workforwork’ssakewithoutanymotivewithouttheideaofagency(Iamthedoer,Iam theenjoyer),andwithoutexpectationoffruits.FeelthatyouareaninstrumentinthehandsofGod andthatHeworksthroughyourorgans.FeelalsothatthisworldisamanifestationoftheLordor VisvaVrindavanandyourchildren,wife,father,motherandotherrelationsaretheimagesor childrenoftheLord.SeeGodineveryfaceandineveryobject.Ifyoudevelopthischangedangleof visionandDivineBhavabyprotractedandconstantpractice,allactionswillbecomePujaor worshipoftheLord.Thisisquitesufficient.YouwillhaveGod-realisationsoon.Thisisadynamic Yoga.ThisisaneasySadhana.Hereafterdonotbringyouroldlameexcuse:“Swamiji,Ihaveno timetodospiritualpractices.”EvenifyoupractisethisdynamicYogaforthreemonths,youwill becomeanentirelychangedbeingaltogether.Realiserightnowyouridentityandintimate relationshipwithallbeings,withantsanddogs,elephantsandtigers,MuslimsandHindus,Jews andChristians.Thereisonlyadegreeofdifferenceinmanifestationorexpression.Allforms belongtoGodorSagunaBrahman.Whenyoulookatatreeorashrub,aSikhoraMuslim, endeavourtobeholdbehindtheveilofform,therealhiddenConsciousness.Ifyoudothisforsome time,youwillfeelinexpressibleJoy.Allhatredwillcease.YouwilldevelopCosmicLoveorunity ofconsciousness.Thiswillbeamagnanimousexperience.

6.WritedailyforhalfanhourinanotebookyourIshtaMantraobservingMounaand withoutturningtothissideorthat.Writedowninboldtypesonslipsofpaper:

*IMUSTREALISEGODNOW

*TIMEISMOSTPRECIOUS

*IWILLBEATRUEBRAHMACHARI BRAHMACHARYAISDIVINELIFE

*IAMANEMBODIMENTOFCOURAGE, PURITY,MERCY,LOVEANDPATIENCE

andfixtheminthebedroom,dininghall,frontroomandverandahs.Keepsomeslipsinyourpocket anddiaryalso.Thisisaneasywayfordevelopingvirtuousdivinequalities.

7.HerearesomeMantras,formulae,foreffectingungrudgingandtotalself-surrender. RepeatthemmentallyseveraltimesdailywithBhava:“OLord,IamThine,AllisThine.ThyWill bedone.Thouarteverything.Thoudoesteverything.”Thispracticewillremoveegoismand minenessandtheideaofagencyalso.

9.WaytoBliss

1.Godisthedispellerofignorance,sorrowandfear.HeisthebestowerofEternal Happiness.KnowHim.Heeverdwellethinthee.

2.CultivateaverystrongfaithinGod.FaithisthegatewaytoGod.Faithcanworkwonders.

3.Putyourheart,mind,intellectandsouleveninyoursmallestact.Thisisthesecretof success.

4.Betemperateineating,drinking,sleeping,amusingandinallotherthings.

5.Followthecorrectprinciplesofliving.Striveforhealth,strength,successand God-realisation.

6.Give.Give.Give.Givefreelyandspontaneously.Giveeverything.Hereliesthesecretof abundance.

7.Alwaysactwithfaithanddetermination.Befirminyourresolveandfieryinyour determination.Haveanironwill.

8.Letbygonesbebygones.Letthepastbeburied.Thereisabrilliantfutureforyou.Exert. Exert.Exert.

9.Bealwayscheerfulandsmileawayyourworries.Developyourwillbyeradicating desires,egoismandhatred.

10.Sensualindulgenceleadsyoutodestruction.RenunciationleadstoImmortality.Give upclingingandattachment.

11.Rightthoughtsmakerightdeeds,rightactionsandanadmirablecharacter.Therefore developrightthinking.

12.Keepthereasonpure.Freeyourselffromegoisticnotions.DestroyI-nessand mine-ness.Attainliberation.Befree.EnjoyBliss.

13.Serve.Love.Give.Restrain(theIndriyasandmind).Begood.Dogood.Bekind.Be pure.Bepatient.

14.Grow.Expand.Evolve.Destroyseparateness.Mixwithall.Developcosmiclove. Becomeselfless.

15.Bevigilantanddiligent.Watchandpray.Fastandmeditate.Persevere.Destroyfear, worryandanxiety.

16.ServeSadhus.HaveSatsanga.SingtheNamesoftheLord.Liveinseclusionfora month.Liveonmilkandfruits.Meditate.

17.“WhoamI?WhatisSamsara?WhatisBrahman?Whatisbondage?Whatisfreedom? WhatisMaya?WhatisAvidya?”DoVichara.

18.Becomedispassionate.Calmthemind.Haveaone-pointedandabalancedstateofmind always.

19.Embracespirituality.Practisepurity.Docharity.Developnobility.Cultivate magnanimity.AttainDivinity.

20.Havepurification.Doconcentration.Cultivatereflection.Practisemeditation.Achieve perfection.

CHAPTERII

IMPORTANCEOFBRAHMACHARYA

1.WhatIsBrahmacharya?

1.Itisonlywithinrecentyears,practicallythelastforty,thatthescientificattentionhas beenbroughttobearuponthesubjectofthenatureandevolutionofthesexualimpulseinman. Psychologistsandclinicalstudentshavemadecarefulinvestigationsintothephenomenaofnormal andabnormalsexuallifeamongthecivilisedpopulationsofthepresentday.

2.Thecloseconnectionofthesubjectofsexwithreligion,bothinsocialevolutionand individualpsychology,rendersthestudyofchastityanextremelyimportantchapterinthepastand futuresociologyoftherace.

3.Thegratificationofeveryworldlydesireissinful.Manwascreatedforalifeofspiritual communionwithGod.Moralgoodnessconsistsinrenouncingallsensuouspleasures,inseparating fromtheworld,inlivingsolelyafterthespirit,inimitatingtheperfectionandpurityofGod. Sensualityisinconsistentwithwisdomandholiness.Thegreatbusinessoflifeistoavoidimpurity.

4.Manhasdegradedhimselftoagreatdegreebybecomingapuppetofpassion.Hehas becomeanimitativemachine.Hehaslosthispowerofdiscrimination.Hehassunkintothemost abjectformofslavery.Whatasadstate!Whatalamentableplightindeed!Ifhewishestoregainhis lostdivinestateandBrahmicglory,hiswholebeingmustbecompletelytransmutedbyentertaining sublimedivinethoughtsandpracticeofregularmeditation.Transmutationofsex-desireisavery potent,efficaciousandsatisfactorywaytorealiseeternalBliss.

5.Brahmacharyaisthevowofcelibacyinthought,wordanddeed,bywhichoneattains Self-realisationorreachesBrahman.ItmeanscontrolofnotonlythereproductiveIndriyabutalso controlofallsensesinthought,wordanddeed.ThedoortoNirvanaorperfectioniscomplete Brahmacharya.Completecelibacyisthemaster-keytoopentherealmsofelysianBliss.Theavenue totheabodeofSupremePeacebeginsfromBrahmacharyaorpurity.

6.“Rasadraktamtatomamsammamsanmedhahprajayate;Medasosthitatomajjamajjayah sukrasambhavah—fromfoodcomesjuiceorchyle,fromchyleblood,frombloodflesh,fromflesh fat,fromfatbones,frombonesmarrowandlastlyfrommarrowsemen.”Semenisthequintessence offoodorblood.Onedropofsemenismanufacturedoutof40dropsofbloodaccordingtothe medicalscience.AccordingtoAyurvedaitiselaboratedoutof80dropsofblood.Justassugaris all-pervadinginthesugar-cane,butterinmilk,soalsosemenispervadingthewholebody.Justas thebutter-milkisthinafterbutterisremoved,soalsosemenisthinnedbyitswastage.Themorethe wastageofsementhemoreistheweakness.InYogaSastrasitissaid:“Maranambindupatanat jivanambindu-rakshanat—fallingofsemenbringsdeath;preservationofsemengiveslife.”Semen istherealvitalityinman.Itisthehiddentreasureforman.ItimpartsBrahma-Tejastothefaceand strengthtotheintellect.

7.Ifthespermaticsecretioninmeniscontinuous,itmusteitherbeexpelledorreabsorbed. Asaresultofthemostpatientandperseveringscientificinvestigations,whenevertheseminal secretionsareconservedandtherebyreabsorbedintothesystem,itgoestowardsenrichingthe bloodandstrengtheningthebrain.Dr.DioLouistaughtthattheconservationofthiselementis essentialtothestrengthofbody,vigourofmindandkeennessofintellect.AnotherwriterDr.E.P. Millerwrites:“Allwasteofspermaticsecretions,whethervoluntaryorinvoluntary,isadirect wasteoflife-force.Itisalmostuniversallyconcededthatthechoicestelementofthebloodenters intothecompositionofthespermaticsecretion.Iftheseconclusionsarecorrectthenitfollowsthata chastelifeisessentialtoman’swell-being.”

2.GloryofBrahmacharya

1.Abstinenceorcontinenceisthecorner-stoneorfoundationonwhichthepedestalof Mokshastands.Ifthefoundationisnotverystrong,thesuperstructurewillfalldownwhenthereis heavyrain.EvensoifyouarenotestablishedinBrahmacharya,ifyourmindisagitatedbyevil

thoughts,youwillfalldown.YoucannotreachthesummitoftheladderofYogaorthehighest NirvikalpaSamadhi.

2.“Brahmacharyenatapasadevamrityumupaghnata—TheVedasdeclarethatby BrahmacharyaandpenancetheDevashaveconquereddeath.”HowdidHanumanbecomea Mahavir?ItiswiththisweaponofBrahmacharyathatheacquiredunsurpassablestrengthand velour.ThegreatBhishma,thegrandfatherofPandavasandKauravasconquereddeathby BrahmacharyaItisonlyLakshmana,theidealBrahmachariwhoputdownthemanofinestimable prowess,theconquerorofthreeworlds,Meghanada,sonofRavana.EvenLordRamacouldnot facehim.ItisthroughtheforceofBrahmacharyathatLakshmanawasabletodefeattheinvincible Meghanada.ThevalourandgreatnessofemperorPrithvirajwasduetothestrengthof Brahmacharya.ThereisnothinginthethreeworldsthatcannotbeattainedbyaBrahmachari.The RishisofyoreknewfullywellofthevalueofBrahmacharyaandthatisthereasonwhytheyhave sunginbeautifulversesaboutthegloryofBrahmacharya.

3.TheSrutisdeclare:“NaayamAtmabalaheenenalabhyah—ThisAtmanisnotattainable byaweakman.”IntheGitayouwillfind:“Yadichhantobrahmacharyamcharanti—Thatdesiring whichBrahmacharyaisperformed”(Chap.VIII-11).“Trividhamnarakasyedamdvaram nasanamatmanah;kamahkrodhastathalobhastasmadetattrayamtyajet—OArjuna!Tripleisthe gateofthehell,destructiveoftheSelf;lust,wrathandgreed:thereforeletmanrenouncethese three”(Chap.XVI-21).“Jahisatrummahabahokamarupamdurasadam—Killthispowerful enemy,passion,bytheobservanceofBrahmacharya”(Chap.III-43).

4.JustastheoilcomeinawickburnswithglowinglightsoalsotheVeeryaorsemenflows upbythepracticeofYogaSadhanaandisconvertedintoTejasorOjas.TheBrahmacharishines withBrahmicAurainhisface.Brahmacharyaisthebrightlightthatshinesinthehouseofhuman body.Itisthefully-blossomedfloweroflifearoundwhichthebeesofstrength,patience, knowledgeandpurityandDhritiwanderabouthumminghitherandthither.Inotherwordshewho observesBrahmacharyawillbeendowedwiththeabovequalities.Scripturesdeclareemphatically: “Ayustejobalamveeryamvidyashrihkirtirevacha;punyamchasatpriyatvamchavardhate brahmacharyaya—BythepracticeofBrahmacharya,longevity,glory,strength,vigour, knowledge,wealth,undyingfame,virtuesanddevotiontoTruthincrease.”

5.BrahmacharyaisthebasisfortheattainmentofKayaSiddhi.Completecelibacymustbe observed.Thisisofparamountimportance.BythepracticeofYogathesemenbecomestransmuted intoOjas-Sakti.TheYogiwillhaveaperfectbody.Therewillbecharmandgraceinhis movements.Hecanliveaslongashelikes(IcchaMrityu).ThatisthereasonwhyLordKrishna saystoArjuna:“TasmatyogeebhavaArjuna—Therefore,becomeaYogi,OArjuna.”

6.WomenwhoarechastecanbecalledasBrahmacharinis.Throughtheforceof Brahmacharyaonly,manywomenofyorehavedonemiraculousdeedsandshowntotheworldthe powerofchastity.Nalayani,bythepowerofchastityhasstoppedtherisingofthesuntosaveher husband’slife.AnasuyahasturnedtheTrimurtis—Brahma,VishnuandMahesvaraasbabieswhen theywantedNirvanaBhiksha.Itisthroughthepowerofchastityonly,shewasabletoturntheGreat Deitiesasbabies.SavitrihasbroughtbackthelifeofSatyavan,herhusband,fromthenooseof Yamabyherchastity.Suchisthegloryofwomanhood.Suchisthepowerofchastityor

Brahmacharya.Womenwholeadahouseholder’slifewithchastitycanalsobecomeanAnasuya, NalayaniorSavitri.

7.RealcultureisestablishmentofperfectphysicalandmentalBrahmacharya.Realculture istherealisationofidentityoftheindividualsoulwiththeSupremeSoulthroughdirectexperience. Forapassionateworldlymindedmantheterms:‘Self-realisation,’‘God,SelfVairagya, renunciation,death,burialground,’areveryrevoltingandterrifying,becauseheisattachedto objects.Thetermsinging,dancing,talksofladiesareverypleasing.Theattractionforobjectswill graduallyvanishifonebeginstothinkseriouslyoftheunrealnatureoftheworld.

8.Ifoneclearlyunderstandstheseriousdamagesthatcomethroughanimpurelifeandifhe determinestoattainthegoaloflifebyleadingapurelife,hemustkeephismindbusilyengagedin Divinethoughts,concentration,meditation,studyandserviceofhumanity.

3.PowerofLust

1.Bhartriharisays:“Forfood,Ihavewhatbeggingbringsandthattootastelessandoncea day;forbed,theearth;andforattendant,thebodyitself;fordress,Ihavewornoutblanketmadeup ofhundredpatches;stillalas!lustdoesnotleaveme.”

2.Agentlemanwhohadgivenupsmoking,drinking,thoughmarried,wantstopractice Brahmacharya.Hiswifehasnoobjection,buthehimselffindshardthisdiscipline,especiallythe troubleseemstobeinthecontrolofsight.“Thestreetismychiefenemy,”hesaidtomerecently. Thismeansthattheeyesareattractedtowell-dressedladies.Anaspirantsays:“WhileIpracticed vigorouslyPranayama,Japaandmeditation,mymindwasnotpollutedevenifIsawhalf-nude youngladies.ButwhenIleftthepracticeIwasnotabletocontrolmysightandIwasattractedby well-dressedladiesinthestreetsandhalf-nudepicturesthatarepastedinfrontofpicturehouses. TheseabeachandMallRoadaremyenemies.”

3.JeromewritestothevirginEustochiumabouthisstruggleforabstinenceandthepowerof lust:“Oh,howmanytimeswheninthedesert,inthevastsolitudewhich,burntbyheatofthesun, offersbutahorribledwellingtomonks,IimaginedamongthedelightsofRome:Iwasalone.My limbswerecoveredbyawretchedsack,andmyskinasblackasanEthiopian’s.EverydayIwept andgroaned,andifIwasunwillinglyovercomebysleep,myleanbodylayonthebareearth.Isay nothingofmyfoodanddrink,forinthedeserteveninvalidshadnodrinkbutcoldwater.Well,I whooutoffearofhellhadcondemnedmyselftothisprison,companionofscorpionsandwild beasts,oftenseemedinimaginationamongabandofgirls.Myfacewaspalewithfasting;mymind withinmyfrigidbodywasburningwithdesire;thefireoflustwouldstillflameupinabodythat alreadyseemedtobedead.”Suchisthepoweroflust.

4.ThereisnohopeforyoutohaveSelf-realisationorknowledgeoftheSelfifyouarenot wellestablishedinBrahmacharya.Brahmacharyaisthemaster-keytoopentherealmsofeternal bliss.BrahmacharyaistheveryfoundationofYoga.Justasahousethatisbuiltonarotten foundationwillsurelyfalldown,soalsoyouwillfalldownfromyourmeditationifyouhavelaidno properfoundation,viz.,theattainmentofperfectBrahmacharya.Youmaymeditateforaperiodof twelveyearsandyetyouwillhavenosuccessinSamadhiifyouhavenotdestroyedthesubtlelust

orthecraving-seedthatlingersintheinnermostrecessofyourheart.Youwillhavetosearchout carefullythisdireenemy—lust,thatlieshiddeninthevariouscornersofyourheart.Justasthefox hidesitselfinthebush,soalsothislusthidesitselfinthesubstratumandcornersofthemind.You candetectitspresenceonlyifyouarevigilant.Intenseself-examinationisverynecessary.Justas powerfulenemiescanbeconqueredonlyifyouattackthemfromallsides,soalsoyoucankeepthe powerfulsensesundercontrolifyouattackthemfromallsides,fromwithinandwithout,from aboveandfrombeneath.

5.Youmustnotlabourunderthedelusionthatyouhaveeradicatedthelustcompletelyby adjustingthedietabit,bypracticingPranayamaandbydoingalittleJapa,andthatyouhave nothingmoretodo.TemptationorMaramayovercomeyouatanymoment.Eternalvigilanceand rigorousSadhanaareveryessential.YoucannotattainperfectBrahmacharyabylimitedeffort.Just asamachinegunisnecessarytokillapowerfulenemy,soalsoconstant,rigorous,powerful Sadhanaisnecessarytoannihilatethispowerfulenemy,lust.Youmustnotbepuffedupwithpride foryourlittleachievementincelibacy.Ifyouareputtotestyouwillhopelesslyfail.Youmustbe everconsciousofyourshortcomingsandyoumustconstantlystrivetogetridofthem.Highest effortisnecessary.Thenonlyyouwillhavesanguinesuccessinthisdirection.

6.Itiseasytotameawildtigeroralionoranelephant.Itiseasytoplaywiththecobra.Itis easytowalkoverthefire.Itiseasytodevourfireanddrinkthewatersofocean.Itiseasytouproot theHimalayas.Itiseasytogetvictoryinthebattlefield.Butitisdifficulttoeradicatelust.Butyou neednotdespairevenabit.HavefaithinGod,inHisNameandinHisgrace.Lustcannotbe completelyrootedoutofthemindexceptbythegraceoftheLord.Youareboundtosucceedifyou havefaithinHim.Youcandestroylustinthetwinklingofaneye.TheLordmakesadumbmanto speakandalamemantoascendasteephill.Merehumaneffortalonewillnotsuffice.TheDivine Graceisneeded.Godhelpsthosewhohelpthemselves.Ifyoudototalself-surrender,Mother HerselfdoestheSadhana.RegularmeditationandJapaofMantra,Sattvicdiet,Satsanga,practice ofPranayama,SirshaandSarvangaAsanas,studyofreligiousbooks,Vicharaorenquiryintothe natureofAtmanor‘whoamI,’seclusionforthreemonthsonthebanksofanyholyriver,will entirelyannihilatelust,howeverpowerfultheoldSamskarasandVasanasmaybe.Positivealways overcomesnegative.Youneednotbediscouragedatanyrate.Plungeyourselfseriouslyin meditation,killMaraandcomeoutvictoriousinthestruggle.ShineasabrilliantYogi.Thouart everpureAtman.Feelthis,OVisvaranjan!

4.HowtoKeepUpBrahmacharya

1.ABrahmacharishouldavoidlookingatawomanwithlustfuleyes.Heshouldnothavea desiretotouchherorgonearherwithevilintention.Heshouldnotplay,cutjokesortalkwithher. Heshouldnotpraiseawoman’squalitieswithinhimselfortohisfriends.Heshouldnottalktoher secretly.Heshouldnotthinkofalady.Heshouldnothaveacarnaldesiretohavesexualenjoyment. ABrahmacharishould,withoutfail,avoidsexualintercourse.Ifhebreaksanyoftheaboverules,he violatesthevowofBrahmacharya.

2.Forprotectingthesemen,itisessentialtowearalwaysastripof(black-coloured)cloth overtheprivatepart;fortherewillbenonightemissionandgrowthoftesticles.Itisbefittingfora

celibatetowearalwayswoodensandalsastherebythesemenwillbeconserved,eyeswillbe benefited,lifeprolongedandholinessandlustrewillincrease.

3.Thevowofcelibacywillgiveyousureprotectionagainsttemptation.Itisastrong weapontoattacklust.Ifyoudonottakeavowofcelibacy,themindwilltemptyouatanymoment. Youwillhavenostrengthtoresistthetemptationandyouwillbecomeasurevictim.Hewhois weakandeffeminateisafraidoftakingthevow.Hebringsinvariousexcusesandsays:“Why shouldIbeboundbyavow?Mywillisstrongandpowerful.Icanresistanysortoftemptation.Iam doingUpasana.Iampracticingwillculture.”Herepentsinthelongrun.Hehasnocontroloverthe senses.Thatmanonlyinwhomthesubtledesirefortheobjecttoberenouncedlurksinthecorners ofhismindbringsinsuchsortofexcuses.Youmusthaverightunderstanding,discriminationand dispassion.Thenonlyyourrenunciationwillbelastingandpermanent.Ifrenunciationisnotthe outcomeofdiscriminationanddispassionthemindwillbesimplywaitingforanopportunitytoget backtheobjectthathasbeenrenounced.

4.Ifyouareweak,takeavowofcelibacyforamonthandthenextendittothreemonths. Youwillgainsomestrengthnow.Youwillbeabletoprolongtheperiodtosixmonths.Gradually youwillbeabletoextendthevowforoneortwoorthreeyears.Sleepseparatelyanddorigorous Japa,Kirtanandmeditationdaily.Youwillhatelustnow.Youexperiencefreedomand indescribablejoy.YourpartnerinlifealsoshoulddoJapa,meditationandKirtandaily.

5.Youmaybeabletostopcopulationformonthsandyears,butthereshouldnotbeany sexualcravingorattractionforladies.Evilthoughtsalsoshouldnotarisewhenyoulookatalady, whenyouareinthecompanyofladies.Ifyousucceedinthisdirection,thenyouareestablishedin perfectBrahmacharya.Youhavecrossedthedangerzone.Thereisnoharminlookingatawoman, butyoumusthaveachastelook.YoumusthaveAtmaBhava.Whenyoulookatayoungladyyou canthinkwithinyourself:“Prostrationsuntothee,Omother.Thouartanimageormanifestationof MotherKali.Donottemptme.Donotallureme.IhaveunderstoodnowthesecretofMayaandHer creation.Whohascreatedtheseforms?Thereisanomnipotent,all-pervadingandall-merciful Creatorbehindthesenamesandforms.Thisisalldecayingfalsebeauty.TheCreatororGodis Beautyofbeauties.Heisanembodimentofundecayingbeauty.Heisfountain-headofbeauty.Let merealisethisBeautyofbeautiesbymeditation.”Youwillhavetocultivatefeelingsofdevotion, admirationandawewhenyoulookatabeautifulformbyrememberingtheCreatorofthisform. Thenyouwillnotbetempted.IfyouareastudentofVedanta,thinkandfeel:“EverythingisSelf only.Thenamesandformsareillusory.TheyareMayaicpictures.Theyhavenoindependent existenceapartfromtheSelf.”

6.Aspirantsshouldnotindulgeintalkaboutladies.Theyshouldnotthinkaboutladies. BringtheimageoryourIshtaDevatainyourmind,ifthoughtofaladycropsup.RepeattheMantra vigorously.Ifsexualfeelingsariseinyourmindwhenyoulookatthematingofanimalsandbirds oratthebarebodiesofladiesitindicatesthatlustisstilllurkinginyourmind.

7.EvenadvancedaspirantswhohavemadegreatprogressinYogashouldbeverycareful. Theyshouldnotmixfreelywithladies.Theyshouldnotfoolishlyimaginethattheyhavebecome greatadeptsinYoga.Agreatsaintofreputehadadownfall.Hefreelymixedwithladiesmadelady disciplesandallowedthemtoshampoohislegs.Asthesex-energywasnotcompletelysublimated

andturnedintoOjas,aslustwaslurkinginasubtleforminhismind,hebecameavictim.Helosthis reputation.Thesexualdesirewasonlysuppressedinhimandwhenasuitableopportunitycame,it againassumedgraveform.Hehadnostrengthorwill-powertoresistthetemptation.

8.AnothergreatsoulwhowasregardedbyhisdisciplesasanAvatarabecamea Yoga-bhrashta.Healsofreelymixedwithladiesandcommittedseriouscrimes.Hebecameaprey tolust.Whatasadmisfortune!AspirantsclimbwithgreatdifficultybytheladderofYogaandthey areirrecoverablylostforeveronaccountoftheircarelessnessandspiritualpride.

9.Remembranceoftheskeletonanddeadbodyofawoman,willinduceVairagyainyour mind.Thebodyhascomeoutofthefilthydischarge.Itisfullofimpurities.Intheenditisreduced intoashes.Ifyourememberthis,Vairagyawilldawninyourmind.Attractionforladieswill graduallyvanish.Ifyouplacebeforeyourmindthesicklyfigureofalady,orthepictureofavery oldladyyouwilldevelopVairagya.RememberpainsofSamsara,theunrealityofobjectsandthe bondagethatcomesfromattachmenttowifeandchildren.Tryanymethodthatsuitsyoubest.

10.OneshouldtrytogetVivekaordiscriminationbetweentherealSelfandtheunreal, impurebody.Heshouldhammerthemindandpointouttothemindthedefectsofasexuallife,viz., lossofenergy,innovationofsenses,disease,birthanddeath,attachmentandvarioussortsof miseries,etc.,thepartsofthebodyofawoman,viz.,flesh,blood,bone,excrete,urine,pus,phlegm, etc.Heshouldalwaysthinkoftheever-pureimmortalAtmanandthegloryofthespirituallife,viz., theattainmentofimmortality,eternalbliss,supremepeace.Graduallythemindwillbeweaned fromlookingatawomanhoweverbeautifulshemightbe.Themindwillshuddertolookatherwith evilthought.

11.Anaspirantcomplains:“AsIcontinuemeditation.layerafterlayerofimpuritiesare risingfromthesubconsciousmind.SometimestheyaresostrongandformidablethatIam bewilderedastohowtocheckthem.IamnotperfectlyestablishedintruthandBrahmacharya.The oldhabitsofspeakingliesandlustarestilllurkinginme.Lustistroublingmevigorously.Thevery ideaofwomenagitatesmymind.MymindissosensitivethatIamnotabletohearorthinkofthem. Assoonasthethoughtcomesinthemind,mySadhanagetsdisturbedandalsothepeaceofthe wholedayisspoiled.Iadvisemymind,coaxit,frightenit,butitisofnoavail.Mymindrevolts.Ido notknowhowtocontrolthispassion.Irritability,egoism,anger,greed,hatred,attachment,etc.,are stilllurkinginme.Lustismychiefenemyanditisaverystrongonetoo.Irequestyoutobekind enoughtoadviseastohowtodestroythesame.”

12.Whentheimpuritiesemergefromthesubconsciousmindandcometothesurfaceofthe consciousmindwithformidableforce,donottrytoresistthem.RepeatyourIshtaMantra.Donot thinkofyourdefectsorevilqualitiesmuch.Itisenoughifyouintrospectandfindoutyourdefects. Donottrytoattacktheevilqualities.Thentheywillshowtheirlongfaces.Donotworryyourself often:“Ihavegotsomanydefectsandweaknesses.”CultivateSattvicvirtues.Throughmeditation andbythedevelopmentofpositivequalities,throughPratipakshaBhavanamethodallthenegative qualitieswilldieofthemselves.Thisistherightmethod.

13.PassionwillsubsidebyprotractedJapaandmeditationandChintanaonAtman.Donot trytorunawayfromladies.ThenMayawillchaseyouterribly.TrytoseetheSelfinallformsand

repeattheformula‘OmEkaSatchidanandaAtma’often.RememberthattheAtmanissexless. Mentalrepetitionofthisformulawillgiveyoustrength.

14.Youshouldremainfarawayfromladiesinthebeginningofyourpractice.Afteryouare perfectlymouldedandwell-establishedinBrahmacharya,youshouldtestyourstrengthbymoving withladiesverycautiouslyforsometime.Ifyourmindisverypurenowalso,ifthereisnosex-idea, ifthemindceasestoactthroughthepracticeofUparati,SamaandDama,rememberyouhave gainedrealspiritualstrengthandmadeconsiderableprogressinyourSadhana.Youaresafenow. YoushouldnotstopyourSadhanathinkingthatyouareaJitendriyaYogi.Ifyoustopityouwill haveahopelessfall.EvenifyouareaJivanmuktaandadynamicYogi,youshouldbeverycareful whenyoumovewithworldlypersons.

15.ThirstyaspirantswhoaretreadingthepathofSelf-realisationwhoarehouseholdersand fortyyearsofageshouldgiveupcontactwiththepartnersinlife.Theyshouldobserveperfect physicalBrahmacharya,iftheywantrapidspiritualprogressandSelf-realisationinthisverybirth. Therearenohalfwaymeasuresinthespiritualpath.

5.MentalDiscipline(Bhava)

1.Itisthemindthatreallydoesallactions.Adesirearisesinyourmindandthenyouthink. Thenyouproceedtoact.Thedeterminationofthemindisputintoaction.FirstthereisSankalpaor thoughtandthencomesaction.Thereforedonotallowthesexualthoughtstoenterthemind.No spaceisemptyatanytime.Thisisthelawofnature.Ifonethingisremovedfromaplace immediatelyanothercomestofillitsplace.Thesamelawholdsgoodinthecaseoftheinnermental worldalso.Thereforeitisnecessarytoentertainsublimedivinethoughtstoreplaceevilthoughts. Asyouthink,soyoubecome.Thisistheimmutablepsychologicallaw.Theviciousmindis graduallydivinisedbyentertainingdivinethoughts.

2.Vasanasgrowfromlustfullook.Youhavenolustfullookwhenyouseeyourmotheror sisteralthoughtheyarewell-dressedanddecoratedwithornamentsandflowers.Youlookatthem withaffectionandpurelove.ThisisSuddhaBhavana.Therearenolustfulideas.Youwillhaveto developsuchapureloveorBhavanawhenyoulookatotherladiesalso.Lookingatawomanwith lustfulheartistantamounttosexualenjoyment.ItisoneformofMaithuna.Thatisthereasonwhy LordJesussays:“Ifyoulookatawomanwithlustfulheart,youhavealreadycommittedadulteryin yourhears.”ThoughthefirstsevenkindsofMaithunadonotcausetheactuallossofsemen,yetthe semenisseparatedfromthebloodandtriestoescapewhenopportunitycomeseitherindreamsorin otherways.Inthefirstsevenkindsmanenjoysmentally.

3.YoushouldhavetheBhavathatladiesaremanifestationsofWorldMother.Theyshould beadored.Thispracticeisforabeginnerinthespiritualpath.LaterheshoulddeveloptheAtma Bhava,i.e.,thateverythingisSelf.Otherwisehewillbegintohateladiesandwillnotdevelop cosmiclove.Theabovementalpictureiskeptuptoannihilatelust.Itisamentaldiscipline.

4.Whenyouareinthecompanyofladies,trytoidentityyourselfwiththesexless, all-pervadingSoul.Constantlymaketheendeavour.Thesex-ideawillgraduallyvanishandwithit theattractionandlustalso.

5.YoushouldentertainthemotherBhavaorIsvariBhavaorAtmaBhavatowardswomen. SisterBhavawillnotsuffice.Youmayfail.LadiesalsoshouldentertainPitruBhavaorIsvara BhavaorAtmaBhavatowardsmales.Enquire‘whoamI?’ThereisnolustinthesexlessAtman.

6.Onestudentwritestome“Theimpurefleshandskinappearstomeasverypureandgood. Iamverylustful.ItrytodeveloptheBhavaofmother.Iprostratebeforealadymentally,thinking thatsheisanimageofGoddessKaaliandyetmymindisexternallylustful.WhatshallIdonow?I wanttohaveaglimpseofabeautifullady.”ObviouslyVairagyaanddiscriminationhavenot dawnedinhismind.TheoldviciousSamskarasandVasanasareverypowerful.

7.ThecultivationoftheBhavaisverydifficult.YoumayfailtodeveloptheBhavathatall womenareyourmothersandsistersonehundredandonetimes.Itdoesnotmatter.Sticktoyour practicetenaciously.Youareboundtosucceedeventually.Youwillhavetodestroytheoldmind andbuildanewmind.Butyouwillhavetodoitifyouwanttoattainimmortalityandeternalbliss. Youwillsurelysucceedifyouarefieryinyourresolveandifyouhaveirondetermination.The Bhavawillgraduallymanifestbyconstantpractice.YouwillbesoonestablishedinthatBhava. Nowyouaresafe.

8.Themindwillagaintrytodosomemischiefinwardly.Itisverydiplomatic.Itisvery difficulttofindoutitswaysandsecretundergroundoperations.Itdemandssubtleintellectand carefulrepeatedintrospectionandvigilantwatch.Wheneverthementalimageofaladycropsupin yourmindwithevilthoughts,repeatmentally:“OmDurgaDevyaiNamah,”anddomental prostration.Graduallyoldevilthoughtswilldie.WheneveryouseeanyladyentertainthisBhava andrepeatmentallythisMantra.YourDrishtiorlookwillbecomechaste.Allladiesare manifestationsofWorldMother.Iwish,youpracticethesameSadhanawithyourwifealso.Make mentalprostrationandrepeatthesameMantramentally.Youmustgiveuptheideaofwife.Itis hightimenow.Thenyouwillhavequickprogressinspirituality.Youmustbecomeaperfect Brahmacharinow.ShealsomustobservefastonEkadasi.Donotsaynow:“Swamiji,WhatwillI do?Iamahouseholder.”Thisisalameexcuse.Howlongdoyouwanttoremainasapassionate householder?Isittilltheendoflife?Istherenotanoblermissioninlifethaneatingandsleeping? DoyounotwanttoenjoytheeternalblissoftheSelf?Youhavetastedenoughofthemundane pleasures.Youhavepassedthestageofahouseholder.Icanexcuseyouifyouareayoungman,but notnow.Assoonasasonordaughterisborn,thewifebecomesyourmother,becauseyouyourself arebornasasonoradaughter.NowgetreadyforthestageofVanaprasthaandmentalSannyasa whileremainingintheworld.Colouryourheartfirst.Thiswillbeanoblelifeindeed.Prepare yourself.Disciplinethemind.RealSannyasaismentalnon-attachment.RealSannyasais destructionofVasanas,‘I-ness,’‘mine-ness’,selfishnessandMohaforchildren,body,wifeand property.YouneednotretireintotheHimalayancaves.Attaintheabovestateofmind.Liveinthe worldwithfamilyandchildrenamidstpeaceandaplenty.Beintheworld,butbeoutoftheworld. Giveupworldliness.ThisisrealSannyasa.ThisiswhatIreallywant.ThenyouwillbecomeaKing ofkings.Iamshoutingatthetopofmyvoicelikethisformanyyears.Butonlyafewpersonsfollow myteaching.

9.Thouartverydeartome,OKrishna,becausethouarttreadingthepathofTruth.Thouart sincerelystruggling.ThouartonthepathofSelf-realisationtoo.HenceIamgivingyouthisadvice.

6.SadhanaforSuccessinBrahmacharya

1.Brahmacharyaisfreedomfromsexualthoughtsanddesires.ItiscontrolofallIndriyasin thought,wordanddeed.Itisforbothmenandwomen.Bhishma,Hanuman,Lakshmana,MiraBai, Sulabha,GargiareallBrahmacharins.SriSankarasays:“Brahmacharyaorspotlesschastityisthe bestofallpenances.SuchacelibateisGodindeed.”

2.ThroughBrahmacharyagetoverthemiseriesofmundanelifeandattainhealth,strength, peaceofmind,endurance,bravery,materialprogress,psychicadvancement,clearbrain,gigantic will-power,boldunderstanding,retentivememory,abundantenergy,powertofacedifficultiesin dailybattleoflifeandImmortality.Onewhohasperfectcontroloversexualenergyattainspowers unattainablebyanyothermeans.

3.BythepracticeofSiddhasana,Sirshasana,Sarvangasana,MulaBandha,Uddiyana Bandha,MahaMudra,YogaMudra,Nauli,etc.,aHathaYogitransmuteshisseminalenergyinto Ojas-Sakti.BythepracticeofNavavidhaBhakti(Sravana,Kirtana,Smarana,Padasevana, Archana,Vandana,Sakhya,Dasya,Atmanivedana)andJapa,aBhaktadestroystheimpurityofhis mindandfixesitonGod.

4.BythepracticeofYama,Niyama,Asana,Pranayama,Pratyahara,DharanaandDhyana, aRajaYogiconquerslustandattainsKaivalya.AJnanaYogibecomespurebyViveka,Vairagya, Vichara,Sama,DamaandTitiksha.ConstantlythinkofthesexlessAtman.Destroythesexual Vasana.SeeAtmaninall.Rejectthenamesandformsandtaketheunderlying Essence—Sat-chit-ananda.

5.Anythingthatbringsimpurethoughtsinthemindisbadcompany.Flyawayfromthe worldly-mindedpersons.Youwillbefarawayfromthedangerzone.Themagneticauraand powerfulthought-currentsofdevelopedadeptsproduceatremendousinfluenceonthemindsof lustfulpeople.HaveconstantSatsanga.

6.Giveproperattentiontofood.HaveMitahara.TakeSattvicfood.Pungentarticles,garlic, onions,meat,fish,alcohol.etc.,kindlepassion.Fastingcheckspassion,calmsemotions,controls IndriyasandhelpsBrahmacharya.Avoidlongfasts.

7RememberthepainsofSamsara.Thinkofthecomponentpartsofbody,viz.,flesh,bone, blood,excreta,urinepus,etc.Haveastrongdesireforliberation.Thiswilldecidedlyhelpyouto destroylust.Develop‘Mother’Bhavatowardsallladies.

8.Havecoldhipbath.Getupat4a.m.Donotthinkofalady.Donotlookatalady.Avertthe sexualthoughtsbysublimeDivinethoughts.Keepthemindfullyoccupied.Renderyourwillpure, strong,irresistible.WhenoncetheVeeryaislost,itcanneverberecoupedbytakinganyamountof Badam,nervinetonics,milk,cheese,etc.Veerya,whenpreserved,servesasamaster-keytoopen therealmsofDivineBlissandtoobtainallsortsofhigherachievementsinlife.

9.Constantlyremember:“ThroughtheGraceofGod,Iambecomingpurerandpurerevery day,ineveryway.”“Pleasurescomebutnottostay.Mortalfleshisonlyclay.Everythingwillpass away.Brahmacharyaistheonlyway.”

7.GarlandofBrahmacharya

1.BrahmacharyaisabstainingfromallkindsofMaithunaorsexualenjoymentforever,in allplacesandinallconditions,physically,mentallyandverbally. —Yajnavalkya

2.Thinkingofawomanorherpicture,praisingawomanorherpicture,sportingwitha womanorherpicture,glancingatawomanorherpicture,secretlytalkingtoawoman,thinkingofa sinfulactiontowardsawomanactuatedbysensuality,determininguponthesinfulaction,and bodilyactionresultinginthedischargeofsemenaretheeightcharacteristicsofcopulation;and Brahmacharyaisquitecontrarytoalltheseeightindications. —DakshaSmriti

3.Knowthatinthisworldthereisnothingthatcannotbeattainedbyonewhoremainsfrom birthtodeathaperfectcelibateInoneperson,knowledgeofthefourVedas,andinanother,perfect celibacy—ofthese,thelatterissuperiortotheformerwhoiswantingincelibacy. —TheMahabharata

4.Brahmacharyaorspotlesschastityisthebestofallpenances;acelibateofsuchspotless chastityisnotahumanbeing,butagodindeed.Tothecelibatewhoconservesthesemenwithgreat efforts,whatisthereunattainableinthisworld?Bythepowerofthecomposureofthesemen,one willbecomejustlikemyself. —LordSankara

5.AndthosestudentswhofindthatworldofGodthroughchastity,theirsisthatheavenly country;theirs,inwhateverworldtheyare,isfreedom. —ChhandogyaUpanishad

6.Awisemanshouldavoidmarriedlifeasifitwereaburningpitoflivecoals.Fromthe contactcomessensation,fromsensationthirst,fromthirstclinging;byceasingfromthat,thesoulis deliveredfromallsinfulexistence. —LordBuddha

7.Thesesexualpropensities,thoughtheyareatfirstlikeripples,acquiretheproportionsofa seaonaccountofbadcompany. —Narada

8.Sensualitydestroyslife,lustre,strength,vitality,memory,wealth,greatfame,holiness anddevotiontotheSupreme. —LordKrishna

9.Deathishastenedbylettingoutsemenfromthebody;lifeissavedandprolongedby preservingit.

10.Thereisnodoubtthatpeopledieprematurelybylettingthesemenoutofthebody; knowingthis,theYogishouldalwayspreservesemenandleadalifeofstrictcelibacy. —SivaSamhita

11.Cautionindietisofthreefoldvalue,butabstinencefromsexualintercourseisof fourfoldvalue.TheSannyasihad,andhas,arulenevertolookatawoman. —Atreya

12.LetnotaBrahminseeawomannaked. —Manu

CHAPTERIII

YOGAOFRIGHTCONDUCT

1.Sadachara

1.EthicsorethicalsciencetreatsaboutSadacharaorrightconduct,moralityorduty.Ethics isthescienceofmorals,thatbranchofphilosophywhichisconcernedwithhumancharacterand conduct.

2.Conductisbehaviour.Deportment,carriage,demeanour,conduct,behaviourare synonymousterms.Thewayinwhichrationalbeingsshouldbehavetowardseachotheraswellas towardsothercreaturesisdealtwithinthescienceofmoralsorethics.

3.Tospeakthetruth;topracticeAhimsa;nottohurtthefeelingsofothersinthought,word anddeed;nottospeakharshwordstoanyone;nottoshowangertowardsanybody;nottoabuse othersorspeakillofothersandtoseeGodinallbeingsisSadachara.Ifyouabuseanyone,ifyou hurtthefeelingsofothers,reallyyouareabusingyourselfandhurtingthefeelingsofGodonly. Himsa(injuring)isadeadlyenemyofBhaktiandJnana.Itseparatesanddivides.Itstandsinthe wayofrealisingunityoronenessofSelf.

4.Thatactorexertionwhichdoesnotdogoodtoothers,orthatactforwhichonehastofeel shameshouldneverbedone.Thatactontheotherhand,shouldbedoneforwhichonemaybe laudedinSociety.Thisisabriefdescriptionofwhatrightconductis.

5.LordManusaysintheSmriti:“Achara(goodconduct)isthehighestDharma,declaredby theSrutiandbytheSmriti.ThusbeholdingthepathofDharmaissuefromAchara,thesages embraceAcharaastherootofallTapas.”

6.Righteousness,Truth,goodworks,powerandprosperityalloriginatefromconduct.You willfindintheMahabharata:“ThemarkofDharmaisAchara(goodconduct).Acharaisthemark

ofgood.HigherthanallteachingisAchara.FromAchara,Dharmaisborn,andDharmaenhances thelife.ByAcharamanattainslife;byAcharaheattainsprosperity;byAcharaheattainsfairfame, hereandhereafter.Hewhoisthefriendofallbeings,hewhoisintentonthewelfareofallwithact, thoughtandspeech—heonlyknowethDharma.”

7.Dharmaisextremelysubtle(AtiSukshma)intricateandcomplex.Evensagesare perplexed.Dharmagiveswealth,satisfactionofdesiresandliberationintheend.Dharmatopsthe listofthefourPurusharthas,viz.,Dharma,Artha,KamaandMoksha.Dharmaisgenerallytermed asduty,righteousness,etc.AnyactionthatisbestcalculatedtobringSreyas(Moksha)isDharma. Thatwhichbringswell-beingtohumanbeingsisDharma.

8.Allthatisfreefromanymotiveofinjurytoanybeingissurelymorality.For,indeedthe moralpreceptshavebeenmadetofreethecreaturesfromallinjuries.Dharmaissocalledbecauseit protectsall.Indeedmoralitysavesallcreatures.

9.Theconductistherootofprosperity.Conductincreasesfame.Itisconductwhich prolongslife.Itisconductwhichdestroysallcalamitiesandevils.Conducthasbeensaidtobe superiortoallthebranchesofknowledge.

10.Itisbyconductthatoneacquiresalonglife,andisbyconductthatoneacquiresriches andprosperity.Itisameanstoattainthegoaloflife.Withoutgoodconductnoonecanachievethe goal.Goodconductbringsinfame,longevity,wealthandhappiness.IteventuallyleadstoMoksha. Itisconductthatbegetsvirtue,anditisvirtuewhichprolongslife.Conductgivesfame,longlife andheaven.Conductisthemostefficaciousriteofpropitiatingthecelestials.

11.Thegoodandvirtuousaresoonaccountoftheconducttheyfollow.Themarks,againof goodconductareaffordedbythedeedsofthosethataregoodorrighteous.Indeed,itisbyconduct thatoneacquiresthefamethatdependsupongreatdeedsbothinthisworldandinthenext.For sooth,onemay,byhisconductalone,conquerthethreeworlds.Thereisnothingwhichvirtuous personscannotobtain.Apersonofgooddeedsandgood,pleasantandsweetspeechhasnopeer. Peopleregardthatmanwhoactsrighteouslyandwhodoesgoodactseveniftheyonlyhearofhim withoutactuallyseeinghim.

12.Themanwhoseconductisimproperorwickedneveracquiresalonglife.Allcreatures fearsuchamanandareoppressedbyhim.Ifthereforeonewisheshisownadvancementand prosperity,oneshouldinthisworld,followthepathofrighteousnessandconducthimselfproperly. Goodconductsucceedsinremovingtheinauspiciousnessandmiseryofevenonewhoissinful.

13.Themanofrightconducthasideals,principlesandmottoes.Hestrictlyfollowsthem, removeshisweaknessesanddefectsanddevelopsgoodconductandbecomesaSattvicman.Heis verycarefulinbehavingwithhiselders,parents,teachers,Acharyas,sisters,brothers,friends, relatives,strangersandothers.Heattemptstoknowwhatisrightandwrong,byapproaching SadhusandMahatmasandbystudyingscripturesverycarefullyandthentreadsthepathof righteousnessorDharma.

14.Themanofrightconductalwayscaresforthewelfareofallbeings.Helivesinharmony withtheneighboursandallpeople.Heneverhurtsthefeelingsofothers,neverspeakslies.He practicesBrahmacharya.Hecheckstheeviltendenciesofthemindandprepareshimselfthrough thepracticeofrightconducttoattaintheBlissofunionwithParamatman.

15.AnaspirantwenttoVedaVyasaandsaid:“OMaharshi,AvataraofVishnu,Iamina dilemma.Icannotproperlycomprehendtherightsignificanceoftheterm‘Dharma.’Somesayitis rightconduct.OtherssaythatwhichleadstoMokshaandhappinessisDharma.Anything,any actionthatbringsyoudownisAdharma.LordKrishnasays:‘Evensagesarepuzzledtounderstand perfectlywhatisDharma,whatisAdharma.Gahanakarmanogatih—Mysteriousisthepathof action.’Iambewildered.OMaharshi,kindlygivemeavery,veryeasydefinitionofDharmato enablemetofollowDharmainallmyactions.”MaharshiVyasareplied:“Oaspirant!Hearme.I shallsuggestaneasymethod.Rememberthefollowingsayingsalwayswithgreatcarewhenyoudo anyaction.‘Doasyouwouldbedoneby.Dountoothersasyouwishothersdountoyou.’Thisisthe wholeofDharma.Attendtothiscarefully.Youwillbesavedfromalltroubles.Ifyoufollowthese wisemaxims,youcannevergiveanypainuntoothers.Practicethisinyourdailylife.Evenifyou failonehundredtimes,itdoesnotmatter.YouroldSamskarasAsubhaVasanasareyourreal enemies.Theywillcomeinthewayasstumblingblocks.Butpersevere.Youwillsucceedinthe attainmentofthegoal.”TheaspirantstrictlyadheredtoVyasa’sinstructionsandattainedliberation.

16.Thisisaverygoodmaxim.ThewholegistofSadacharaorrightconductishere.Ifone practicesthisverycarefullyhewillnotcommitanywrongact.‘Toworkinaccordancewiththe DivineWillisright;toworkinoppositiontotheDivineWilliswrong.’

17.God,ReligionandDharmaareinseparable.Allhumanbeingsarecharacterizedby righteousness,andtheyincourseofnaturalprogressandimprovementattaintothedignityofGod. ManevolvesthroughpracticeofDharmaaccordingtohiscasteandorderoflifeandeventually attainsSelf-realisation,theultimategoaloflife,whichbringsinfiniteBliss,supremepeace, unbrokenjoy,highestknowledge,eternalsatisfactionandImmortality.Ethicalperfectionisa prerequisitetoSelf-realisation.

18.Metaphysicsrestsonmorality.Moralityrestsonmetaphysics.MoralityhasVedantaas itsbasis.TheUpanishadsays:“Thyneighbour,intruth,isthyverySelf,andwhatseparatesyou fromhimismereillusion.”SadacharaisthebasisfortherealizationofAtmicunityoronenessof lifeorAdvaiticfeelingofonenesseverywhere.EthicalculturepreparesyoufortheVedantic realizationof:“SarvamkhalvidamBrahma—AllindeedisBrahman.”

2.EthicalDiscipline

1.‘AtmanorSelfisone.Thereisonecommonconsciousnessinallbeings.AllJivasare reflectionsoftheoneSupremeSoulorParamatman.Justasonesunisreflectedinallpotsofwater, soalsotheoneSupremeBeingisreflectedinallhumanbeings.Onecannotbecomemany.One appearsasmany.Oneisreal.Manyareillusory.Separatenessisillusory.Separatenessis temporary.Unityisreal.UnityisEternal.Onelifevibratesinallbeings.Lifeiscommoninanimals, birdsandhumanbeings.Existenceitscommon.’Thisistheemphaticdeclarationofthe Upanishads.ThisprimarytruthofReligionisthefoundationofethicsorSadachara.Ifyouhurt

anotherman,youhurtyourself.Ifyouhelpanotherman,youhelpyourself.Onaccountof ignoranceonemanhurtsanotherman.Hethinksthatotherbeingsareseparatefromhimself.Sohe exploitsothers.Soheisselfish,greedy,proudandegoistic.IfyouarereallyawarethatoneSelf pervades,permeatesallbeings,thatallbeingsarethreadedontheSupremeSelf,astherowofpearls onastring,howcanyouhurtanotherman,howcanyouexploitanotherman?

2.WhoofusisreallyanxioustoknowtheTruthaboutGodorDivineLife?Wearemore readytoaskourselves:“HowmuchmoneyyouhavegotintheImperialBank?Whosaidthat againstme?DoyouknowwhoIam?Howareyourwifeandchildrendoing?”andquestionsofthis sortthanquestionslike:“WhoamI?WhatisthisSamsara?Whatisbondage?Whatisfreedom? WhencehaveIcome?WhithershallIgo?WhoisIsvara?WhataretheattributesofGod?Whatis ourrelationshiptoGod?HowtoattainMoksha?WhatistheSvarupaofMoksha?”

3.Thebeginningofethicsistoreflectuponourselves,oursurroundingsandouractions. Beforeweactwemuststoptothink.Whenamanearnestlyattendstowhatherecognisesashis duties,hewillprogressandinconsequencethereofhiscomfortandprosperitywillincrease.His pleasureswillbemorerefined;hishappiness,hisenjoymentsandrecreationswillbebetterand nobler.Happinessislikeashadow;ifpursueditwillfleefromus,butifamandoesnottrouble himselfaboutitandstrictlyattendstohisduties,pleasuresofthebestandnoblestkindwillcropout everywhereinhispath.Ifhedoesnotanxiouslypursueit,happinesswillfollowhim.

4.Theincreaseorratherrefinementofhappiness,however,cannotbeconsideredasthe ultimateaimofethics,forpainandafflictionincreaseatthesameratebecauseman’sirritability,his susceptibilitytopaingrowswiththegrowthofhisintellectuality.Theessenceofallexistenceis evolutionoraconstantrealizationofnewideals.Thereforetheelevationofallhumanemotions, whethertheyarepainfulorhappy,theelevationofman’sexistence,ofhisactionsandaspirations,is theconstantaimofethics.

5.TheSocraticformula:“Virtueisknowledge,”isfoundtobeanadequateexplanationof themorallifeofman.Knowledgeofwhatisright,isnotcoincidentwithdoingit,forman,while knowingtherightcourseisfounddeliberatelychoosingthewrongone.Desiretendstoruncounter tothedictatesofreason;andthewill,perplexedbythedifficultyofreconcilingtwosuchopposite demands,tendstochoosetheeasiercourseandfollowtheinclinationratherthantoendurethepain ofrefusingdesireinobediencetothevoiceofreason.Hencemereintellectualinstructionisnot sufficienttoensurerightdoing.Therearisesthefurtherneedforchastisementorthestraightening ofthecrookedwill,inordertoensureitscooperationwithreasoninassentingtowhatitaffirmsto beright,anditsrefusaltogivepreferencetodesireortheirrationalelementinman’snaturewhen suchdesirerunscountertotherationalprinciple.

6.Thepurereasonurgesamantowhatisthebest.TheAsuricnatureofamanfightsand strugglesagainsttheman.Theimpulsesofamanwhohasnotundergonetheethicaldisciplineruns countertohisreason.Alladvice,allrebukeandexhortation,alladmonitiontestifythattheirrational partisamenabletoreason.

7.Thebasisofgoodmannersisself-reliance.Forsuchreasonshavethegreatfoundersand eminentteachersofallreligionsrepeatedlyproclaimedtheneedforrecognisingtheGodhead

withinandforself-relianceinthelastresortratherthananytextsandpersonsandcustoms. Self-relianceisthebasisofbehaviour.

8.Self-controlisthegreatestinthemanwhoselifeisdominatedbyidealsandgeneral principlesofconduct.Thefinalendofmoraldisciplineisself-control.Thewholenatureofman mustbedisciplined.Eachelementrequiresitsspecifictraining.Disciplineharmonisestheopposing elementsofhissoul.Theself-controlwillenabletheaspiranttoknowtheTruth,todesirethegood andwintherightandthustorealisetheReality.

9.Disciplineisthetrainingofourfaculties,throughinstructionsandthroughexercise,in accordancewithsomesettledprincipleofauthority.Youmustdisciplinenotonlytheintellectbut alsothewillandtheemotions.Adisciplinedmanwillcontrolhisactions.Heisnolongeratthe mercyofthemoment.HeceasestobeaslaveofhisimpulsesandIndriyas.Suchmasteryisnotthe resultofoneday’seffort.Onecanacquirethepowerbyprotractedpracticeanddaily self-discipline.Youmustlearntorefusethedemandsofimpulses.Aself-controlledmanwillbe abletoresistthewrongactiontowhichaworldlymanismoststronglyimpelled.

3.EthicsisaMeanstoYoga

1.AllaspirantscommitmistakesnowinjumpingtoSamadhiandDhyanaallatonceassoon astheyleavetheirhouseswithoutcaringabitforethicalperfection.Themindremainsinthesame conditionalthoughtheyhavepracticedmeditationforfifteenyears.Theyhavethesamejealousy, hatred,ideaofsuperiority,pride,egoism,etc.MeditationandSamadhicomebythemselveswhen onehastheethicalperfection.

2.SadacharaorrightconductisthefoundationofYoga.Yogaisrootedinvirtue.Ethical disciplineisverynecessaryforsuccessinYoga.Ethicaldisciplineisthepracticeofrightconductin life.OneshouldbewellestablishedinSadacharatobeginwith.Sadacharaisthepracticeof Yama-Niyama.YamaandNiyamaarethetwomoralbackbonesofYoga,whichtheaspirantmust practiceinhisdailylife.ThesecorrespondroughlytothetencommandmentsofJesusortothe nobleeightfoldpathofLordBuddha.PracticeofYama-Niyamawilleradicateallimpuritiesofthe mind.

3.YamaistheveryfoundationofYoga,withoutwhichthesuperstructureofYogacannot bebuilt.YamaisthepracticeofAhimsa(abstinencefrominjuryandkilling),Satyam (truthfulness),Asteya(abstinencefromtheftorfalsehood),Brahmacharya(continence)and Aparigraha(abstinencefromavariciousnessorgreed).PatanjaliMaharshimentionstheabovefive chiefitemsforpracticeinYama.Ineveryreligionyouwillfindthistobetheforemost.Great emphasisisgivenineverychapteroftheGitaonthepracticeofYama.

4.Niyamaistheobservanceofthefivecanons,viz.,Saucha,Santosha,Tapas,Svadhyaya andIsvaraPranidhana.AccordingtoSandilyaRishi,thepracticeofSaucha,Daya,Arjava,Dhriti andMitaharaisincludedinYama.Sauchaisexternalandinternalpurity.Washingthehands,taking baths,etc.,areforexternalpurity.Fillingthemindwithpuredivinethoughtsisinternalpurity.

5.“Themindbecomespurebycultivatinghabitsoffriendliness,compassion,complacency andindifferencetowardshappiness,misery,virtueandvice.”Whosoevershowsfriendliness towardsallthosewhoarefoundintheenjoymentsofpleasures,thedirtofenvyleaveshim.When themindshowscompassiontowardsthosewhoaresufferingfrompainandthewishtoremovethe miseriesofothersasiftheywerehisown,thedirtofthedesiretodoeviltoothersisremoved. Whoevershowscomplacencytowardsthosewhoarevirtuouslyinclinedbeings,thedirtofenvyis removedfromhismind.Whoevershowsindifferencetowardstheviciousandtakingtothemiddle pathandnottakingsides,towardstheviciouslyinclined,thedirtoftheimpatienceisremovedfrom hismind.

6.Bythisremovalofthecharacteristicsofthequalitiesofdisturbingenergy(Rajas)and inertia(Tamas),thecharacteristicofessentialpurity(Sattva)manifestsitself.Hebecomes possessedofaveryhighmanifestationofessentialpurity.Hismindbecomesinclinedtothesideof therestraintofmentalmodifications,becausethisenlightenmentisnaturaltothatstate.Whenthe mindbecomespureitattainsthestateofsteadinessandbecomesone-pointed.Ifthesemoral qualitiesarenotcultivated,themeanscannotleadtosteadiness.Therefore,oneshouldbewell establishedinSadacharaifhewantstoattainperfectioninyoga.Whenoneisestablishedinit perfectly,thenSamadhiorNishthawillcomebyitself.

4.GloryofSadachara

1.Aman,whohasattachedethicalperfectionbythecontinuedpracticeofrightconductor YamaandNiyama,hasgotamagneticpersonality.Hecaninfluencemillions.Charactergivesa strongpersonalitytoman.Peoplerespectamanwhohasgoodcharacter.Moralpeoplecommand respecteverywhere.Hewhoishonest,sincere,truthful,kindandliberal-heartedalwayscommands respectandinfluenceatthepeople.SattvicvirtuesmakeamanDivine.Hewhospeakstruthand practicesBrahmacharyabecomesagreatanddynamicpersonality.Evenifhespeaksawordthereis powerinitandpeoplearemagnetized.Characterbuildingisofparamountimportanceifaman wantstodevelophispersonality.Nodevelopmentofastrongpersonalityispossiblewithout celibacy.Personalitycanbedeveloped.Butthepracticeofvirtueisindispensable.

2.Amanmaydiebuthischaracterremains.Histhoughtsremain.Itisthecharacterthat givesrealforceandpowertoman.Characterispower.TheysayknowledgeispowerbutIsaywith alltheemphasisatmycommandthatcharacterispower.Withoutcharactertheattainmentof knowledgeisimpossible.Thatmanwhohasnocharacterispracticallyadeadmaninthisworld.He isignoredanddespisedbythecommunity.Ifyouwantsuccessinlife,ifyouwanttoinfluence others,ifyouwanttoprogresswellinthespiritualpath,ifyouwishtohaveGod-realisation,you mustpossessanunblemishedorspotlesscharacter.Thecharacterofamansurvivesoroutliveshim. SriSankara,Buddha,JesusandotherRishisofyorearerememberedevennowbecausetheyhad wonderfulcharacter.Characterisamightysoul-force.Itislikeasweetflowerthatwaftsits fragrancefarandwide.Amanofnobletraitsandgoodcharacterpossessesatremendous personality.Personalityischaracteronly.Amanmaybeaskillfulartist,acleversongster,an adorablepoetoragreatscientist,butifhehasnocharacterhehasnorealpositioninthesociety.

3.Youmustbepolite,civilandcourteous.Youmusttreatotherswithrespectand consideration.Goodmannersandsoftwordshavebroughtmanyadifficultthingtopass.Hewho

givesrespecttoothersgetsrespect.Humilitybringsrespectbyitself.Humilityisavirtuethat subduestheheartsofothers.Amanofhumilityisapowerfulmagnetorloadstone.

4.NotecarefullyhowtheRishishadgiveninstructionstotheirstudentswhentheyhad finishedtheircourseofstudy:“Speakthetruth.Doyourduty.Donotneglectthestudyofthe Vedas.DonotswervefromTruth.Donotswervefromduty.Donotneglectyourwelfare.Donot neglectyourprosperity.DonotneglectthelearningandteachingsofVedas.Donotneglectthe dutiestowardsGodandforefathers.MaytheMotherbethyGod(Matri-devobhava).Maythe FatherbethyGod(Pitri-devobhava).MaythepreceptorbethyGod(Acharya-devobhava).May theguestbethyGod(Atithi-devobhava).Dosuchactionsasareblameless.Thosethataregood workstous,theyshouldbeperformedbythee,andnoneelse.ThoseBrahminsthataresuperiorto us,theyshouldbecomfortedbytheewithseats,etc.Givewithfaith.Donotgivewithoutfaith.Give withjoy,withmodesty,withfear,withkindness.”

5.Righteousnessiseternal.Donotleavethepathofrighteousnessevenifyourlifeisin danger.Donotleaverighteousnessforthesakeofsomematerialgain.Avirtuouslifeandaclean consciencegivegreatdealofcomforttoamanwhilelivingandatthetimeofdeathalso.Aholy manwithpietyisfarsuperiortothemightypotentate.Godismuchpleasedwithapiousman.Lord Krishnasays:“EvenifthemostsinfulworshipethMe,withundividedheart,hetoomustbe accountedrighteous,forhehathrightlyresolved.”Thereisagreathopeevenforacutthroat,ifhe makesastrongdeterminationandtakesupthespiritualpath.

6.Dearfriends!DoyourdutiesinasatisfactorymannerinaccordancewithSadachara. Applyyourselfdiligentlytoallkindsofyourdailyduties.ConsulttheSastrasandMahatmas wheneveryouareindoubt.Buildupyourcharacter.Thiswillgiveyousuccessinlife.Practisedaily toremoveoldevilhabits.Establishdailyvirtuoushealthyhabits.Characterwillhelpyoutoattain thegoaloflife.Characterisyourverybeing.Evolve.Expand.Grow.Maythecharactertakeyouto theAtmicBlissandSelf-realisation.

7.Nectar’ssons!ChildrenofImmortality!Shakeoffallweaknesses.Standup.Girdupthe loins.HaveSadacharasatisfactorilyinaccordancewithyourcasteorstageinlife.Evolvequicklyin spiritualpath.EternalBliss,SupremePeace,InfiniteKnowledgecanbehadonlyinGod(Atman). PracticeofSadacharawillsurelyleadyoutotheattainmentofGod-consciousness.Thereisno happinessinfiniteobjects.InfinitealoneisBliss.UnderstandtheTruththroughthepracticeof Sadachara.Thisworldisunreal.Itislikeamirage.Sensesandmindaredeceivingyouatevery moment.Wakeup.Openyoureyes.Learntodiscriminate.DonottrustyourIndriyas.Theyareyour enemies.Itisverydifficulttogetahumanbirth.Lifeisshort.Timeisfleeting.Walkinthepathof Sadachara.Thosewhoclingtounrealthingsofthisworldareverilycommittingsuicide.Struggle hardtopracticeSadachara.

Keepuptheidealalwaysbeforeyoureyes.Attempttorealisetheideal.SticktoSadachara withleech-liketenacity.PractiseitandrealiseSat-chit-anandastaterightnowinthisverysecond.

CHAPTERIV

MIND,ITSMYSTERIESANDCONTROL

1.FactsAboutMind

1.Mindisnotonlydailymade,buthourlymade.Ineveryminuteitchangesitscolourand shapelikeachameleon.Itisverywaveringandunsteady(ChanchalamandAsthiram).

2.Themindhadapernicioushabitofexternalizationfromtimeimmemorial.Theconstant utteranceofHolyNamesofGodasHariOm,Narayana,Rama,Siva,etc.,purifiesthemind-stuff andhelpstomakethemindintrospective(Antarmukha-vritti).

3.Timeisbutamodeofmind.ItisKala-Sakti.Itisalsoillusoryliketheobjects.Whenyour mindisdeeplyconcentrated,aperiodoftwohoursappearslikefiveminutes.Ifthemindis distractedandwandering,halfanhourappearsastwohours.Thisiseverybody’sexperience.In dreamalsomanyeventsthatlastforfiftyyearstakeplacewithintenminutes.Throughtheplayof themind,aKalpaisconsideredbyitasamomentandviceversa.

4.Perceptionthroughthefinitemindorcognitionofexperiencetakesplaceseriallyandnot simultaneously.SimultaneousknowledgecanonlybehadinNirvikalpaSamadhiwherepastand futuremergeinthepresent.AYogionlywillhavesimultaneousknowledge.Amanoftheworld withafinitemindcanhaveaknowledgeinsuccessiononly.Thoughseveralobjectsmaycomein contactsimultaneouslywiththedifferentsense-organs,yetthemindactslikeagatekeeperwhocan admitonlyonepersonatatimeinthegate.Themindcansendonlyonekindofsensationatatime intothementalfactoryinsideforthemanufactureofaperceptandconcept.

5.Therearesecretionsfromendocrineglandswhichareductless.viz.,Thyroid,Thymus, Parotid,Pineal,Suprarenal,etc.Thesesecretionsaredirectlyabsorbedintoblood.Theyplayavital partinconstitutingthetemperamentofeveryindividual.Thetemperamentofamancanbegreatly modifiedbyenvironments,educationandexperience.Itcanhardlybechangedintoto.Thatisthe reasonwhytheGitasays:“Sadrishamcheshtatesvasyaprakriterjnanavanapi—Eventhemanof knowledgebehavesinconformitywithhisownnature”(Chap.111-33).

6.Ittookmemanyyearstounderstandthoroughlythesecretsubtleworkingsofthemind. Mindhavocsthroughthepowerofimagination.Imaginaryfearsofvarioussorts,exaggeration, concoction,mentaldramatization,buildingcastlesintheair,areallcluetothepowerof imagination.Evenaperfect,healthymanhassomeimaginarydiseaseorotherduetothepowerof imaginationofthemind.AmanmayhavealittleweaknessorDosha(fault).Whenhebecomes yourenemyyouatonceexaggerateandmagnifyhisweaknessandDosha.Youevensuperimpose orconcoctmanymoreweaknessesandDoshas.ThisisduetothepowerofImagination.Much energyiswastedonaccountofimaginaryfears.

7.Belief,reasoning,knowledgeandfaitharefourimportantpsychicprocesses.Firstyou havebeliefinadoctor.Yougotohimfordiagnosisandtreatment.Heexaminesyouandthen

prescribescertainmedicines.Youtakethem.Youreasonout:“Thisisthedisease.Thedoctorhas givenmeIronandIodide.Ironwillimprovemyblood.TheIodidewillstimulatethelympathisand absorbtheexudationandgrowthintheliver.”Thenthediseaseiscuredbyacourseofthesedrugs foramonth.Thenyougetknowledgeandperfectfaithinthemedicineandthedoctor.Thenyou recommendtoyourfriendthisdoctoranddrugs:“Dr.Jamesisacleverman.Heisanexpert. Huxley’stonicisaverygoodnervineandbloodtonic.”

8.Themindwantsalwaystobedoingsomethingandwhenitattachesitselfwiththeobjects itcherishes,itfeelsamusedandhappy.Aplayatcardshasnothinginitbuttheattachmentand attentiongivespleasure.Itisdifficulttodivertthemindwhichfrominfancyhasfallenintothe pernicioushabitofseekingpleasureoutwardlyanditshalleverpersistindoingso,unlessyougive itsomethingsuperiortobeamusedwith,agreaterformofpleasuretodelightin.

9.Themindinthevastmajorityofpersonshasbeenallowedtorunwildandfollowitsown sweetwillanddesires.Itislikeaspoiledchildwhoisgiventomuchindulgencebyitsparentsora badlytrainedanimal.Themindsofmanyofusarelikemenageriesofwildanimals,eachpursuing thebentofitsownnatureandgoingitsownway.Restraintonthemindisathingunknowntothe vastmajorityofpersons.

10.Youknowtheexperienceofatreethroughthemindonly.Youmusthaveanintellectual grasp,intellectualconvictionandcomprehensiveunderstandingofBrahmanfirstthroughthe purifiedmind.Thehelpofthemindisalwaysneededeitherforperfectionofanobjectorthe understandingofBrahman.Meditationproceedsfromthemindonly.

11.MarkhowoneSankalpaexpandsintomanySankalpas(Vistara)inashorttime. SupposeyougetaSankalpatohavetea-partyforyourfriends.Onethoughtofteainvites instantaneouslythethoughtsofsugar,milk,teacups,tables,chairs,tablecloth,napkins,spoons, sweetmeats,saltedthings,etc.SothisworldisnothingbuttheexpansionofSankalpas.The expansionofthoughtsofthemindtowardstheobjectsisbondage(Bandha).Renunciationof Sankalpasisliberation(Moksha).YoumustbeeverwatchfulinnippingtheSankalpasinthebud. Thenonlyyouwillbereallyhappy.Mindtricksandplays.Youmustunderstanditsnature,ways andhabits.Thenonlyyoucancontrolitveryeasily.

12.Themindassumestheshapeofanyobjectitintentlythinksupon.Ifitthinksofan orangeitassumestheshapeofanorange.IfitthinksofLordKrishnawithfluteinhand,itassumes theshapeofLordKrishna.YoumusttrainthemindproperlyandgiveitproperSattvicfoodfor assimilation.HaveaSattvicbackgroundofthoughtormentalimage.

13.IfyoutastedOvaltineforamonth,‘mentaladhesion’toOvaltinecomesinthemind.If youareinthecompanyofSannyasins,ifyoureadbooksonYoga,Vedanta,etc.,asimilarmental adhesiontakesplaceinthemindforattainingGod-consciousness.Merementaladhesionwillnot helpyoumuch.BurningVairagya,burningMumukshutva,capacityforspiritualSadhana,intense andconstantapplicationandNididhyasana(meditation)areneeded.ThenonlySelf-realisationis possible.

14.TheformwhichtheendlessAtman(SupremeSpirit)assumesthroughSankalpais Manas(mind).ThemindattainsthequiescentstateofPara-Brahmanthroughitsenemyof discrimination.Itfirstturneditsbackupondiscriminationandhenceentangleditselfinthefoldsof Vasanasofobjects.

15.Mindiseverchangingandwandering.Thiswanderinghabitofthemindmanifestsitself invariousways.Youwillhavetobeonthealertalwaystocheckthiswanderinghabitofthemind. Ahouseholder’smindwanderstocinema,theatre,circus,etc.ASadhu’smindwanderstoBenares, VrindavanandNasik.ManySadhusneversticktooneplaceduringSadhana.Thewanderinghabit ofthemindmustbecontrolledbymakingitsticktooneplace,onemethodofSadhana,oneGuru andoneformofYoga.Arollingstonegathersnomoss.Whenyoutakeupabookforstudyyou mustfinishitbeforeyoutakeupanother.Whenyoutakeupanywork,youmustdevoteyour wholeheartedattentiontowardstheworkonhandandfinishitbeforeyoutakeupanotherwork. “Onethingatatimeandthatdonewellisaverygoodruleasmanycantell.”ThisisYogi’swayof doing.

16.Ifallthethoughtsareeliminated,thenthereremainsnothingwhichcanbecalledthe mind.Sothoughtsarethemind.Againthereisnosuchthingastheworldindependentofandapart fromthoughts.

17.Themindisgenerallyattractedbybrilliantlight,beauty,intelligence,variedcoloursand pleasantsounds.Donotbedeceivedbythesepaltrythings.Enquirewithin.Whatisthe Adhishthanaorbackgroundforallthesethings?ThereisoneEssenceatthebackofthemindandall objectsofthisseemingsense-universe.ThatEssenceisallfull(Paripurna)andself-contained.That EssenceistheBrahmanoftheUpanishads.ThatEssenceverilyyouare.‘TatTvamAsi,’mydear readers.

2.Thought-culture

1.Whenyousitformeditationthoughtsofyourfriendsandofficework,memoryof conversationthattookplaceinthepreviouseveningwithyourfriendsandrelativeswilldisturb yourmindandcausedistraction.Youwillhavetowithdrawthemindagainandagain,cautiously fromtheseextraneousworldlythoughtsandfixitagainandagaininyourLakshyaorpoint.You willhavetodisregardandignoretheworldlythoughts.Beindifferent.Donotwelcomethese thoughts.Donotidentifyyourselfwiththesethoughts,ideas.Saywithinyourself:“Idonotwant thesethoughts.Ihavenothingtodowiththesethoughts.”Theywillvanishgradually.

2.Themindisamischievousimp.Itislikeajumpingmonkey.Itmustbedisciplineddaily. Thenitwillgraduallycomeunderyourcontrol.Itisonlybythepracticaltrainingofyourmindthat youcanpreventbadthoughtsandactionsfromarisingandcanpreventbadthoughtsandactions thathavearisenfromrecurrence.Itisonlybythepracticaltrainingofyourmindthatyoucan encouragegoodthoughtsandactionstoariseandcanmaintaingoodthoughtsandactionswhen theyhavearisen.

3.Watchyourmindalwaysverycarefully.Bevigilant.Beonthealert.Donotallowwaves ofirritability,jealousy,anger,hatred,lusttoarisefromthemind.Thesedarkwavesareenemiesof

meditation,peaceandwisdom.Suppressthematoncebyentertainingsublimeanddivinethoughts. Evilthoughtsthathavearisenmaybedestroyedbyoriginatinggoodthoughtsandmaintainingthem byrepeatinganyMantraorNameoftheLord,bydoinggoodactions,bydwellingonthemiserythat arisesfromevilthoughts,byabstractingthemind,byanalysingtheoriginofthethoughts,by enquiryof‘WhoamI?’orbytheforceofthewillresolvingtosuppresstheevilthought.Whenyou attainthestateofpurity,noevilthoughtswillariseinyourmind.Justasitiseasytocheckthe intruderorenemyatthegate,soalsoitiseasytoovercomeanevilthoughtassoonasitarises.Nipit inthebud.Donotallowittostrikedeeproot.

4.Inthebeginningallsortsofevilthoughtswillariseinyourmindassoonasyousitfor meditation.Whydoesthishappenduringmeditationwhenyouattempttoentertainpurethoughts? Aspirantsleavetheirspiritualpracticesofmeditationonaccountofthis.Ifyoutrytodrivea monkeyitattemptstopounceonyouwithvengeance.EvensotheoldviciousSamskarasandold evilthoughtstrytoattackyouwithvengeanceandredoubledforceonlyatthetimewhenyoutryto raisegood,divinethoughts.Yourenemyendeavourstoresistyouvehementlywhenyoutrytoeject himoutofyourhouse.Thereisalawofresistanceinnature.Theoldevilthoughtsassertandsay“O man!Donotbecruel.Youhaveallowedustostayinyourmentalfactoryfromtimeimmemorial. Wehaveeveryrighttoabidehere.Wehavehelpedyouuptothistimeinallyourevilactions.Why doyouwanttooustusfromourdwellingplace?Wewillnotvacateourabode.”Donotbe discouraged.Goonwithyourpracticeofmeditationregularly.Theseevilthoughtswillbethinned out.Eventuallytheywillallperish.

5.Positivealwaysovercomesthenegative.Thisisthelawofnature.Negativeevilthoughts cannotstandbeforepositivegoodthoughts.Courageovercomesfear.Patienceovercomesanger andirritability.Loveovercomeshatred.Purityovercomeslust.Theveryfactthatyoufeeluneasy nowwhenanevilthoughtcomestothesurfaceofthemindduringmeditationindicatesthatyouare growinginspirituality.Inthosedaysyouconsciouslyharbouredallsortsofevilthoughts.You welcomedandnourishedthem.Persistinyourspiritualpractices.Betenaciousanddiligent.You areboundtosucceed.Evenadulltypeofaspirantwillnoticeamarvellouschangeinhimifhekeeps upthepracticeofJapaandmeditationfor2or3yearsinacontinuousstream.Nowhecannotleave thepractice.Evenifhestopshispracticeofmeditationforaday,hewillactuallyfeelthathehaslost somethingonthatday.Hismindwillbequiteuneasy.

6.Ifyouplaceabigmirrorinfrontofadogandkeepsomebreadinfront,thedogatonce barksatitsreflectioninthemirror.Itfoolishlyimaginesthatthereisanotherdog.Evenso,mansees hisownreflectiononlythroughhismind-mirrorinallthepeoplebutfoolishlyimagineslikethedog thattheyarealldifferentfromhimandfightsonaccountofhatredandjealousy.

7.Youwillbeabletoenterintodeepmeditationonlyifyouleadamorallife.Whenyou haveledthemorallife,youmayfurthertrytobuildupdiscriminationandtheotherstepsinyour mind.Youcancultivatethemindinconcentrationandcanfinallydevoteyourselftomeditation. Themoreyouleadthemorallife,themoreyoumeditate,thegreaterlikelihoodwillthenbeforyou toenterintoNirvikalpaSamadhiwhichcanliberateyoufromtheroundofbirthsanddeathsandcan conferonyoueternalBlissandImmortality.

3.ControlofThought

1.Themindislikeawheelwhichrevolvesendlesslywithtremendousvelocity.Itgenerates newthoughtswitheveryrevolution.ThiswheelissetinmotionbythevibrationofpsychicPranaor subtlePrana.ThepracticeofPranayamalessensthevelocityofthemindandslowsdownthewheel gradually.PerfectcontrolofPranawillbringthewheeltoastandstill.

2.Alcohol,meat,Rajasicfoods,cinema,novel-reading,obscenesongs,obscenesights,evil company,obscenetalkswillmakethewheelofmindrevolveveryrapidlywhereasfruits,Sattvic food,companyofMahatmas,studyofreligiousbooks,solitude,Japa,Kirtan,concentration, meditation,enquiryof‘WhoamI?’willslowdownthewheelandeventuallybringitdowntoa standstill.

3.IdentifyyourselfwiththeImmortalSelf.Enquire‘WhoamI?’wheneverthoughtsarisein yourmind.Allthethoughtswillgraduallydie.

4.Fewerthedesires,lesserthethoughts.Becomeabsolutelydesireless.Thewheelwillstop entirely.Ifyoureduceyourwants,ifyoudonottrytofulfillyourdesires,ifyoutrytoeradicateyour desiresonebyone,yourthoughtswilldiminishinfrequencyandlength.Thenumberofthoughts perminutewillalsodecrease.Fewerthethoughts,greaterthepeace.Rememberthisalways.A wealthymanwhodoesspeculationinabigcityandwhohasalargenumberofthoughtshasa restlessmind,inspiteofhiscomforts,whereas,aSadhuwholivesinthecaveofHimalayasand whoispracticingthought-controlisveryhappyinspiteofhispoverty.

5.Concentrationwillincreasebylesseningthenumberofthoughts.Certainlyitisanuphill worktoreducethenumberofthoughts.Inthebeginningitwillbetaxingyoumuch.Thetaskwillbe veryunpleasant.Butlateronyouwillrejoiceasyouwillgetimmensestrengthofmindandinternal peacebyreductionofthoughts.Armedwiththepatience,perseverance,vigilance,fiery determinationandironwill,youcancrushthethoughtseasilyjustasyoucrushalemonoran orangewithease.Aftercrushing,itwillbeeasyforyoutorootthemout.Merecrushingor suppressionwillnotsuffice.Theremaybeagainresurrectionofthoughts.Theyshouldbetotally eradicated,justasaloosetoothisrootedout.

6.Whenyougiveablowontheheadofasnakewithastickandcrushitshead,itremains absolutelymotionlessforsometime.Youthinkitisdead.Allofasuddenitraiseitsheadandruns swiftly.Evensothethoughtsthatwereoncecrushedandsuppressedbyyouregainstrengthand raiseuptheirheads.Theymustbedestroyedtotallybeyondresurrection.

7.Itisverydifficulttofixthemindononethoughtinthebeginning.Diminishthenumberof thoughts.Trytohavethoughtsononesubject.Ifyouthinkofaroseyoucanhaveallsortsof thoughtsconnectedwithroseonly.Youcanthinkofdifferentkindsofrosesthataregrownin differentpartsoftheworld.Youcanthinkofthevariouspreparationsthataremadeoutofrosesand theiruses.Youcanalloweventhoughtsofotherkindsofflowerstoenter;butdonotentertain thoughtsoffruitsandvegetables.Checktheaimlesswanderingofthemind.Donothavethoughts atrandomwhenyouthinkofarose.Graduallyyoucanfixthemindononethought.Youwillhave todisciplinetheminddaily.Eternalvigilanceisneededinthought-control.

8.Fewerthethoughts,greaterthementalstrengthandconcentration.Supposetheaverage numberofthoughtsthatpassthroughyourbrainwithinonehourisonehundred.Ifyousucceedin reducingthembyconstantpracticeofconcentrationandmeditationtoninetyyouhavegainedten percentofpowerofconcentrationofmind.Everythoughtthatisreducedaddsstrengthandpeaceto themind.Reductionofevenonethoughtwillgiveyoumentalstrengthandpeaceofmind.Youmay notbeabletofeelthisinthebeginningasyoudonotpossessasubtleintellect;butthereisaspiritual thermometerinsidetoregisterthereductionofevenasinglethought.Ifyoureduceonethoughtthe mentalstrengththatyouhavegainedbythisreductionwillhelpyoutoreducethesecondthought easily.

9.Inrubberplantation,planterstakerecoursetothemethodofthinningouttherubbertrees bycuttingthesmallsurplustreeswhichstandinthevicinityofbigtrees.Bysodoingtheycantap moremilkorrubberjuicefromthebigtrees.Evensoyoumustthinoutthethoughtsbydestroying themonebyonetodrinktheambrosialmilkornectarofImmortality.

10.Whenthetailofalizardiscut,thecutendwillflutteraboutforsometime,asthereisstill alittleresidualPranainthetail.Afteroneortwominutesallmotionwillcease.Evenso,evenafter thinningandreductionofthoughts,somethoughtswillmoveaboutlikethetailofthelizard.But theyarepowerless.Theycannotdoanyserioushavoc.Thereisnovitalityinthem.Justasthe drowningmantriestocatchanythingtosavehimself,soalsotheselifelessthoughtstrytheirlevel besttocomebacktotheirpreviousstateoflifeandvigour.Ifyougoonwithyourdailypracticeof concentrationandmeditationregularly,theywilldiebythemselveslikeagheelesslamp.

11.Inthebeginningofyourpracticeofthought-controlyouwillexperiencegreatdifficulty. Youwillhavetowagewarwiththem.Theywillhavetostruggletheirlevelbestfortheirown existence.Theywillsay:“Wehaveeveryrighttoremaininthisplaceofmind.Wehaveasole monopolyfromtimeimmemorialtooccupythisarea.Whyshouldwevacateourdominionnow? Wewillfightforourbirthrighttilltheend.”Theywillpounceuponyouwithgreatferocity.When yousitformeditationonlyallsortsofevilthoughtswillcropup.Asyouattempttosuppressthem theywanttoattackyouwithredoubledforceandvigour.Butpositivealwaysovercomesthe negative.Justasdarknesscannotstandbeforethesun,justasaleopardcannotstandbeforethelion soalsoallthesedark,negativethoughts,theseinvisibleintruders,enemiesofpeace,cannotstand beforethesublimedivinethoughts.Theymustdiebythemselves.

12.Justasthewarriorchopsofftheheadsofhisenemiesonebyone,whentheycomeofa fortressthroughatrapdoor,soalsochopthethoughtsonebyonewhentheyemergeoutthroughthe trapdoortothesurfaceofthemind.

13.Thesubstitutionmethodisveryeasyandeffectiveinthedestructionofevilthoughts. Cultivatepositivevirtuousthoughtsofmercy,love,purity,forgiveness,integrity,generosity, humility,etc.,inthegardenofyourmind.Thenegativeviciousthoughtsofhatred,lust,anger, greed,pride,etc.,willdiebythemselves.Itisdifficulttodestroytheevilthoughtsbyattackingthem directly.Youwillhavetotaxyourwillandwasteyourenergy.

14.Supposetheevilthoughtsstayinyourmindfortwelvehoursandrecureverythirdday. Ifyoucanmakethemstayfortenhoursandrecuronceinaweekbydailypracticeofconcentration

andmeditationthatisadecidedimprovement.Ifyoucontinueyourpractice,theperiodofstayand recurrencewillbegraduallylessened.Eventuallytheywilldisappearaltogether.Compareyour presentstateofmindwiththatoflastyearoryearbeforelast.Youwillbeabletofindoutyour progress.Theprogresswillbeveryslowinthebeginning.Itwillbedifficultforyoutogaugeyour growthandprogress.

15.Thoughtsgainstrengthbyrepetition.Ifyouentertainanevilthoughtoragoodthought once,thisevilthoughtorgoodthoughthasatendencytorecuragain.Thoughtscrowdtogether.Just asthebirdsofthesamefeatherflocktogether,soalsoifyouentertainoneevilthoughtallsortsof evilthoughtsjointogetherandattackyou.Ifyouentertainanygoodthought,allgoodthoughtsjoin together.

16.Likeattractslike.Ifyouentertainevilthoughtthatthoughtattractsallsortsofevil thoughtsfromothers.Youpassonthatthoughttoothersalso.Thoughtmoves.Thoughtisaliving dynamicforce.Thoughtisathing.Ifyouallowyourmindtodwellonasublimethought,this thoughtwillattractgoodthoughtsfromothers.Youpassongoodthoughtstoothers.Youpollute theworldwithyourbadthoughts.Youhelptheworldwithyourgoodthoughts.

17.Whenyoureachthespiritualsummitofthoughtlessnessyouwillreachtheabodeof Immortalityandeternalpeaceandsupremebliss.ORam!Startyourhomewardjourney.March boldlyinthespiritualpath.Benotafraidofdifficulties.Bebold.Ascendpeakafterpeak.Crossthe deepravinesofsubtleMohaandpridethatcomeonyourway.Takealongjumpandcrossthe mysticfrontierofAvyaktam.Chopoffthethoughtsthatwageagainandagainaguerrillawar.Enter nowtheinfinitedomainofpureblissandhighestknowledge.Regainyouroldpristinedivineglory. RestinyourSat-chit-anandaSvarupa.

4.PurificationofMind

1.YoumusthaveapuremindifyouwanttorealisetheSelf.Unlessthemindissetfreeand castsawayalldesires,cravings,worries,delusion,pride,lust,attachment,likesanddislikes,it cannotenterintothedomainofSupremePeaceandunalloyedfelicityoftheImmortalAbode.

2.Mindiscomparedtoagarden.Justasyoucancultivategoodflowersandfruitsina gardenbyploughingandmanuringthelandandremovingtheweedsandthornsandwateringthe plantsandtrees,soalsoyoucancultivatetheflowerofdevotioninthegardenofyourmindby removingtheimpuritiesofthemindsuchaslust,anger,greed,delusion,pride,etc.,andwateringit withDivinethoughts.Weedsandthornsgrowintherainyseason,disappearinsummer;buttheir seedsremainunderneaththeground.Assoonasthereisashower,theseedsagaingerminateand sproutout.EvensotheVrittisormodificationsofthemindmanifestonthesurfaceoftheconscious mind,thendisappearandassumeasubtleseed-state,theformofSamskarasorimpressions.The SamskarasagainbecomeVrittiseitherthroughinternalorexternalstimulus.Whenthegardenis clean,whentherearenoweedsandthornsyoucangetgoodfruits.Soalso,whenthemindispure, whenthemindisfreefromlust,anger,etc.,youcanhavethefruitofgooddeepmeditation. Thereforecleansethemindofitsimpuritiesfirst.Thenthecurrentofmeditationwillflowbyitself.

3.Ifyouwanttokeepagardenalwaysclean,youwillhavetoremovenotonlytheweeds andthornsandothersmallplantsbutalsotheseedsthatlieunderneaththegroundwhichagainand againgerminateduringrainyseason.Evenso,youwillhavetodestroynotonlythebigwavesor Vrittisofthemind,butalsotheSamskaraswhicharetheseedsforbirthsanddeaths,which germinatetheVrittisagainandagain,ifyouwanttoenterintoSamadhiandattainliberationor perfectfreedom.

4.Ifyouapplyfiretoagreenwooditwillnotburn,butifyouapplyfiretoapieceofdried wooditwillatoncecatchfireandburn.Evenso,thosewhohavenotpurifiedtheirminds,willnot beabletostartthefireofmeditation.Theywillbesleepingordreamingorwillbebuildingcastles intheairiftheysitformeditation.Butthosewhohaveremovedtheimpuritiesoftheirmindsby Japa,service,charity,Pranayama,etc.,willenterintodeepmeditationassoonastheysitfor meditation.Thepureripemindwillatonceburnwiththefireofmeditation.

5.Ifyoudonotcleanaplatedaily,itwillloseitslustre.Itisthesamewiththemindtoo.The mindbecomesimpureifitisnotkeptcleanbytheregularpracticeofmeditation.Meditation removesthedrossofthemindinaneffectivemanner.Thereforepracticemeditationintheearly morningregularly.

6.Donotcausepainorsufferingtoanylivingbeingfromgreed,selfishness,irritability, annoyance.Giveupangerorill-will.Giveupthespiritoffighting,heateddebates.Donotargue.If youquarrelwithsomebodyorifyouhaveaheateddebatewithanybody,youcannotmeditatefor3 or4days.Yourbalanceofmindwillbeupset.Muchenergywillbewastedinuselesschannels.The bloodwillbecomehot.Thenerveswillbeshattered.Youmusttryyourlevelbesttokeepaserene mindonly.Aserenemindisavaluablespiritualassetforyou.

7.Youmustpracticeausterityofspeechifyoureallywanttoattainquickprogressin meditation.Youmustalwaysspeaksweet,lovingwords.Youmustspeaktruthatanycost.You mustnotspeakanyharshwordoranyindecentwordthatiscalculatedtohurtthefeelingsofothers. Youshouldweighyourwordswellbeforetheyarespoken.Youmustspeakafewwordsonly.This isausterityofspeechorVak-Tapasthatwillconserveenergyandgiveyoupeaceofmindandinner strength.

8.Examineyourcharacter.Pickupthedefectsinit.Findoutitsopposite.Letussaythatyou sufferfromirritability.Theoppositeofirritabilityispatience.Trytodevelopthisvirtueby meditatingontheabstractvirtueofpatience.Regularlyeverymorningsitdownat4a.m.inPadma orSiddhaAsanainasolitaryroomforhalfanhour,andbegintothinkonpatience,itsvalue,its practiceunderprovocation,takingonepointoneday,anotheronanotherday,andthinkingas steadilyasyoucan,recallingthemindwhenitwanders.Thinkofyourselfasperfectlypatient,a modelofpatienceandenditwithavow:“ThispatiencewhichismytrueSelf,Iwillfeelandshow fromtoday.”

9.Forafewdaysprobablytherewillbenochangeperceptible.Youwillstillfeelandshow irritability.Goonpracticingsteadilyeverymorning.Presentlyyouseeanirritablething,the thoughtwillflashintoyourmind:“Ishouldhavebeenpatient.”Stillgooninpractice.Soonthe thoughtofpatiencewillarisewiththeirritableimpulseandtheoutermanifestationwillbechecked.

Stillgoonpractising.Theirritableimpulsewillgrowfeeblerandfeebleruntilyoufindthat irritabilityhasdisappearedandthatpatiencehasbecomeyournormalattitudetowardsannoyances. Inthismanneryoucandevelopvariousvirtuessuchassympathy,self-restraint,purity,humility, benevolence,nobility,generosity,etc.

10.ItistheactionsofthemindthataretrulytermedKarmas.Trueliberationresultsfromthe disenthralmentofthemind.Thosewhohavefreedthemselvesfromthefluctuationoftheirminds comeintopossessionofthesupremeNishtha(meditation).Shouldthemindbepurgedofallits impurities,thenitwillbecomeverycalmandalltheSamsaricdelusionsattendantwithitsbirthsand deathswillbesoondestroyed.

11.ConcentrationofthemindonGodafterpurificationcangiveyourealhappinessand knowledge.Youarebornforthispurposeonly.Youarecarriedawaytoexternalobjectsthrough RagaandMoha.Divedeep.TheDivineFlame,theLightoflightsisburningthere.Plungedeep. Mergewithin.

5.HowtoSteadytheMind

1.Theexternalobjectsarecontinuouslyactinguponthebrain.Thesense-impressionsreach thebrainthroughsense-avenuesandproducementalstimuli.Nowyouareconsciousoftheexternal objects.Consciousnessmaybecausedbyanawakeningeitherbyexternalstimulus,i.e.,stimulus fromasense-impressionoraninternalstimulusthroughmemory.Eachsimplesense-impressionis ahighlycomplexbundleofafferentstimuli.‘Afferentstimuli’meanstimulithatarecarriedfrom outsidetowardsthebrain.Astimulusisanawakeninginthesubstratumofthemind.The associationsofawakeningswhicharisefromasinglesense-impressionareverycomplex.

2.Whenyoumeditate,disregardthesubstratumawakeningsinthemindthatariseoutofthe senses.Avoidcarefullythecomparisonswithallothercrossreferencesandmemoriesofideas. ConcentratethewholeenergyofthemindontheoneideaofGodorAtmanitselfwithoutany comparisonwithanyotheridea.

3.Avoidallothersense-impressionsandideas.Preventthecomplicationsthatariseoutof correlatedactioninthesubstratumofthemind.Abstractthemindandtheoneideaalone.Shutout allotherprocessofmentation.Nowthewholemindwillbefilledwiththeoneideaonly.Nishtha willensue.Justastherecurrenceorrepetitionofathoughtoractionleadstoperfectionofthat thoughtoraction,soalsodoesrecurrenceofthesameprocessonthesameidealeadtothe perfectionofabstraction,concentrationandmeditation.

4.YouwillfindveryoftenthesetermsintheGita:“Ananya-chetah,Machitta,Nitya-yukta, Manmanah,EkagramManah,Sarva-bhava.”Thesetermsdenotethatyouwillhavetogiveyourfull mind,entirely100percentofmindtoGod.ThenonlyyouwillhaveSelf-realisation.Evenifone rayofmindrunsoutside,itisimpossibletoattainGod-consciousness.

5.YoucannotenjoypeaceofmindandcannotpracticemeditationifthereisVikshepa (tossing)inyourmind.Vikshepaisoscillationofmind.VikshepaisRajas.Vikshepaanddesire

coexistinthemind.IfyoureallywanttodestroyVikshepa,youmustdestroyallmundanedesires andcravingsthroughdispassionandself-surrendertotheLord.

6.Topracticemeditationorcontemplationinamindunpreparedbynon-adherencetothe moralpreceptsislikebuildingahouseonarottenfoundation.Youmaybuildupthehouse,butit willsurelyfall.Youmaypracticemeditationformanyyearsbutyouwillnotrealiseanytangible resultorfruit,ifyouhavenoethicalfoundation.Youwillfalldown.Thereforementalpurity throughethicaltrainingisofparamountimportance,ifyouwishtoachievesuccessinmeditation andSamadhi.Beforeyouattempttopracticemeditation,youmustleadthenecessarycorrectmoral life.Youmusthavethenecessaryrightunderstanding.Thenonlyyouwillhavesanguinesuccessin meditation.Muchmoretimeisrequiredinthepreparationofthemindformeditationthanforthe actualpractice.

7.Driveoffnegativethoughts.Becomepositivealways.Positiveoverpowersnegative.You candonicemeditationwhenyouarepositive.

8.Ifthemindconstantlydwellsonsensualobjects,theconceptionoftherealityofthe universewillsurelyincrease.IfthemindceaselesslythinksofAtman(Absolute),theworldappears likeadream.

9.Freeyourselffromthebasethoughtsofthemind,thevarioususelessSankalpas (imaginations).MakeceaselessenquiryofAtman.Marktheword‘ceaseless.’Thisisimportant. Thenonlytherewillbedawnofspiritualknowledge.TheJnanaSurya(thesunofknowledge)will ariseinthefirmamentofChidakasa(knowledge-space).

10.Justasyourendertheturbidwaterpurebytheadditionofclearing-nut(strychnos potatorum),soalsoyouwillhavetomaketheturbidmindfilledwithVasanasandfalseSankalpas, purebyBrahma-chintana(thinkingandreflectionontheAbsolute).Thenonlytherewillbetrue illumination.

11.Justasthemanwhofoolishlyrunsaftertworabbitswillnotcatchholdofanyoneof them,soalsoameditatorwhorunsaftertwoconflictingthoughtswillnotgetsuccess.Ifhehas Divinethoughtsfortenminutesandthenworldlyconflictingthoughtsforthenexttenminutes,he willnotsucceedinattainingtheDivineConsciousness.Youmustrunafteronerabbitonlywith vigour,strengthandone-pointedness.Youaresuretocatchit.YoumusthaveonlyDivinethoughts atalltimes.ThenonlyyouaresuretorealiseGodsoon.

12.Justasyousaturatethewaterwithsaltorsugar,youwillhavetosaturatethemindwith thoughtsofGodandBrahman,withDivineglory,Divinepresence,withsublime,soul-awakening spiritualthoughts.ThenonlyyouwillbeestablishedintheDivineConsciousnessalways.

13.InNididhyasana(meditation)youwillhavetodeveloptheSajatiya-vritti-pravaha. MakethethoughtsofBrahmanorDivinePresenceflowlikeinundationofflood.Do Vijatiya-vritti-tiraskara.Renouncethethoughtsofobjects.Drivethemawaywiththewhipof VivekaandVichara.Thereisstruggleinthebeginning.Itistryingindeed.Butlateronasyougrow strongerandstrongerandasyougrowinpurityandBrahmaChintana,Sadhanabecomeseasy.You

rejoiceinthelifeofunity.YougetstrengthfromAtman.InnerstrengthgrowswhenalltheVishaya Vrittisarethinnedoutandthemindbecomesone-pointed(Ekagrata).

14.Duringmeditationnotehowlongyoucanshutoutallworldlythoughts.Watchthemind verycarefully.Ifitisfortwentyminutes,trytoincreasetheperiodtothirtyorfortyminutesand graduallytotwoorthreehours.FillthemindwiththethoughtsofGodagainandagain.

15.Themindcanbecontrolledbycontinuouspractice.Youmustkeepitalwaysoccupiedin Divinecontemplation.Ifyouslackenyourefforts,idlethoughtswillatonceenter.Continuous practicecanbringthemindundercontrol,quiteeasily.Samadhiispossiblebythepracticeof continuousmeditationwithalightdiet.

16.Putapieceofironrodintheblazingfurnace.Itbecomesredlikeafire.Removeit.It losesitsredcolour.Ifyouwanttokeepitalwaysred,youmustalwayskeepitinfire.Evenso,ifyou wanttokeepthemindchargedwiththefireofBrahmicwisdom,youmustalwayskeepitincontact ortouchwiththeBrahmicfireofknowledgethroughconstantandintensemeditation.Youmust keepupanunceasingflowoftheBrahmicconsciousness.ThenonlyyouwillhavetheSahaja Avastha(naturalstate).

17.Sitatease.Closeyoureyes.Lookwithin.Withdrawtheraysofthemind.Silencethe thoughts.MeditateonAtmanortheAbsolute.ChantOm.SingOm.FeelOm.MentallyrepeatOm. Themindwillmovenowtoitscentreorsourceslowly.Youwillforgetthebodyandtheworld.The breathingwillbecomeveryslow.Thebreathwillmovewithinthenostrils.Yourheartwillbe floodedwithjoyandbliss.Divinenectarwilltrickledown.Drinkittoyourheart’scontentand attainImmortality.Divinepeace,eternaltranquillitywillrolloveryourhead,waveafterwave. Plungedeepintheoceanofpeace.Swimfreelyandrejoice.Whatamagnanimous,happystate! Whatablissfulfreedom!Whatawonderfulperfectionandindependence!

18.Thefightbetweenold,evilSamskarasandnewSattvicSamskaraswillcometoanend now.TheeternalwarbetweenSattva,RajasandTamaswillcease.Therebelliousmindandsenses willbeobedientcaptivesnow.Theconflictbetweenevilandsublimethoughtswillterminate. Impulsesandemotionswillvanishintoto.Howpleasantanddelightfulistheeternallifeinthe Atman!HowsweetandenjoyableisthisDivineLife!Realisethisandbefree.

6.ControloftheSenses

1.ManyaspirantsfailtoenterintoSamadhiorBrahmicBlissonaccountofrestlessnessof anyoneoftheIndriyas(senses).ControlofIndriyasisindispensablyrequisiteforspiritual Sadhana.

2.DevelopVairagya.WithoutVairagyaandrestraintofIndriyasnomeditationorSamadhi ispossible.EnergywillleakoutifVairagyawanes.Vairagyaisnon-attachmenttosensualobjects. Itisamentalstate.

3.ControltheIndriyas.ThroughintrospectionfindoutwhichIndriyaistroublingyouand curbitruthlessly.GiveuptheobjectswhichtheparticularIndriyatriestograsp.Destroythe

thirstingforobjectsandsense-enjoyments.ThenyouwillbeestablishedinSamadhiorSupreme Peace.

4.DisciplinetheIndriyas.Speaktruth.Talklittle.ObserveMounafortwohoursdaily. Speaksweet,loving,softwords.Donotutterharshwords.Donotabuseanybody.Thisisthe disciplineofVak-Indriya,theorganofspeech.

5.Donotgotocinemas.Donotlookatladieswithalustfullook.Whenyoumoveinthe streetslookatthetipofthenoseorbigtoeandwalk.Donotlookhitherandthither.Thisisthe disciplineofeye,theorganofsight.

6.Donotattendnautchpartyanddonothearvulgarmusic.Giveupmusicalentertainments. Donothearworldlytopics.Thisisthedisciplineofear,theorganofhearing.

7.Donotusescents.Thisisthedisciplineofnose,theorganofsmell.Giveupsaltandsugar foraweek.Liveonsimplefood.FastonEkadasidaysorliveonmilk.Thisisthedisciplineof tongue,theorganoftaste.

8.ObserveBrahmacharya.Thisisthedisciplineofthereproductiveorgan.Sleeponahard mat.Walkbare-footed.Donotuseumbrella.Thisisthedisciplineoftheskin,theorganoftouch.

9.FixthemindonyourIshtaDevata.Bringitbackagainandagainwhenitwandersandfix itontheimage.ThisistheSadhanaforcheckingthewanderingmindanddeveloping concentration.Byconstant,regularpractice,youcanfixthemindonGodsteadily.

10.Youmaythinkorfalselyconjecturethatthesensesareunderyourcontrol.Youmaybe duped.Allofasuddenyouwillbecomeavictimoraslave.Youmusthavenotonlycontrolofone IndriyabutalsoParamaVasyamorsupremecontrolofalltheIndriyas. Thesensesmaybecome turbulentatanytime.Reactionmaysetin. Beware!

MaytheLordbestowonyouVairagya,Vivekaandinnerspiritualstrengthtocontrolthe sensesandenterintoSamadhi.

7.ConquestofMind

1.ThemindcanbecontrolledbyAbhyasaandVairagya.Abhyasaisconstantefforttofix themindonGodorAtman.Vairagyaisdispassionornon-attachmenttosensualobjects.

2.Enquire‘WhoamI?’DoVichara.DomentalJapaofOmandmeditateonAtman.All thoughtswilldiebythemselves.YouwillrestinSat-chit-anandaAtman.

3.SitaloneandwatchtheVrittisofthemind.Beindifferent.RemainasaSakshi.Donot identifyyourselfwiththeVrittis.Themindwillcomeunderyourcontrol.

4.Destroythefuelofdesire;thefireofthoughtwillbeextinguished.Withtheannihilation ofSankalpa,therealityofBrahmanwillshine.

5.CultivateDivinequalitiessuchasfriendliness,mercy,gladnessandindifferencetowards happiness,pain,virtueandvice.Youwillgetpeaceofmired.

6.Donotthinkofthepast.Donotplanforthefuture.Donotallowthemindtobuildimages. Liveinthesolidpresent.

7.Doathingwhichtheminddoesnotwanttodo.Donotdoathingwhichthemindwantsto do.

8.Donottrytofulfilyourdesires.Donothope.Donotexpectanything.Destroythevicious desiresthroughvirtuousdesiresanddestroythevirtuousdesiresalsothroughonestrongdesirefor liberation.

9.PracticeofPranayamadestroysRajasandTamas;makethemindsteadyandone-pointed.

10.Studyofreligiousbooks,Tapas,charityandSatsangawithMahatmas,Sadhusand SannyasinsoverhaulsworldlyviciousSamskarasandpavesalongwayinthecontrolofmind.

11.JapaofanyMantraandUpasanadestroytheimpuritiesofthemind,makethemind inward,induceVairagya,helpconcentrationandeventuallyleadtocontrolofmindandattainment ofGod-consciousness.

12.‘KalauKesava-kirtanat.’InthisKaliYugatheeasiestwayforcontrollingthemindand attainingMokshaisKirtanorsingingtheNameoftheLord.

13.Foodhasinfluenceovermind.Sattvicfood(milk,fruits,etc.)calmsthemind.Rajasic food(meat,alcohol,etc.)excitesthemind.TakeSattvicfood.HaveMitahara(moderationindiet).

14.Destroyevilhabitsbyestablishingnewgoodhabits.Controlthelowerinstinctivemind throughthehigherSattvicmind.

15.ConstantselflessservicewithAtmaBhavaishighlyefficaciousinpurifyingand controllingthemind.

16.Donotwrestleorstrugglewiththemind.Beregularinyourconcentrationand meditation.MayPeace,Joy,BlissandImmortalityabideinyouforeverandever!OmSanti,Santi, Santih!

CHAPTERV VEDANTA

1.GistofVedanta

1.TheVedaexclaimsfromtimeimmemorial:“Ekamsatviprahbahudha vadanti—Existenceisone;SagescallItbydifferentnames”Rig-VedaI-164-46.God,Brahman Allah,Isvara,Jehova,Ahurmazda,etc.,areone.IoffermyworshiptothatSupremeBeing,One Eternalhomogeneousessence,indivisiblemassofblissandintelligence—whomsagesdescribein avarietyofwaysthroughdiversityofintellect.

2.VedantaisthereligionoftheUpanishads.Itisthepropertyofall.Ithasnoquarrelwith anyreligionwhatsoever.Itpreachesuniversalprinciples.Itinculcatestheideaofthatuniversal religionwhichisthefountainheadofallthereligionsoftheworld.Itunitesall.Itshowstheeasy meanstoattaintheEternalHappiness,PeaceandBliss,thegoalofhumanexistence.

3.ThefundamentalprinciplesofSriSankara’ssystemofVedantaarebeautifully summarisedinthefollowingcouplet:“Iexpressinhalfaversewhathasbeensaidincroresof books:Brahmanisreal;theworldisphenomenal(unreal);andthesoul(Jiva)isnoneelsethan Brahman.”

4.RealisationoftheidentityoftheindividualsoulwiththeSupremeSouleradicatestotally themiseriesbornoftherelativeexistenceandremovestheveilofignoranceintheindividualsoul. Thisrealizationcancomebymeditationortherightenquiryinto:“WhoamI?Whatisthis universe?WhatisAtmanorSoul?WhatistherelationbetweenindividualsoulandtheSupreme Soul?WhencehaveIcome?WhitherwillIgo?”

5.Selfispure,eternal,unchanging,Immortal,Self-luminous,Infiniteandall-pervading.He isBlissAbsolute.Butthebodyisimpure,changing,perishable,insentientandfinite.Itiscomposed offleshandbones.Andyettheignorantmanequatesthetwo.Cantherebeanyignoranceworse thanthis?

6.TheeyecannotperceiveHim.ThemindcannotreachHim.Thegrossworldlyintellect cannotgraspHim.ThespeechcannotdescribeHim.Thespeechreturnsbackalongwiththemind, asitisnotabletodescribeHiminadequateterms.Sagesdeclare:“Wearebaffledinoureffortsto describeHim.Hisgloryisindescribable.TodescribeHimistodenyHim.”Howcanafinitemind grasptheInfinite?ButHecanbedirectlyrealisedbythataspirantwhoisequippedwiththefour meansofsalvation,whodoesconstantmeditation,whohasasharp,subtleandpureintellect.

7.Thenotionofdualityoftheapparentworldofnamesandformsmustbedissolved.The namesandformsshouldbesublatedandthehiddenessencemustbegrasped.SeetheSelfinall. Ignorethenamesandforms.Unitewithall.Loveall.Destroyalldifferences.ServetheSelfinall. SeetheSelfinall,inallactions.ThisistheVedanticSadhana.

8.Behindthisworld-show,behindthesephysicalphenomena,behindthesenamesand forms,behindthefeelings,thoughts,emotionsandsentimentstheredwellsthesilentWitness,thy Immortalfriendandrealwell-wisher,theunseenGovernororMaster,theinvisiblepowerof Consciousness.HeiscalledtheSupremebeing,Atman,BrahmanortheInfiniteSelforthe ImmortalSoul.Know:ThouartThat—‘TatTvamAsi’andbefreeforever.Youshouldliveinthe veryspiritofVedantabydestroyingI-nessandmine-ness,selfishnessandattachment.Thenalone youcanbereallyhappyevenwhiledischargingthedutiesofyourdailylife.All-embracing, all-inclusivelovemustbecultivatedanddeveloped.Thatisall.ThenyoucanfeeltheSelfinall,the Oneinall.Vedantaisnotamereconceptoradogma.Itisneithermeretheorynordryphilosophy.It isalivingexperience,themeltingoftheindividualsoulintheoceanofDivineConsciousnessorthe SupremeSoul.Negatethebody,identifyyourselfwiththeeternalSoul.RepeatmentallyOm. MeditateontheSelfandrestinyourownSat-chit-anandaSvarupa.Mayyoulivedrownedinthe OceanofBrahmicBlissinanilluminedstate!

2.PracticalVedanta

1.YoumustbeapracticalVedantin.Meretheorisingandlecturingisonlyintellectual gymnasticsandlingualwarfare.Thiswillnotsuffice.IfVedantaisnotpracticable,notheoryisof anyvalue.YoumustputVedantaindailypractice,ineveryaction.Vedantateachesonenessor unityofSelf.Youmustradiatelovetooneandall.ThespiritofVedantamustbeingrainedinyour cellsortissues,veins,nervesandbones.Itmustbecomepartandparcelofyournature.Youmust thinkofunity,speakofunityandactinunity.Ifyoudeliverathrillinglectureontheplatformon Vedantaandsay:“Iamtheall.IamtheoneSelfinall.Thereisnothingbutmyself,”andshowin actionnextmomentadifferentattitudeofselfishnessandseparateness,youwillnotproduceany impressiononthepublic.YouwillbecalledadryVedantinonly.Nobodywillcareforyou.

2.SeehowRajaJanakalived.HelivedthelifeofapracticalVedantinwhilerulingthe kingdom.YoucannotconceiveofanymanbusierthanRajaJanaka.Hewasrulingovermillionsof peopleandyethewasasage,deepthinker,profoundphilosopherandpracticalVedantin.Hehadno attachmenttohisproperty,bodyorhisfamily.Hesharedwhathehadwithothers.Hemovedwith all.Hehadequalvisionandabalancedmind.Hehadaverybusylifeamidstluxuries.Hewasnota bitaffectedbyexternalinfluences.Healwayskeptupaserenemind.Hehelddiscussionswith varioussagesontranscendentalmatters.Thatisthereasonwhyhestilllivesinourhearts.

3.VedantaofknowledgeofSelfisnotthesolepropertyofSannyasinsorrecluseswholive inforestsorcavesoftheHimalayas.StudytheUpanishadsandyouwillfindthatmanyKshatriya kingswhowereverybusyintheirdailyaffairsoflifewereinpossessionofBrahmaJnana.They gaveinstructionstoBrahminpriestseven.

4.SvetaketuAruneya(grandsonofAruni),repairedtotheassemblyofthePanchalas. PravahanaJaivali(thekingofPanchala,aKshatriya)askedhim:“Boy,hasyourfatherinstructed you?”“Yes,Sir,”hereplied.

5.“Doyouknowtowhatplacemengofromhere?”“No,Sir,”hereplied.“Doyouknow howtheyreturnagain?”“No,Sir,”hereplied.“DoyouknowwherethepathoftheDevasandthe pathoftheFathersdiverge?”“No,Sir,”hereplied.“Doyouknowwhythatworld(thatofFathers)

neverbecomesfull?”“No,Sir,”hereplied.“Thenwhydidyousaythatyouhadbeeninstructed? Howcouldanybodywhodidnotknowthesethingssaythathehadbeentaught?”Thentheboy, troubledinmindcametohisfather’splaceandsaid:“Thoughyouhadnottaughtme,yousaidyou hadinstructedme.ThatfellowofaRajanya(King,Kshatriya)askedmefivequestions,andIcould notanswerevenoneofthem.”

6.ThenGautamawenttotheking’spalaceandwhenhereachedthepalace,thekingoffered himproperrespect.Inthemorning,hewenttothekinginhisassembly.Thekingsaidtohim:“Sir, Gautama,askaboonofsuchthingsasbelongtotheworldofmen.”Hereplied:“Letsuchthingsas menpossessmayremainwithyou.Tellmethesamespeechwhichyouaddresstomyboy.”

7.Thekingwasperplexed.Hecommanded:“Stayhereforsometime.”Thenhesaid:“Asto whatyouhavesaidtome,Gautama,thisknowledgedidnotgotoanyBrahmanabeforeyou;and thereforethisteachingbelonged,amongallthepeople,totheKshatriyaalone.”

8.SukaDevahadtogotoRajaJanakatohaveconfirmationofhisknowledgeand realization.HewastestedbyJanakainhisDurbar.RajaJanakaarrangedformusicanddancing partiesallaroundhispalacetodistracttheattentionofSukaDeva.Therewerevariouskindsof showandentertainments.SukaDevawasaskedtocarryinhishandacupofmilkthatwasfilledto theverybrimroundhispalace,andtomakethreeroundswithoutallowingadroptooverflowand fallontheground.SukahadcompletesuccessinhisattemptashewasfullyestablishedinhisSelf. Nothingcoulddistracthismind.

9.AnEnglishman,acollectorofaDistrict,sawasickpatientontheroadsideinadying condition.Hewasaverysympatheticman.Hecarriedthepatienttotheneighbouringhospitalon hisownshoulders.Lookathisfeelingofoneness!HeisapracticalVedantinwhetherheknows Upanishadsornot.ManypeopleandSannyasinssay:“MahatmaGandhijiwasasimpleKarma Yogionly.HewasnotaVedantin.”ThereisnopracticalVedantingreaterthanGandhiji.Helived ineverymomentofhislifethelifeofapracticalVedantin.Helivedforthewell-beingoftheworld only.Hewasanerve-centreforthisworld.Hewasonewithall.Heembracedallwithpurelove. Self-sacrifice,service,non-violence,truthfulness,purity,unitywerehiscreed.Buthehadneverput alabelofaVedantin.Heneveradvertised:“IamBrahman.AhamBrahmaAsmi.”

10.Thesun,theflowers,theGanga,thesandaltrees,thefruit-bearingtrees,thecows—all teachpracticalVedantatotheworld.Theyliveforservingthehumanityinadisinterestedspirit. ThesunradiatesitslightalikeoveracottageofapeasantandapalaceofaMaharaja.Theflowers wafttheirfragrancetoallwithoutexpectinganything.Thecool,refreshingwatersoftheGangaare drunkbyall.Thesandaltreewaftsitsaromaeventothemanwhocutsitwithanaxe.All fruit-bearingtreesbehaveinthesamemanner.Theypleasethegardenerwhonourishedthemas wellasthemanwhocutsthem.Thecowslivetonourishthebabies,thechildrentheinvalidsandthe convalescents.Imagineforamomentthattheworldisdevoidofcowsforsixmonthsortheraceof cowshasbecomeextinct.Howmiserableandweakyouwillbecome!Theworldwillaboundwith anaemicpatients.Oselfishignorantman!LearnlessonsfromthesepracticalVedantinsandbecome wise.

11.IfaYogiorSannyasiwhoisabletokeepupserenityofmindwhilelivinginthecaveofa forest,complainsofdisturbanceofmindwhenhelivesinthebustleofacity,hehasnocontrolof mind.Hehasnoinnerspiritualstrength.HeisnotapracticalVedantin.HehasnotSelf-realisation. Hehasnotattainedthegoaloflife.HeisstillwithinthedomainsofMaya.ArealYogiorapractical Vedantinisonewhocankeepperfectcalmnessofmindwhileperformingintenseactivitiesamidst thebustleofacity.ThisisthecentralteachingoftheGita.LordKrishnasays:“Remembermeatall timesandfight.”LordKrishnaimpartedHisinstructionstoArjunainthebattlefield.Though Arjunawasdespondentinthebeginning,hegainedspiritualstrengthandfoughtinthebattlefield withperfecttranquillityofmind.HebecameapracticalVedantineventually.

12.BeholdtheonehomogeneousSelfinall.MentallyrepeattheformulaorMantra:“Om EkSat-chit-anandaAtma”wheneveryouperceiveanyform.Negatetheillusorynameandform andtrytobeonewiththeunderlying,immortalessence.ServeallwithAtmaBhava.Meltall illusorydifferences.Annihilateseparateness.Destroyallunreasonabledislikesorprejudices.Mix withall.Includeall.Embraceall.Sharewhatyouhave(physical,mental,moral,spiritual)withall. Neverremainidleevenforamoment.Leadalifeofintenseactivity,butinthemidstofitkeep alwaysacalmmindandthusbecomeapracticalVedantin.GlorytosuchpracticalVedantins!May theyradiateJoy,PeaceandLoveeverywhere!Maytheymoveaboutastorch-bearersofTruth, DivineLightandDivineSplendour!MaytheydemonstratealifeofpracticalVedantabytheirvery exemplaryliving!

3.WhoAmI? I

Thisisaworldofdiversity.Intellectsaredifferent.Facesaredifferent.Religionsare different.Soundsaredifferent.Faithsaredifferent.Coloursaredifferent.Facultiesaredifferent. Tastesandtemperamentsaredifferent.Butonethingiscommoninall.EveryoneofuswantsNitya Sukha(eternalhappiness),infiniteknowledge,immortality,freedomandindependence.These thingscanbeobtainedbyknowledgeoftheSelfalone.

Everybodywantseternalhappinessthatisnotmixedwithsorrowandpain.Everyeffortisto achievethishappiness.Buthedoesnotknowtheplacewherefromhecangetthissupremebliss.If youwanttoenjoysupremeblissyouwillhavetorealisetheSelf,orgetknowledgeofAtman.The bestmeanstoacquirethisknowledgeistheenquiryof‘WhoamI?’Thisenquiryhasthe potentialityofproducingthequiescenceofmindwhichwillenableittowadethroughthisoceanof Samsara.Itdemandsasubtlesharp,pureintellect,boldunderstandingandgiganticwill.Enquiryof ‘WhoamI?’istheVedanticmethodorAtma-Vichara.

Thiscommonplace‘I’thateveryoneisgliblytalkingaboutandrelishingacutelyevery momentofhislife,fromthebabblingbabytothefabulousoldmanmustbeclearlyanalysed.

ThephysicalbodyortheSthulaSariraisnotthe‘I’.Itistheproductoffood.Itcomprisesthe materialsheath.ItiscalledbythenameAnnamayaKosaorfood-sheath.Itlivesonfoodanddies

withoutit.ItismadeupofsevencomponentsorDhatusorfiveelements.Itisabundleofskin,flesh, fat,bones,marrow,bloodandalotofotherfilthythings.

Itdoesnotexistbeforebirthorafterdeath.Itlastsonlyforashortinterveningperiod.Itis transient.Itundergoeschangesuchaschildhood,youthandoldage.Ithasthesixchanges(Shad Vikaras),viz.,existence,birth,growth,modification,decayanddeath.Itisnotofonehomogeneous essence.Itismanifold,inertorinsentient(Jada).Itisanobjectofperceptionlikethetableorchair. Youcontinuetoliveevenwhenhandsandlegsaregone.

Howcanthebody,abundleofflesh,bone,fatandfilthbetheself-existent,eternallypure Atman,theknower,thesilentwitnessofchangesthattakeplaceinthebodyandallthings,theinner rulerofall?ThattheAtmaniscertainlydifferentfromthebody,itscharacteristics,itsactivitiesand itsstatesisself-evidentandneedsnodemonstration.

Thisperishablebodyisnot‘I’.ItremainsasalogofwoodafterthePranahasdepartedfrom thebody.Itdecomposesanddisintegrates.Itcannotmove.Itcannottalk.Indreamorsleepstatethe bodyremainslikealogofwoodonthebed.Evenifthelegisamputated,the‘I’stillremains.The bodyiseverchanging.ItisJada.Ithasabeginningandanend.ItistheresultofKarma.Itisan effectofAvidya.ItisamodificationofTamo-Guna.ItisanobjectofDrishya(thatcanbeseenby thephysicalsense).Ithasacause.Yousayalways:‘Mybody.’Thisindicatesthatyouaredifferent fromthebodyandthebodyisyourinstrument.Itindicatesthatthebodyisyourpropertyandthe possessorisdistinctfromthebody.Youareholdingitjustasyouholdawalkingstickinthehand. OccultistshavedemonstratedintheWestoftheirexistenceapartfromthephysicalbodyby separatingtheastralbodyfromthephysicalandshowingittotheaudience.Indreamsyouoperate throughtheastralbodywithouthavinganyconcernwiththefleshybody.SriSankara,Hastamalaka andVikramadityahadseparatedthemselvesfromtheirphysicalbodiesandenteredotherbodies (ParakayaPravesha).Spiritsmaterialize.Variousphotographsofspiritshavebeentaken.They possessmediaandprescribemedicinesasdoctorsinclinicsinEngland.Theytypewriteanddo varioussortsofactivities.Theseinstancesdemonstratethatyouareentirelydistinctfromthe physicalbodyandhavemistakenitforthereal‘I’whichiseverpure,all-pervading,self-existent, self-luminousandself-contained,whichhasneitherbeginning,middlenorend,whichis changeless,whichisbeyondtime,spaceandcausationandwhichexistsinthepast,presentand future(Sat,Satta-samanya,Chit-samanya).

YogiSadasivaBrahmanofKarur,Tamilnadu,whoistheauthorofAdvaitamanjariandwho haswrittenaVrittiorglossontheBrahmaSutras,Mansoor,ShamsTabriez,theSufisticFakirsof Multan,practicallydemonstratedtheirexistenceapartfromthebody.ANawabcutonehandof SadasivaBrahman.HewasnottheleastaffectedashewasdwellinginBrahmanorSupremeSelf. Hewentawayinalaughingmood.WhenMansoorwasskinnedout,hedidnotexpressanypainat all.Heuttered‘Analhaq’whichcorrespondstotheHindu‘Soham’(IamHe).Everydropofblood thatfellonthegroundproducedthesoundAnalhaq.Sobodyisnot‘I’.Bodyisliketheshellofa coconut.ItisahouseinwhichtheAtmanlives.

Hencethisbodyisnot‘I’.Howcanyouapplytheterm‘I’tothebodywhichisinertand ignorant?Ifthebodyisthesoul,yourhopesandexpectationsmustincreaseordecreaseifthe energyincreasesordecreasesonaccountofgoodhealthordisease.Butthisisnotso.Evenifyou

areinadyingconditionyourhopesdonotcometoanend.Youstillhopetogetbetter.Youdonot liketopartwithyourpossessions.Thisclearlyindicatesthatthesoulinthebodymustbequite distinctfromthebodyitself.Itdoesnotcometoanendevenifthebodyperishes.

Yousay,“IamaBrahmin.Iamahouseholder.IamaHindu.IamaRaja.Iamadoctor.” Thisclearlyprovesthat‘I’isaseparateentity.Brahmin,householder,Hindu,Raja,doctorare variousdescriptiveepithets.Howcan‘I’bea‘Brahmin’ora‘householder’?‘I’isonething. Brahmin,isentirelyanotherthing.‘Iam’givesthecluetotheexistenceoftherealImmortalSelfor Atman.Alltheepithetsareaddedbyignoranceto‘Iam.’Thereisaninherentfeelingineverybody ‘Iam,’‘Iexist,’‘AhamAsmi.’Youcanneverthinkofyourentireannihilation.Noonefeels‘Iam not,’or‘Idonotexist.’‘Iam’isalwaysconstant.Bodyonlyalwayschanges.Itdoesnotshineby itself.Itonlyshinesbythelightofthe‘Iam.’ItappearsintheJagratstateorwakingconditionand disappearsinsleep.

Thestupidmanthinksheisthebody.Themanofbooklearningtakeshimselfforamixture ofbody,mindandsoul.ThesagewhohasSelf-realisationknowsheisdistinctfromthebody,looks upontheeternalImmortalAtmanashisownSelfandfeels‘IamBrahman.’

YoumayknowthewholeVedantaSutrasandtheUpanishadsbyheartandyetthereisno hopeofsalvationforyouifyouidentityyourselfwiththephysicalbodyandifyoudonotattainthe knowledgeoftheSelf.

Theidentificationof‘I’withthebodycausesthebondage.Aftertheideaofthelittle‘I’ vanishes,themindbeholdsallthingscasually.Afterthisideaof‘I’isdestroyedthrough Atma-Jnanaortheenquiryof‘WhoamI?’thisideawhichisthesourceforallpains,theseedfor birthanddeath—thenthisverydestructionistheseatofstainlessJivanmuktistate.

Ofoolishman!Donotidentityyourselfwiththisbundleofflesh,fat,bone,skin,bloodand filth.DestroythisstrongDeha-Adhyasa.Theidentificationwiththebodyistherootcausefor humansufferingsandforbirthanddeathwithitsconcomitantevils.Ifyougiveupthis identificationyouwillbefreedfromtheroundsofbirthsanddeaths.Identifyyourselfwiththe self-effulgentAtman,theSelfofall,theInnerRulerofallbeings,andthusattaineternalblissand supremepeace.

III

Again,cantheterm‘I’beappliedtothetenorganswhichvitalizethebody,thefiveorgans ofknowledge,viz.,ear,skin,eye,tongueandnose,thefiveorgansofaction,viz.,organofspeech, hands,feet,genitalsandanus?No.Theteninertorgansaremovedbythemind.Theyarethe productsoftheTanmatras.Theyareinert.Theyarenotself-luminous.Theyarenotself-sustained. Theycannotworkwithoutthehelpofthemind.Theyhaveabeginningandanend.Thefiveorgans ofknowledgearetheeffectsofSattvaGuna.ThefiveorgansofactionaretheeffectsofRajo-Guna. Eveniftheeyes,handsorfeetareremoved,the‘I’stillremains.Indeepsleepthesensesdonot function.Yetwhenyouwakeupyousay:‘Ienjoyedasoundsleeplastnight.’Thisblissful experienceisnotpossibleifthesensesgotoconstitutethe‘I’.Yousay:‘myeye.’Thisgivesthe

cluethattheorgansaretheinstrumentsorthepropertyandthepossessorisdistinctfromthesenses. Thereforeorgansarenotthe‘I’.

Again,cantheterm‘I’beappliedtoPranaorthelife-breathwhichvitalisesthebody?Prana alsoisnotthe‘I’.ItisaneffectofRajo-Guna.ItisJadaorinsentient.Whenyouaresleeping,your breathcannotwelcomeyourfriendandsay:“TakeyourseatMr.Ramakrishna.”Itdoesnot welcomeeitheritsownwealorwoeorthoseofothers.ThephysicalbodypermeatedbyPrana engagesitselfinallactivitiesasifitwereliving.Pranahasabeginningandanend.Youcancontrol orsuspendthebreathbythepracticeofPranayama.Thisindicatesthatthecontrollerisdistinctfrom thecontrolled.SomeYoginsburythemselvesunderneaththegroundforamonth.Theirbreathing getscompletelysuspended.Yettheywakeupwithacontinuingsenseofpersonality.YogiHari SinghwhowasburiedinaboxinRanjitSingh’scourtforsomemonthswokeupwithacontinuing senseofindividuality.Thedrownedmaninwhomthereistotalsuspensionofbreathingis resuscitatedbyartificialbreathing.Hecomesbacktolifewiththecontinuingsenseofpersonality. Yousay:‘myPrana.’ThisindicatesthatPranaistheinstrumentorpropertyandthepossessoris distinctfromthePrana.ThereforePranaisnotthe‘I’.

Again,cantheterm‘I’beappliedtothemind?Mindisalsonotthe‘I’.ItisJada.Themindis abundleofthoughts.Allthethoughtsareconnectedwiththepersonality.Therootofallthoughtsis the‘I’thought.Thereisnothoughtwithoutathinker.Allthethoughtsarecentredroundthis‘I’ thought.Mindgropesindarkness.Itforgets.Itischangingeverysecond.Iffoodiswithdrawnfora coupleofdays,itcannotthinkproperly.Thereisnofunctioningofthemindduringdeepsleepstate (DridhaSushupti).Itisfullofimpurities,Vasanas,Trishnas(cravings).Itgetspuzzledduring anger.Infearittrembles.Inshockitsinks.HowcanyoutakethemindthenasthepureSelf?

ThemindisaneffectofSattvaGuna.Itisyourinstrument.Yousay:‘mymind.’Themindis thereforedifferentfromthe‘I’.Ithasabeginningandanend.Itisfullofchangingideas.Itis subjecttomodification.Itischaracterisedbypainandsuffering.Itisanobjectcognisablebythe self.Itcanneverbeidentifiedwiththeobjectofknowledge.Againyoucancontrolthemindandthe thoughts.Thecontrollerisdifferentfromthecontrolled(mind).Itisasmuchyourpropertyand outsideofyouasthelimbs,hands,etc.,orthedress,tables,chairsorthehouseyoulivein.Insleep thereisnomind.Yet,youwakeupwithafeelingofcontinuingsenseofpersonality.Incomaor stateofunconsciousnessyouwakeupwithafeelingofcontinuingsenseofpersonality.Watchthe casesofdeliriumandthosecaseswhereinpartialandcompleteparalysisofmentalfunctionstake place.Theylosetheirmemoryandotherfacultiespartlyorentirely,yet‘I’remains.Sometimesthey regaintheirlostmind.

Whenyourmindgoesinthewrongdirectiontodosomeevilactionitischeckedor threatenedbyconscienceorSelf.Thisgoestoprovethatyouaredistinctfromthemind.Sothe mindalsoisnotthe‘I’.

Buddhiissubjecttochange.Itisinsentient.Itisalimitedthing.Itisanobjectofthesenses. Itisnotconstantlypresent.Itisnotpresentduringdeepsleep.Ithasabeginningandanend.Itisthe effectofSattvaGuna.Itisnotself-existentorself-sustained.ItborrowsitslightfromtheSelf within.Thereforeitcannotbethe‘I’.Intellectisnottheessentialbeingofaman.Itisaninstrument only.Itisfinite.Itisconditionedintime,spaceandcausation.Itisnotself-luminous.Itborrowsits lightfromtheself-luminousAtmanwithin.Itcannotsolvetheriddleoflifeortheriddleofthe Universe.Itwilltakeyoutothedoorofintuition.Itwillguideyousometimes.Itmaybetrayor misleadyouatothertimes.

VII

AnandamayaKosaistheKaranaSariraorcausalbody.ItisalsoknownbythenameMoola Ajnana.Thishasitsfullestplayduringdeepsleep.Whenyoureturnfromsleepyouhaveno illuminationofspiritualknowledge.DuringwakinganddreamingstatealsotheAnandamayaKosa hasapartialplay.ThisisamodificationofPrakriti.Itisendowedwithchangefulattributes.Itisthe effectofpastgood.ItisJadaorinsentient.Ithasabeginningandanend.ThereforeAnandamaya Kosaisnotthe‘I’.WhenIsay‘I’,Ireallyfeel‘Iam’orIexist,’(Sataspect).Iunderstandor comprehendthat‘Iam.’Ifeel:‘Iampureconsciousness.’(ThisisChitaspect).Ifeel:‘Iamall bliss’(Anandaaspect).Bycarefulanalysisandbyintrospectionthislittle‘I’dwindlesintoanairy nothingjustasonionisreducedtonothingwhenthedifferentlayersarepeeledoff.Butwegetatthe ‘core’or‘essence,’thebiginfinite‘I’,Sat-chit-anandaBrahman,thesubstratumorbackgroundfor alltheseappearances,manylittle‘I’s.

Thereisno‘I’forablockofstone.Thusproceedingwiththeanalysisof‘I’and endeavouringtodiscoverthecoreofthe‘I’bypeelingoff,asitwere,thegrosssheaths,andthenthe fine,finerandfinestsheaths,justasyoupeeloffthedifferentlayersoftheonion,wehavefoundout nowthatthecoreoressentialnatureof‘I’isSat-chit-ananda.Thelittle‘I’oregothatwastroubling youfromtimeimmemorialhasdwindlednowintoanairynothingandwehavecomeacrossavery biginfinite‘I’whichexistsinpast,presentandfuture,whichischangeless,birthless,deathlessand decayless,whichisbeyondtime,spaceandcausation.Thisisyourrealnature.Thatisyour Svarupa.Justasyouhaveforgottenthechainonyourneck,soalsoyouhaveforgottenyourreal nature.YouhavetoknownowyouressentialnaturebyremovingtheveilofAjnana.Thatisall.Itis notathingtobeachieved. VIII

Albeiteverythingistransitoryinthisworld,peoplepurchaseenormousplotsofland,build bungalowsinvariousplacesanderectmulti-storeyedhouses.Theywanttoestablisheternallifein thissense-universe.ThisistheSat-aspect.Thisindicatesthatinessencetheyareimmortal.Owing toAnyonyaAdhyasaormutualsuperimpositiontheyhavemistakentheAnitya(non-eternal)for theNitya,AsuchiforSuchi(purity,pureAtman),Duhkha(misery)fortheSukha(happiness), Anatma(non-self)forAtman(pureSelf).ThisAnyonyaAdhyasaisduetoAvidya.Thisisthe reasonwhyamanthinks‘Iamholy,Iambeautiful’eventhoughheknowsthatthebodyisfullof impurities.Eventhoughamanknowsthathewilldieatanymoment,stillhethinksthathewilllive

foreverandmakesverygrandarrangementstoperpetuatehislifehere.ThisisalsotheSat-aspectof theessentialSat-chit-ananda.

Evenafoolthinksheisverywise,becauseinessenceheisallwisdom.Thisisthe Chit-aspectofSat-chit-ananda.Agrowingchildisfullofcuriosities.Itworriesthemother wheneveritcomesincontactwithanynewthing,“Mamma,whatisthis?”Thereisanintense cravingforknowledge.ThisisalsotheChitaspect.Everybodydesiresforknowledge.Thisis Chit-aspect.

Everybodywantseternallife,infiniteknowledgeandinfiniteAnanda(bliss).Thisis Sat-chit-ananda.Everybodyrunsafterpleasure.ThisisAnanda-aspect.Youloveamangofruit becauseitgivesyoupleasure.Amongstallthings,youloveyourAtmanmost.Thisgivestheclueto thefactthatthenatureoftheAtmanmustbeAnandaSvarupa(bliss),AnandaGhana(massof bliss).BrahmanisSat-chit-ananda.SatisTruth.Thatwhichexistsinthepast,presentandfutureis Sat.Ithasnobeginning,middleandend.ItisSvayambhu(self-existent,self-created).Itisthat whichneverchanges(Nirvikara,Kutastha).InTruththeworldabides,fromTruththeworldcomes forth,andinTruththeworldisagaindissolved.TruthistheonlyEssenceorSubstancethat underliesandpervadesthisworldofbeings.Truthgivesimmortalityandfearlessness(Amritatvam, AbhayamofUpanishads).Chitisself-knowledge.TherearenoIndriyasinChit.Itisself-luminous andimpartslighttomind,Buddhi,Indriyas,skinofthebody,sunmoon,stars,fire,lightningandall objects.AnandaisBlissitselforSelf-delight.ThereisnoenjoyerinAnanda.Itisenjoymentitself. This‘I’isconnectedwithexistence,knowledgeandbliss.

Everybodywishestobeindependent.Everybodywantstobeasupremeruler.Everyone wishesotherstobeguidedbyandfollowhiswishes.Noonelikestobeguidedbythewishesof others.Everybodyinhisheartofheartsreallydesirestoruleoverallothers,ifonlyhecould. Everybodywishestohavenorivaltohimself.Therealcauseisthatthereisinyoutheimmortal, self-effulgentsoulorAtmanwhichisonewithoutasecond,whichhasnorival,whichisInner Ruler,whichisthesupportforthewholeuniverse.InrealityyouarethisAtman.Thatisthereason whyyouhavesuchafeelinganddesire.Suzerainshipisquitenaturaltoyou.Suzeraintyisan attributeofAtman.OnaccountofignoranceyouhavemistakenthebodyforAtman,andyoutryto havenorivalsinthebody,inbusiness,inoffice,incollege,ingames,indominionsandinanyfield ofactivity.YoucanhaveabsolutesuzeraintyonlybyrealisingtheAtman.Atma-svarajyaonlycan makeyouabsolutelyindependent.Atma-svarajyaonlycanmakeyousupremerulerorabsolute monarchofthewholeuniverse.ThereforerealisethiswonderfulAtmanandbecomeaveritable, mightypotentateofthreeworlds.

Whatvariesnotnorchangesinthemidstofthingsthatvaryandchangeisdifferentfrom them.Thereforethe‘I’consciousnesswhichpersistsunchangedandonethroughoutallthechanges ofthematerialbodyandofallitssurroundingsisdifferentfromthemall.‘I’whoplayedandleapt andsleptasaninfantinmyparent’slapsomanyyearsagohavenowinfantsofmine.What unchangedandpersistentparticleofmattercontinuesthroughouttheseyearsinmyphysical organism?Whatidentityistherebetweenthatinfantineandthisadultbodyofmine?But‘I’hasnot changed.Itisthesame.TalkingofmyselfIalwaysnamemyselfas‘I’andnothingmoreorless.The

sheathsinwhichIamhappy,Iamyoung,Iamold,Iamblack,Iamwhite,IamaBrahmin,Iama Sannyasin,areincidentsinthecontinuityofthe‘I’.Theyareeverpassingandvarying.The‘I’ remainsthesame.Conditionschange,buttheyalwayssurroundthesame‘I’,theunchanging amidstthechanging.

Thehouse,thetown,thecountry,theearth,thesolarsystemwhich‘I’liveinandwithwhich Iidentifymyselfpersistunchangedthroughalltheirchanges.‘I’amneverandcanneverbe consciousofmyselfashavingeverbeenbornordyingorexperiencing,abeginningoranend.‘I’is indeedtheveryfoundationofallexistence.

Askanyoneandeveryoneinthedark,behindascreenthroughcloseddoor:“Whoisthat?” Thefirstimpulsiveansweris:‘ItisI.’Thuspotentisthestampedimpress,theuncheckedoutrush, theirresistiblemanifestationofthecommon‘I’thatisexpectingotherstorecogniseitassurelyasit recognisesitself.

Theimmortalityofthe‘I’necessarilyfollowsfromandispartoftheverynatureofthe‘I’. Whatdoesnotchange,whatisnotanythinglimited,ofwhichweknowneitherthebeginningnor end,thatisnecessarilyimmortal.

Wesay,“Ourworld,ourconsciousness.”Thatanotherhasaconsciousness,thatanotherhas aworld,thatthereisanotheratall,isstillonlyourconsciousness.Asthisholdstrueforeverypoint, itfollowsthatallthese‘everyones’areonlyone,thatallthese‘one’consciousness,whichmakes allthisappearanceofmutualintelligenceandconversepossibleisreallyonlytheonetakingtoitself indifferentguises.

Everybodyhasaninnatefeeling:‘Iexist—AhamAsmi.’Closeyoureyesandimaginefora momentthatyouaredead.Youcanneverdoso.Youwillbestillwatchingthedeadbodyofyours thatislyingdown.ThisclearlyshowsthatyouarealwaystheSakshiorDrashtaorthesubject.

Birthanddeathbelongtothephysicalbody.HungerandthirstareDharmaofPrana.Harsha andSoka(joyandgrief)areattributesofthemind.SleepbelongstotheAnandamayaKosa(Karana Sarira).Youareentirelydifferentfromthesesheaths.

Youdreamsometimesthatyouaredeadandthatyourrelativesareweeping.Eveninthat supposeddeathstate,youseeandhearthemweeping.Thisclearlyindicatesthatevenafterapparent death,lifereallypersists.Youexistevenafterthephysicalsheathisthrownout.Thatexistenceis Atmanorthebig‘I’.

IntheBrihadaranyakaUpanishad(II-4,13),youwillfind:“Thenbywhatshouldwesee whom?”ThisclearlyindicatesthatAtmanisnotanobjectofperception.Itisalwaystheknowing subject.Thereisneitheranagentnoranobjectofaction,noraninstrument.Inthephysicalplane onlythereistheTriputiorthetriad,viz.,seer,sightandseen.Whocanknowtheknower?How shouldoneknowhimbywhomallthisisknown?Youcouldnotseetheseerofsight;youcouldnot hearthehearerofhearing;youcouldnotperceivetheperceiverofperception;youcouldnotknow theknowerofknowledge.

BelieveinthegloryofyourownSelf.“ThouartThat.”ThisAtmanwasneverbornandwill neverdie.Abandonallsuperstitionsanddoubts.ScorchoutallwrongSamskarasandwrong suggestions.ManorwomancanrealisethisAtman.Burnallfalsedifferences.Thereisnolow,no big,nogreat,nosuperior,noinferior,noanimate,noinanimate.BeholdyourownSelfeverywhere. ThereisnothingbutSelf.

Ifyouareequippedwiththefourfolddiscipline,Viveka,Vairagya,Shad-Sampatand Mumukshutva,youwillbeabletomakeenquiryof‘WhoamI?’Ifyouhaveproperethicaltraining onlyyouwillbeabletopracticedeepmeditation.Ifyoupossessmoralqualification,youwillbe abletocomprehendthedeeptruthsofthetrue‘I.’Ifyouhavemoralstaminaonlyyouwillbe eligibletoapproachBrahmanortheAbsolute.Ethicaldisciplineisanindispensablerequisitefor theenquiryof‘WhoamI?’Youcanbeawonderfulscientistoraphilosopherofgreatrepute withoutanymoralqualificationbutyoucannotbeastudentinthepathofknowledgewithout ethicaldiscipline.AnimmoralmancanneverrealisehisSelf.

Giveupidentificationofyourselfwiththephysicalbody.Identificationofone’sselfwith thebodyisthegreatestcrime.Giveupplanningandscheming.Abandonspeculation.Relinquish cherishedhopesandexpectationsandworldlyambitions.Giveupcompletelythinkingabout yourself.Donotexpectappreciationorapprobation.Burnthedesirefornameandfame.Scorchthe fearsofdiseaseandpubliccriticism.Donothoardupwealthoranything.Donotcarefortomorrow. Donotpayanyattentiontoinsultsorstagingremarksorabuses.Becomeimpervioustoridicules andrebukes.Giveupyourrightsandclaimstoworldlypossessions.Burnallworldlyattachments. YoucanenternowthevastdomainofeternalblissorkingdomofTruth.Youwillbetheemperorof thethreeworlds.AllDevaswillpaytheirhomageuntoyounow.

Wakeupfromthedreamofforms.Giveupthisclingingtofalsenamesandforms.Donotbe deceivedbytheseillusorynamesandforms.Alwaysclingtothesolid,livingRealityonly.Love yourAtmanonly.AtmanorBrahmanisthelivingTruth.Atmanonlypersists.LiveinAtman. BecomeBrahman.Thisisreallife.

XI

Themindislikeawheelwhichrevolvesendlesslywithtremendousvelocity.Itgenerates newthoughtswitheveryrevolution.ThiswheelissetinmotionbythevibrationofpsychicPranaor subtlePrana.

Theideaof‘I’istheseedofthetreeofmind.Thesproutwhichatfirstgerminatesfromthis seedofAhamkaraoriginateswithoutformandisascertainableonlybyinternalexperience.This sproutisBuddhiorintellect.FromthissprouttheramifyingbranchescalledSankalpasorthoughts taketheirorigin.

MarkhowoneSankalpaexpandsintomanySankalpas(Vistara)inashorttime.Suppose yougetaSankalpatohavetea-partyforyourfriends.Onethoughtofteainvitesinstantaneouslythe thoughtsofsugar,milk,tea-cups,tables,chairs,tablecloth,napkins,spoons,sweetmeats,salted

things,etc.SothisworldisnothingbuttheexpansionofSankalpas.Theexpansionofthoughtsof themindtowardsobjectsisbondage.RenunciationofSankalpasisliberation(Moksha).Youmust beeverwatchfulinnippingtheSankalpasinthebud.Thenonlyyouwillbereallyhappy.Daily chopoffthebranchesofthisdiretreeofmindandfinallydestroythetreeatitsrootcompletely.If youdestroytheideaof‘I’attherootofthetree(mind),thenitwillnotagainspringup.The choppingoffofthebranchesisonlyasecondarything.Theprimarythingistheeradicationofthe treeatitsroot.

SankalpaonlyisSamsara.ItsdestructionisMoksha.ItisonlySankalpadestroyedbeyond resurrectionthatconstitutestheimmaculateBrahmicseat.AsthecauseofbondageisSankalpayou shouldrootitawayfromyouascompletelyaspossible.ThisdestructionofSankalpashouldbe intelligentlypracticed.Donotbecomeoftheformofobjectsortheknowerenjoyingthesame. Wherethereexistsconceptionoftheobjectsandtheenjoyerofthesame,youshouldgraduallyand atalltimesdestroythisSankalpa.AfterdestroyingallSankalpasbecomeThatwhichremains.

Thoughtsgainstrengthbyrepetition.Ifyouentertainanevilthoughtoragoodthought once,thisevilthoughtorgoodthoughthasatendencytorecuragain.Thoughtscrowdagain.Justas thebirdsofthesamefeatherflocktogether,soalsoifyouentertainoneevilthoughtallsortsofevil thoughtsjointogetherandattackyou.Ifyouentertainanygoodthoughtallgoodthoughtsjoin together.

Likeattractslike.Ifyouentertainanevilthoughtthatthoughtattractsallsortsofevil thoughtsfromothers.Youpassonthethoughtstoothersalso.Thoughtmoves.Thoughtisaliving dynamicforce.Thoughtisathing.Ifyouallowyourmindtodwellonasublimethoughtthis thoughtwillattractgoodthoughtsfromothers.Youpassonthatgoodthoughttoothers.Youpollute theworldwithyourbadthoughts.Youhelptheworldwithyourgoodthoughts.Whenyoureachthe spiritualsummitofthoughtlessnessyouwillreachtheabodeofImmortalityandeternalpeaceand supremebliss.

Thereforethis‘I’shouldbeidentifiedwiththatwhichremainsaftereliminatingallthe abovefiveillusorysheaths.ItisbynatureSat-chit-ananda.ThisistheImmortalSoul,Atmanor Brahman.Throughignorance,throughsuperimpositionyouhavemistakenthesefiveillusory sheathsforthepureimmortalAtman.TranscendthefivesheathsbyattainingknowledgeoftheSelf andbefree.RestinyourownSat-chit-anandaSvarupabyknowing‘WhoamI?’

4.Silence

1.OncethediscipleBhaskaliapproachedhisGuru,Bhava,andaskedhimwherethat eternal,theSupremeInfinite,theBrahmanoftheUpanishadsis.Themasterspokenot.Thedisciple askedhimagainandagainbutthemasterdidnotopenhismouth.Hekeptperfectsilence.Atlastthe teachersaid:“Ihavebeentellingyouagainandagainbutyoudonotunderstandme.WhatamIto do?ThatBrahman,theInfinite,theEternalcannotbeexplainedbutbydeepsilenceknowit.There isnootherplaceforHimtodwellin,buttheoneeternaldeepsilence!AyamAtmaSantah—This Atmanissilence.”

2.SilenceisAtman.SilenceisBrahman.SilenceisTruth.SilenceisimmortalSoul.Silence isGod.Silenceisthesubstratumforthisbody,mind,Pranaandsenses.Silenceistheblissor backgroundforthissense-universe.SilenceisPower.SilenceisalivingForce.Silenceistheonly Reality.ThepeacethatpassethallunderstandingisSilence.ThegoalofyourlifeisSilence.The aimoflifeisSilence.ThepurposeofyourexistenceisSilence.Silenceiswithin.Itcanbefeltor realisedbysilencingtheboisterousmind.Ifyoucanfeelitwithin,youcansurelyexpressitwithout.

3.ThemessageofthedesertSaharaisSilence.ThemessageofHimalayasisSilence.The messageoftheAvadhootwholivesstarknakedattheicyGangotriorKailasisSilence.The messageofLordDakshinamurthytohisfourdisciplesSanaka,Sanatana,Sanandanaand SanatkumarawasSilence.Whentheheartisfull,whenyougetoverjoy,thereissilence.Whocan describethegloryofthissilence?

4.Thereisnohealingbalmbetterthansilenceforthosepersonswhohaveawoundedheart fromfailures,disappointmentsandlosses.Thereisnosoothingpanaceabetterthansilenceforthose whohavewoundednervesfromtheturmoiloflifefromfriction,ruptureandfrequentdomestic quarrels.

5.Indeepsleepyouareinclosetouchwiththisstupendoussilence,butthereistheveilof Avidya.Thesilencethatyouenjoyduringdeepsleepandthesilencethatyouexperienceatdeadof nightgivethecluetotheexistenceofthatoceanofSilenceorBrahman.

6.Silenceisgolden.Silenceismoreeloquentthanwords.Seersandsagesdonottalk. Silenceisthemeansofcommunication.Thisisstrangebutpowerfulmodeofconversation.Real aspirantswhoarepureandwholivewithsagesonlyknowthisuniquelanguageofSilence.Inthat stupendoussilenceyouwillfindtheproofoftheexistenceofGod.Learntoenterintothesilence dailyinthemorningat4a.m.foronehour,bywithdrawingthesensesandmindfromtheexternal objects.ThelanguageofGodissilence.Trytolearnthislanguageofsilence.Listentoitssoundless voicebystillingthemind.Hearthevoiceofthesilencewithraptattention.Itwillguideyou.Itwill removeyourdoubts.Itwillinspireyou.LearnallaboutSilencefromthenew-bornbabeand becomewise.

7.InthebeginningwhendarknesswasrollingoverdarknesstherewasSilenceonly.This SilenceisSat.ThisSilenceisChit.ThisSilenceisAnanda.ThisSilenceispure,all-pervading, invisibleConsciousness.MayalieshiddeninacornerofthisSilenceinaseed-stateduringcosmic Pralaya.InthebeginningofMahaKalpa,Brahmanwillsandavibration(Spandana)arises.The equilibriumofthreeGunasistherebydisturbed.Sattva,RajasandTamasmanifest.Thenthe Samsaricwheelissetinmotion.ItistheRajasthatgeneratesmuchactivitiesandmuchnoiseinthe world.

8.Incommonparlancetositquitewithouttalkingtoanybodyissilence.Ifyourfrienddoes notwritetoyouforalongtimeyouwillsay:“Myfriendiskeepingicysilence.Idonotknowwhy?” Ifanybodydoesnottalkinabiglecturehallforsometimewhenthereisathrillinglecture,yousay: “Therewaspindropsilencelasteveningwhenthephilosopherdeliveredalecture.”Whentheboys makemuchnoiseintheclass,theteachersaystotheboys:“Silenceplease.”Whenyoucomeacross

twoSadhus,oneSadhutells:“TheotherSadhuisaMouni.Heismyfriend.Heisobservingthevow ofsilenceforthelastsixyears.”Thisisallphysicalsilence.

9.Ifyoudonotallowtheeyestoseeobjectsandifyouwithdrawthemfromobjectsthrough thepracticeofPratyaharaorDama,thisissilenceofthatparticularsense,eye.Ifyoudonotallow theearstohearanysounditissilenceofthatparticularIndriya.Ifyouobservecompletefaston Ekadasidayswithouttakingevenadropofwater,itissilenceoftheIndriyatongue.Ifyoudonot performanyworkandifyousitonPadmasanaforthreehours,itissilenceofthefeetandhands.

10.Whatisreallywantedissilenceofthebubblingmind.Youcanobservethevowof silencebutthemindwillbebuildingimages.Sankalpawillbecroppingup.Chittawillbe developingmemories.Imagination,reasoning,reflectionandvariousotherfunctioningsofthe mindwillbegoingoncontinuously.Howcanyouhaverealpeaceorsilencenow?Intellectshould ceasefunctioning.Theinnerastralsenseshouldbeatperfectrest.Allthewavesofthemindshould completelysubside.ThemindshouldrestintheOceanofSilenceorBrahman.Thenonlyyoucan enjoyrealeverlastingSilence.

11.Ofcoursemuchdependsuponthepractice.Youknowthatpracticemakesmanperfect. Feelthethrillofextremejoythatdawnswhenyounearthegoal.Youwillexperienceawonderful calmnow.Drinkthenectarinthedeepsilence.Intheprofoundsilence,mysteriesofAtmanwillbe revealeduntoyoulikeanAmalakafruitinthepalmofyourhand.AvidyaandMayaandtheir effects,Mohafear,etc.,willtaketotheirheels.Therewillbelight,knowledge,purityandblissonly everywhere.

12.Purifythemindandmeditate.BestillandknowthatyouareGod.Calmthemind. Silencethebubblingthoughtsandsurgingemotions.Plungedeepintotheinnermostrecessofyour heartandenjoythemagnanimousSilence.MysteriousisthisSilence.EnterintoSilence.Knowthat Silence.BecomeSilenceitself.BecomeaMahaMouni.YouareaJivanmuktaorliberatedSage now.

CHAPTERVI

PRACTICEOFMEDITATION

1.Auxiliaries

(a)WhatIsMeditation

1.MeditationistheflowofcontinuousthoughtononethingorGodorAtman.Meditationis thekeepingupofoneideaofGodalonealwayslikethecontinuousflowofoil(Taila-dharavat). Yoginscallthis‘Dhyana.’Jnaninstermthis‘Nididhyasana.’Bhaktasstylethis‘Bhajan.’ Concentrationisfixingthemindonapointorobject,eitherinternal(inthebody)orexternal(on anyoutsideobjectorimage).Meditationfollowsconcentration.InDhyanaallworldlythoughtsare

shutoutfromthemind.ThemindisfilledorsaturatedwithDivinethoughts,withtheDivineGlory, theDivinePresence.

(b)Place

2.Haveaseparatemeditation-roomunderlockandkey.Donotallowanybodytoenterthe room.Keepitholy.Burnincenseinthemorningandevening.KeepaphotoofLordKrishna,Siva, Rama,DevioryourIshtaDevataorGuru.PlaceyourAsana(seat)infrontofthepicture.Keep somebooksalsosuchastheGita,theRamayanaandotherscriptures.WhenyourepeattheMantra ortheNameoftheLord,thepowerfulvibrationswillbelodgedintheetheroftheroom.Insix months’timeyouwillfeelpeaceandpurityintheatmosphereoftheroom.Wheneveryourmindis disturbedbyworldlyinfluence,sitintheroomandrepeattheNameoftheLordforhalfanhour; thenyouwillfindanentirechangeinthemindimmediately.Practiseandfeelthesoothingspiritual influenceyourself.NothingislikespiritualSadhana.YouwillfindalocalMussoorie,Himalayas, inyourownhouse.

3.SolitudeandintensemeditationaretwoimportantrequisitesforSelf-realisation.The banksoftheGangaortheNarmada,Himalayanscenery,lovelyflower-garden,sacred temple—thesearetheplaceswhichelevatethemindinconcentrationandmeditation.Have recoursetothem.

4.Asolitaryplace,spiritualvibratoryconditionsasatUttarkasi,Rishikesh,BadriNarayan, acoolplaceandtemperateclimate—theseconditionsareindispensablyrequisiteforconcentration ofmind.Justasthesaltmeltsinwater,theSattvicmindmeltsinsilenceduringmeditationin Brahman,itsAdhishthana(substratum).

(c)Time

5.Getupat4inthemorninginBrahmamuhurta.Itisveryfavourableforspiritual contemplationandtostartworshipofGod.Intheearlymorningthemindiscalmpureandquite refreshedafterslumber.Themindislikeablanksheetofpaperandcomparativelyfreefrom worldlySamskaras(mentalimpressions).Itcanbemouldedveryeasilyatthistime.The atmospherealsoischargedwithmoreSattvaatthisparticulartime.Washyourhands,feetandface withcoldwaterifyoufinditdifficulttotakeabath.Thiswillsuffice.

6.Alwayschoosethatpartofthedayornightwhenyourmindisclearandwhenyouare leastlikelytobedisturbed.Youcanhaveasittingjustbeforeretiringtobed.Themindwillbecalm atthistime.

7.YoucanhavegoodmeditationonSundaysbecausethisisaholiday,andthemindisfree. DovigorousmeditationonSundays.Youcanhavegoodmeditationwhenyouliveonmilkand fruitsaloneorwhenyoufast.Useyourcommonsensealwaysandtrytobringoutgoodresultin meditation.

8.Concentrategentlyeitheronthelotusoftheheart(AnahataChakra)oratthespace betweenthetwoeyebrows(Trikuti).Closeyoureyes.

9.TheseatofmindisAjnaChakraatTrikuti.Themindcanbeeasilycontrolledifyou concentrateonTrikuti.Bhaktasshouldconcentrateontheheart.YoginsandVedantinsshould concentrateatAjnaChakra.

10.Crownofthehead(Sahasrara)isanotherseatforconcentration.SomeVedantins concentratehere.SomeYoginsconcentrateatthetipofthenose(NasikagraDrishti).Sticktoone centreinconcentration.Clingtoittenaciously.Ifyouconcentrateonheart,sticktoit.Neverchange it.Guruwillselectthecentreforconcentration,ifyouareastudentoffaith.Ifyouareamanof self-reliance,youcanselectitforyourself.

(e)YogicDiet

11.TakeMitahara,Sattvicdiet.Overloadingthestomachwithrice,vegetables,Dhaland breadbringssleepandinterfereswithSadhana.Agluttonorasensualist,adullardoralazyman cannotpracticemeditation.Adietonmilkrendersthebodyvery,verylight.Youcansitonone Asanaforhourstogetherwitheaseandcomfort.Ifyoufeelweak,youcantakeforadayortwoa littlericeandmilkorbarleyandmilkoranylightdiet.Thosewhoareinthefieldofserviceandwho doplatformlecturesandotherintensespiritualpropagandicactivitiesneedsolid,substantialfood.

(f)Asana

12.Asanasteadiesthebody;BandhasandMudrasmakethemindfirm;Pranayamamakes thebodylight;Nadi-suddhiproducessteadinessofthemind.Havingacquiredthesequalifications youwillhavetofixthemindonBrahman.Thenonlymeditationwillgoonsteadilywitheaseand happiness.Formeditation,concentrationandJapa,PadmasanaorSiddhasanaisprescribed.For generalhealthandkeepingupofBrahmacharya,Sirshasana,Sarvangasana,Matsyasana, Paschimottanasanaaregood.AshortdescriptionoftheseAsanasandthebenefitsthatarederived bythepracticeofthemaregiveninChapterVIIIofthisbook.

2.BenefitsofMeditation

1.Thisworldisfullofmiseriesandsufferings.Ifyouwanttogetridofthepainsand afflictionsofthisSamsara,youmustpracticemeditation.MeditationisthepathwaytoDivinity.It istheroyalroadtotheKingdomofBrahman.Itisamysteriousladderwhichreachesfromearthto heaven(VaikunthaorKailasaorBrahman)fromerrortotruth,fromdarknesstolight,frompainto Bliss,fromrestlessnesstoabidingPeace,fromignorancetoKnowledge,frommortalityto Immortality.MeditationleadstoknowledgeoftheSelfwhichbringsabouttheeternalpeace, supremeBliss.Meditationpreparesyoufortheintegralexperienceordirectintuitiveknowledge.

2.TruthisBrahman.TruthisAtman.TruthisquitepureandsimpleYoucannotrealisethe Truthwithoutreflectionandmeditation.Besilent,Knowthyself.KnowThat.Meltthemindin That.

3.WithoutthehelpofmeditationyoucannotattainknowledgeoftheSelf.Withoutitsaid youcannotgrowintotheDivinestate.Withoutityoucannotliberateyourselffromthetrammelsof themindandattainImmortality.Ifyoudonotpracticemeditation,thesupremesplendourand facelessgloriesofAtmanwillremainhiddenfromyou.Teartheveilsthatcoverthesoulby practicingregularmeditation.RendasunderthefivesheathsthatscreentheAtmanbyconstant meditationandthenattainthefinalbeatitudeoflife.

4.Thefireofmeditationannihilatesallfoulnessduetovice.Thensuddenlycomes knowledgeorDivineWisdomwhichdirectlyleadstoMuktiorfinalemancipation.

5.Therearemanyvaluabletrainingsofthemindwhichareessentialtomentalculture,for instance,thetrainingofthememory,thecultivationofreflection,discrimination,Vicharaor enquiryof‘WhoamI?’Thepracticeofmeditationitselfisapotentclarifierofmemory.The practiceofmemory-culturepowerfullyhelpstheattainmentofmeditation.

6.Meditationisapowerfultonic.Itisamentalandnervinetonicaswell.Theholy vibrationspenetrateallthecellsofthebodyandcurethediseasesofthebody.Thosewhomeditate savedoctor’sbills.Thepowerful,soothingwavesthatariseduringmeditationexerciseabenign influenceonthemind,nerves,organsandcellsofthebody.TheDivineenergyfreelyflowslike Taila-dhara(flowofoilfromonevesseltoanother)fromthefeetoftheLordtothedifferent systemsoftheSadhaka(aspirant).

7.Ifyoucanmeditateforhalfanhour,youwillbeabletoengageyourselfwithpeaceand spiritualstrengthinthebattleoflifeforoneweekthroughtheforceofthismeditation.Suchisthe beneficialresultofmeditation.Asyouhavetomovewithdifferentmindsofpeculiarnaturesin yourdailylife,getthestrengthandpeacefromthemeditationandyouwillhavenotroubleand worrythen.

8.AYogiwhomeditatesregularlyhasamagneticandcharmingpersonality.Thosewho comeincontactwithhimaremuchinfluencedbyhissweetvoice,powerfulspeech,lustrouseyes, brilliantcomplexion,stronghealthybody,goodbehaviour,virtuousqualitiesandDivinenature. Justasagrainofsaltdroppedinabasinofwaterdissolvesandbecomesdistributedthroughoutthe wholewater,justassweetfragranceofjessaminepervadestheair,soalsohisspiritualaura becomesinfiltratedtothemindsofothers.Peopledrawjoy,peaceandstrengthfromhim.Theyare inspiredbyhisspeechandgetelevationofmindbymerecontactwithhim.

3.KindsofMeditation

1.Therearedifferentkindsofmeditation.Aparticularkindisbestsuitedforaparticular mind.Thekindofmeditationvariesaccordingtotaste,temperament,capacityandtypeofmindof theindividual.AdevoteemeditatesonhistutelarydeityorIshtaDevata.ARajaYogimeditateson thespecialPurushaorIsvarawhoisnottouchedbytheafflictions,desiresandKarmas.AHatha

YogimeditatesontheChakrasandtheirpresidingdeities.AJnanimeditatesonhisownSelfor Atman.Youwillhavetofindoutyourselfthekindofmeditationthatissuitableforyou.Ifyouare notabletodothis,youwillhavetoconsultateacherorpreceptorwhohasattainedSelf-realisation. Hewillbeabletoknowthenatureofyourmindandthecorrectmethodofmeditationforyou.

2.Themindassumestheformoftheobjectitcognises.Thenonlyperceptionispossible.A Bhaktaconstantlymeditatesontheformofhistutelarydeity.Themindalwaystakestheformofthe deity.Whenheisestablishedinhismeditation,whenheattainsthestageofPara-Bhaktiorsupreme devotionheseeshisIshtaDevataonlyeverywhere.Thenamesandformsvanish.AdevoteeofLord KrishnaseesLordKrishnaonlyeverywhereandexperiencesthestatedescribedintheGita: “Vasudevahsarvamiti—EverythingisVasudeva(Krishna)only.”AJnanioraVedantinseeshis ownSelforAtmaneverywhere.Theworldofnamesandformsvanishesfromhisview.He experiencestheutterancesoftheseersoftheUpanishads:“SarvamkhalvidamBrahma—Allindeed isBrahman.”

3.Meditationisoftwomainkinds,viz.,Saguna(concrete)meditationandNirguna (abstract)meditation.InconcretemeditationtheYogicstudentconcentratesontheformoftheLord Krishna,Rama,Siva,Hari,GayatriorSriDevi.Inabstractmeditationheconcentratesthewhole energyofthemindononeideaofGodorAtmanandavoidscomparisonsofmemoriesandallother ideas.Theoneideafillsthewholemind.

4.WhenyouseetheconcretefigureofLordKrishnawithopeneyesandmeditate,itisthe concreteformofmeditation.WhenyoureflectovertheimageofLordKrishnabyclosingyour eyes,itisalsoconcreteformofmeditationbutitismoreabstract.Whenyoumeditateontheinfinite abstractlightitisstillmoreabstractmeditation.TheformertwotypesbelongtoSagunaformof meditation,thelattertoNirgunaform.EveninNirgunameditationthereisaconcreteforminthe beginningforfixingthemind.Lateronthisformvanishesandmeditatorandmeditatedbecome one.Meditationproceedsfromthemind.

5.SagunameditationismeditationonaMurtyorformoftheLord.Thisisaconcreteform ofmeditationforpeopleofdevotionaltemperament.ThisismeditationwithGunasorattributesof God.RepeattheNameoftheLordorpureOm.ThinkofHisattributesOmniscience,Omnipotence, Omnipresence,etc.Yourmindwillbefilledwithpurity.EnthronetheLordinthelotusofyourheart amidstablazinglight.MentallythinkofHisfeet,legs,chest,head,handsandtheornamentsand dressandagaincometoHisfeet.Againandagainrepeatthisprocess.

6.Thisisonekindofmeditationforbeginners.SitonPadmasanainasolitaryroom.Close youreyes.Meditateontheeffulgenceinthesun,splendourinthemoon,gloryinthestars,beautyin thesky.

7.Meditateonthemagnanimityoftheocean,itsinfinitenature.Comparetheoceanwiththe InfiniteBrahman,thewaves,foamsandblocksoficetothevariousnamesandforms.Identify yourselfwiththeocean.Becomesilent.Expand.Expand.

8.Thisisanotherkindofmeditation.MeditateontheHimalayas.ImaginethattheRiver GangatakesitsoriginfromtheicyregionofGangotri,nearUttarkasi,flowsthroughRishikesh,

BenaresandenterstheGangaSagarintheBayofBengal.Himalayas,Gangaandthesea,these threethoughtsonlyshouldoccupythemind.FirsttakeyourmindtoicyGangotri,thenalongthe Gangaandfinallytothesea.ThenagaintakeittotheicyGangotri.Rotatethemindinthismanner for15minutes.

9.Imaginethatthereisafinegardenwithlovelyflowers.InonecornerthereareJessamine flowers.Inanothercornertherearebeautifulcabbageroses.Inthethirdcornerthereisthe‘ladyof thenight.’InthefourthcornerthereareChampakflowers.FirstmeditateonJessamine.Thentake themindtotherose,thentothe‘ladyofthenight’andfinallytotheChampak.Againrotatethe mindasabove.Dothisagainandagainfor15minutes.Grossmeditationlikethiswillpreparethe mindtofinerabstractmeditationonsubtleideas.

10.HavethefigureOminfrontofyou.Concentrateonthis.DoTratakaalsowitheyes (steadygazingwithoutwinkingtilltearsflowprofusely).ThisisbothSagunaandNirguna meditation(withandwithoutattributes).KeepapictureofOminyourmeditationroom.Youcan doPujaforthissymbolofBrahman.Burnincense,etc.,andofferflowers.Thissuitsthemodern educatedpersons.

11.ThisisabstractmeditationonNirgunaBrahman.RepeatOmmentallywithBhava (feeling).AssociatetheideasofSat-chit-ananda,Purity,Perfection,‘All-joyIam,’‘All-blissIam.’

12.‘Thereisnoworld.Thereisneitherbodynormind.ThereisonlyoneChaitanya(pure consciousness).Iamthatpureconsciousness.’ThisisNirgunameditation(withoutattributes).

13.MeditationonMahavakyasistantamounttomeditationonOm.Youcantakeupeither ‘AhamBrahmaAsmi—IamBrahman’or‘TatTvamAsi—Thatthouart.’Thesearethe MahavakyasorthegreatsentencesoftheUpanishads.Meditateontheirsignificance.Denyor negateorthrowouttheKosasandidentifywiththeoneEssencethatliesbehindthem.

14.Meditate.Purifyyourmind.Practiseconcentrationinasolitaryroom.Thensqueezeout theUpanishadsandtheGitafromyourbrain.Donotdependuponimperfectcommentaries.Ifyou aresincereyouwillunderstandtherealSankalpa(thoughts)oftheRishisoftheUpanishadsand LordKrishna,whattheyreallymeantwhentheyutteredthosewiseSlokas(verses)inscriptures.

15.UnfoldtheDivinitythatislurkinginyourheartbyconcentrationandmeditation.Donot wasteyourtime.Meditate.Meditate.Donotloseevenasingleminute.Meditationwillremoveall themiseriesoflife.Thatistheonlyway.Meditationistheenemyofthemind.Itbringsabout Mano-nasaortheannihilationofthemind.

4.ObstaclesinMeditation

1.Laziness(Alasya)andficklenessofmindaretwogreatobstaclesinmeditation.Light SattvicdietandthepracticeofPranayamawillremovelaziness.Donotoverloadthestomach.Walk brisklyinyourcompoundhitherandthitherforhalfanhour.Assoonasyouhavemadeafirm resolve,youmustcarryitoutpromptlyatanycost.Youwillremoveficklenessofmindanddevelop willpower.

2.Pray.Combatlustandambition,thetwochiefobstaclesinYogicpractices.Disciplinethe body,mindandIndriyas.Sit.Abstainfromworldlyobjects.Concentrate.Meditate.Realise.

3.SocialnatureisgoodfordoingKarmaYoga.Butitisextremelybadforpracticing DhyanaYoga.Itdragsyouout.Itmakesyourmindrestless.Itinvitesmanyfriendswhodisturbyou inavarietyofways.

4.RajasandTamastrytoobstructmeditation.Themindthatwascalmowingtothe preponderanceofSattvaduringthecourseofmeditationbeginstotrembleandquiverowingtothe entryofRajasinexcess.Sankalpas(thoughts)increaseinnumber.Restlessnessincreases. Thoughtsofactionmanifest.Planningandschemingcomein.Takealittlerest.AgaindoJapa.Pray andmeditate.Takealittlewalk.

5.Laya,Vikshepa,KashayaandRasasvadaaretheotherfourobstacles.Layaissleepiness. Vikshepaisexcessivetossingofmindfromoneobjecttoanotherobject.Thisistheexcessive monkey-natureofthemind.KashayaisGoodhaVasana(hiddensubtledesires).Rasasvadaisthe blissofSavikalpaSamadhi(lowerSamadhi).Thisitselfisanobstaclesolongasitpreventsyou fromenjoyingtheHighestNirvikalpaBliss.Vichara,discrimination,prayer,Pranayama,further earnestnessandstruggleinmeditationwillremovetheabovefourobstacles.

6.SamsayaBhavana(doubt),Asambhavana(anotherkindofdoubt)andVipareetaBhavana (wrongfeelingthat‘Iamthebody’)arethreeotherobstacles.Sravana(hearingofthescriptures) willremoveSamsayaBhavana.Manana(meditation)willremoveAsambhavana.Nididhyasana (meditation)andSakshatkara(realisation)willremoveVipareetaBhavana.

7.Disease,indifferenceinthemind,Bhranti,imaginaryfear,tendencyofthemindtorun outsidetoenjoyobjects,drowsiness,fallingfromaparticularelevatedstateinspiritualSadhanaare someotherobstacles.Carefulness,thoughtlessness,increasedVairagya,rest,intenseapplicationof Sadhanawillobviatetheseobstacles.

8.Justascloudsscreenandobstructthesun,thecloudofsickness,thecloudofgloomand despairwillstandonyourwayofpractice.EventhenyoumustnotleavethepracticeofJapa, concentrationandmeditation.Thesesmallcloudsofsicknessanddespairwillpassoffsoon.Give thesuggestiontothemind:‘Eventhiswillpassaway.’Justasyoudonotleaveyourfoodevenfora day,soalsoyoushouldnotleaveoffyourspiritualpracticeevenforaday.Themindiseverreadyto deceiveyouandtostopyoufromthepractice.Donotheartheshrillvoiceofthemind.Hearthe sweet,silentvoiceofthesoul.

9.Neverwrestlewiththemind.Donotuseanyviolenteffortsinconcentration.Relaxall musclesandnerves.Relaxthebrain.GentlythinkoftheLord.SlowlyrepeatyourGuruMantra withBhavaandmeaning.Stillthebubblingmind.Silencethethoughts.

10.Makenoviolenteffortstocontrolthemind,butratherallowittorunalongforawhile andexhaustitsefforts.Itwilltakeadvantageoftheopportunityandwilljumparoundlikean unchainedmonkeyfirst,untilitgraduallyslowsdownandlookstoyoufororders.Itmaytakesome timetotamedownatfirst,buteachtimeyoutry,itwillcomearoundtoyouinashorttime.

11.Ifevilthoughtsentertheminddonotuseyourwillforceindrivingthem.Youwilllose yourenergyonly.Youwilltaxyourwillonly.Youwillfatigueyourself.Thegreatertheeffortsyou make,themoretheevilthoughtswillreturnwithredoubledforce.Theywillreturnmorequickly also.Thethoughtswillbecomemorepowerful.Beindifferent.Keepquite.Theywillpassoffsoon. Orsubstitutegoodcounterthoughts(PratipakshaBhavanamethod),orthinkofthepictureofGod andtheMantraagainandagainforciblyorpray.

12.Dashcoldwaterinthefacetodriveoffdrowsiness.Standupfor15minutes.Orlean uponanimprovisedswingfor10minutesandmoveyourselftoandfro.Do10or20mild KumbhakaPranayamas.DoSirshasanaorMayurasana.Takeonlymilkandfruitsatnight.Bythese methodsyoucancombatsleep.Strollaboutfor10minutes.Keeplightburningifsleepcomes.

13.Veryoftendepressioncomesinmeditationinneophytesowingtotheeffectofprevious Samskaras,influenceofastralentities,evilspirits,badcompany,cloudydays,badstomachand loadedbowels.Itmustberemovedquicklybycheerfulthoughts,abriskwalk,singing,laughing, prayer,Pranayama,purgativeandadoseofcarminativemixture.

14.Whenthebeefindsitselfthatitsfeetarestruckinthehoney,itslowlylicksitsfeet severaltimesandthenfliesawaywithjoy.Evensoextricateyourselffromthemind’sstickingand clingingtothisbodyandchildren—owingtoRagaandMoha(attachmentandattraction)through Vairagya(dispassion)andmeditation,andflyawaywithjoyfromthiscageoffleshandbonetothe source,BrahmanorAbsolute.

15.Nomorewords.Enoughofdiscussionsandheateddebates.Retireintoasolitaryroom. Closeyoureyes.Havedeepsilentmeditation.FeelHisPresence.RepeatHisNameOmwith fervour,joyandlove.FillyourheartwithPrema(love).DestroytheSankalpas,thoughts,whims, fanciesanddesireswhentheyarisefromthesurfaceofthemind.Withdrawthewanderingmindand fixitontheLord.NowNishtha,meditation,willbecomedeepandintense.Donotopenyoureyes. Donotstirfromyourseat.MergeinHim.Divedeepintotheinnermostrecessoftheheart.Plunge intotheshiningAtman(Soul)within.DrinkthenectarofImmortality.Enjoythesilencenow.Ishall leaveyoutherealone.Nectar’sson!Rejoice.Rejoice.Peace.Peace.Silence.Silence.Glory.Glory!

5.HintsonMeditation

1.Whatdoesapassionatemando?Herepeatsthesameignominiousactagainandagainand fillshisstomachasmanytimesashecan.Whatdoesanaspirantwithburningdesirefor Self-realisationdo?Hetakesalittlemilkandrepeatstheprocessofmeditationagainandagain wholedayandnightandenjoystheeternalblissoftheSelf.Botharebusyintheirownway.The formeriscaughtupinthewheelofbirthsanddeaths(SamsaraChakra),andthelatterattains Immortality.

2.Agluttonorasensualist,adullardoralazymancannotpracticemeditation.Hewhohas controlledthetongueandotherorgans,whohasanacuteacumen,whoeats,drinksandsleepsin moderation,whohasdestroyedselfishness,lust,greedandanger,canpracticemeditationandattain successinSamadhi.

3.Justasyourequirefoodforthebody,soalsoyourequirefoodforthesoulintheshapeof prayers,Japa,Kirtan,meditation,etc.Justasyouareagitatedwhenyoudonotgetfoodintime,so alsoyouwillbeagitatedwhenyoudonotprayinthemorningandeveningatthepropertimeifyou keepupthepracticeofprayerandJapaforsometime.Thesoulalsowantsitsfoodattheproper time.Thefoodforthesoulismoreessentialthanthefoodforthebody.Thereforedoyourprayers, Japaandmeditationregularly.

4.Whenyouareaneophyteinmeditation,startrepeatingsomesublimeSlokas,Stotras (hymns)fortenminutesassoonasyousitformeditation.Thiswillelevatethemind.Themindcan beeasilywithdrawnfromtheworldlyobjects.Thenstopthiskindofthinkingalsoandfixthemind ononeideaonlybyrepeatedandstrenuousefforts.ThenNishthawillensue.

5.YoumusthaveamentalimageofGodorBrahman(concreteorabstract)beforeyou begintomeditate.

6.Whenyoustartafireyouheapupsomestraw,pieceofpaper,thinpieceofwood.Thefire getsextinguishedquickly.Youblowitagainseveraltimesthroughthemouthortheblow-pipe. Aftersometimeitbecomesasmallconflagration.Youcanhardlyextinguishitnowevenwithgreat efforts.Evenso,inthebeginningofmeditation,theneophytesfalldownfrommeditationintotheir oldgrooves.TheywillhavetoliftuptheirmindagainandagainandfixitontheLakshya.When meditationbecomesverydeepandsteady,theygetestablishedinGodeventually.Thenthe meditationbecomesSahaja(natural).Itbecomeshabitual.Usetheblow-pipeofTeevraVairagya andintensemeditationtokindlethefireofmeditation.

7.Youwillhavetonoteverycarefullywhetheryouremainstationaryinthespiritualpath evenaftermanyyearsofspiritualpracticeorwhetheryouareprogressing.Sometimesyoumaygo downwardsalsoifyouarenotvigilantandcareful,ifyourVairagyawanesandifyouareslackin yourmeditation.Reactionmaysetin.Somepractisemeditationforaperiodof15yearsandyetthey havenotmadeanyrealprogressatall.Why?Thisisduetolackofearnestness,Vairagya,keen longingforliberationandintense,constantSadhana(spiritualpractice).

8.DuringmeditationwhenyourmindismoreSattvicyouwillbeinspired.Themindwillbe composingfinepoemsandsolvingsomeproblemsoflife.StampouttheseSattvicVrittisalso.This isalldissipationofmentalenergy.SoarhigherandhighertoAtmanonly.

9.YouwillgetthefullAnandaoftheDivineGloryonlywhenyoudivedeep,whenyou mergedeepintosilentmeditation.WhenyouareontheborderlandofDivinityorGod,whenyou areatthegateorthresholdofGod,whenyouareintheoutskirts,youwillnotgetthemaximum peaceandbliss.

10.BeforesaturatingthemindwiththethoughtsofBrahmanyouwillhavetoassimilatethe Divineideasfirst.Assimilationfirstandthensaturation.Thencomesrealisationatoncewithouta moment’sdelay.Rememberthetripletalways:‘Assimilation—Saturation—Realisation.’

11.Thereisalwaysacomplaintamongsttheaspirants:“Iammeditatingforthelast12 years.Ihavenotmadeanyimprovement.Ihavenorealization.”Whyisitso?Whatisthereason?

Theyhavenotplungedthemselvesindeepmeditation,intotheinnermostrecessesofthehearts. TheyhavenotproperlyassimilatedandsaturatedthemindwiththethoughtsofGod.Theyhavenot doneregularsystematicSadhana.TheyhavenotdisciplinedtheIndriyasperfectly.Theyhavenot collectedalltheoutgoingraysofthemind.Theyhavenotmadetheself-determination:“Iwill realisethisverysecond.”TheyhavenotgiventheentirecentpercentoftheirmindtowardsGod. TheyhavenotkeptanunceasingflowofDivineConsciousness.

12.Meditatefor2or3hours.Ifyougettired,takerestforhalfanhour.Takeacupofmilk andthenagainsitformeditation.Repeattheprocessofmeditationagainandagain.Youcanhavea strollintheverandahintheevening.Youneednotgoforawalkwhenyouaremeditatingseriously. Donotallowthemindtohaveanyworldlythoughtevenforafewminutes.Theabovemethodwill keepthemindvery,verybusyandentrapitwithinashortperiod.Practisethisandyoucanenterinto Samadhiwithinfortydays.Householderscanconvertaroomintoaforestandcanachievethisend attheirverythreshold.Youwillbeabletositcontinuouslyevenfor14hoursatastretchaftersome time.

13.Youwillhavetopassthroughsixstagesofmeditationandfinallyyouwillenterinto perfectNirvikalpaSamadhiorsuperconsciousstate.Form-perceptionandreflex-perceptionwill totallyvanish.Thereisneithermeditationnormeditatednow.Themeditatorandthemeditated havebecomeone.Youwillattainnowthehighestknowledge,eternalandsupremepeace.Thisis thegoaloflife.Thisistheaimofexistence.Thisisthefinalbeatitudeoflife.Youareanestablished sageorilluminedJivanmuktanow.Youareliberatedwhileliving.Henceyouarecalleda Jivanmukta.Youareabsolutelyfreefrompain,sorrow,fear,doubtanddelusion.Youhavebecome identicalwithBrahman.Thebubblehasbecometheocean.Theriverhasjoinedtheoceanandhas becometheocean.Alldifferencesanddistinctionswilltotallyvanish.Youwillexperience:“Iam theImmortalSelf.AllindeedisBrahman.ThereisnothingbutBrahman.”

CHAPTERVII SPECIALINSTRUCTIONS

1.Whenyourhouseisonfirehowdaringlyyouenterthehousetotakeyourchildwhois sleepingintheroom!Evensoyoumustbeverycourageouswhenyoutreadonthespiritualpath. Youmustbeabsolutelyfearless.Youmustnothavetheleastattachmenttoyourbody.Thenonly youwillhaveSelf-realisationquickly.Timidpeopleareabsolutelyunfitforthespiritualpath.

2.Iftherearemangoesonthetopofabigtree,youdonotjumpallatoncetopluckthem.Itis impossible.Yougraduallyclimbupthetreebygettingholdofdifferentbranchesandthenreachthe topofthetree.Evensoyoucannotjumpallatoncetothesummitofthespiritualladder.Youwill havetoplaceyourfootwithcautiononeachrungoftheladder.YouwillhavetopracticeYama, Niyama,Asana,Pranayama,Pratyahara,DharanaandDhyana.Thenonlyyouwillreachthe highestrungoftheladderofYoga,viz.,Samadhi.IfyouareastudentofVedantayouwillhaveto equipyourselfwiththefourmeans.FirstyouwillhavetodoSravana,MananaandNididhyasana. ThenonlyyouwillattainBrahmaSakshatkara.IfyouareastudentofBhaktiYoga,youwillhaveto

practicetheninemodesofBhakti,viz.,Sravana,Kirtana,Smarana,Padasevana,Archana, Vandana,Dasya,SakhyaandAtma-nivedana.ThenonlyyouwillattainthestateofPara-bhakti.

3.Ifthechickenandfowlsrunhitherandthithertoeatvarioussortsofrubbish,whatdoes theownerofthepoultrydo?Hegivesaslighttapontheirheadsandthrowsbeforethemsomegrains toeat.Graduallytheyleavetheirdirtyhabitofeatingfilth.Evensothismindrunshitherandthither toeatfilthythingsandenjoyfivekindsofsensualobjects.Giveataponitsheadandmakeittaste graduallythespiritualblissbypracticeofJapaandmeditation.

4.Ittakesalongtimeforthecharcoaltocatchfirebutgun-powdercanbeignitedwithinthe twinklingofaneye.Evensoittakesalongtimeforignitingthefireofknowledgeforamanwhose heartisimpure.ButanaspirantwithgreatpurityofheartgetsknowledgeoftheSelfwithinthe twinklingofaneye,withinthetimetakentosqueezeaflowerbythefingers.

5.Mayaisaveryhugesaw.Lust,anger,greed,delusion,pride,jealousy,hatred,egoism, etc.,aretheteethofthishugesaw.Allworldly-mindedpersonsarecaughtupintheteethofthissaw andarecrushed.Thosewhoareendowedwithpurity,humility,love,dispassion,devotionand enquiryarenothurt.Theyescapethroughthedivinegrace.Theypasssmoothlybelowthesawand reachtheothersideofimmortality.

6.Winterisverycongenialforvigorousmeditation.Youwillnotgettiredevenifyou meditateforhourstogetheratastretch.Butinthemorninghourslazinesstriesitslevelbestto overpoweryou.Ifyoucoveryourselfwithoneortwowarmblanketsyoufeelquitecomfortable. Youdonotwanttogetupintheearlymorningeventhoughtherepeatedalarmwakesyouupagain andagain.Youdecidenow:“Letmesleepforfifteenminutesmoreandthenletmestartmy meditation.”Thenyoubegintocovernicely,withtheblanket,certainexposedpartsofthefeet.You feelquitepleasantnow.Whatisthenet-result?Youbegintosnorenicelyandgetuponlyafterthe sunhasarisen.Days,weeksandmonthswillrollonlikethis.Everywinteralsowillpassawayin thismanner.Justatthattimewhichisquitefavourableformeditation,minddeceivesyouand overpowersyoubysleep.Mindisamaster-magician.Heknowsseveraltricksandillusions.Maya operatesthroughmind.MysteriousisMaya.Beonyouralert.Bevigilant.Youcancontrolmind andMaya.Throwawaytheblanketassoonasyouhearthealarm.SitonVajraAsana.Do20 Pranayamas.Drowsinesswilldisappear.

7.Ofriends!Wakeup!Sleepnomore.Meditate.ItisBrahmamuhurtanow!Openthegate ofthetempleoftheLordinyourheartwiththekeyoflove.Hearthemusicofthesoul.Singthesong ofPrematoyourBeloved.PlaythemelodyoftheInfinite.MeltyourmindinHiscontemplation. UnitewithHim.ImmerseyourselfintheoceanofLoveandBliss.

8.Justasyouremoveatonceapebbleinyourshoesthattroublesyou,soalsoyoumustbe abletoremoveanytormentingthoughtfromyourmindatonce.Thenonlyyouhavegained sufficientstrengthincontrolofthought.Thenonlyyouhaveattainedsomerealprogressinthe spiritualpath.

9.Anaspirantsays:“IamabletomeditateononeAsanaforthreehours.IntheendIbecome senselessbutIdonotfalldowntotheground.”Ifthereisrealmeditation,youwillneverbecome

senseless.Youwillexperienceperfectawareness.Thisisanegative,undesirablementalstate.You willhavetogetoverthisstatebykeepingupperfectvigilance.

10.Supposethemindrunsoutsideduringmeditationfortytimeswithinonehour.Ifyoucan makeitrunonly38timesitisadecidedimprovement.Youhavegainedsomecontroloverthe mind.Itdemandsstrenuouspracticeforalongtimetocheckthemind-wandering.VikshepaSaktiis verypowerful.ButSattvaismorepowerfulthanVikshepaSakti.IncreaseyourSattva.Youcan veryeasilycontroltheoscillationofthemind.

11.Whenthereisdeepconcentrationyouwillexperiencegreatjoyandspiritual intoxication.Youwillforgetthebodyandthesurroundings.AllthePranawillbetakenuptoyour head.

12.Ifyoufinditdifficulttoconcentrateyourmindwithinaroom,comeoutsideandsitinan openplaceorterraceorbythesideofariver,orinaquietcornerofagarden.Youwillhavegood concentration.

13.Whenyouarelyingdowninyourbed,sometimesabiglightwillpassalongyour forehead.Assoonasyoutrytobeholdthelightbymeditatinginthesittingpostureitmaydisappear. Youmayask:“HowisitthatIfailtocatchthelightbyexertion,whereasitcomesbyitselfwhenI amlyingdown,withoutaneffort?”Thereasonisyoulosttheconcentrationassoonasyousatfor meditationbyentryofRajas.

14.ItisverydifficulttofixyourmindinthebeginningonthewholepictureofLord Krishna,becausealltheraysofthemindarenotcollected.Sometimesyoucanvisualisetheface, sometimesthefeet,sometimestheeyes.Fixthemindonanypartofthepicturewhichthemindlikes best.

15.Themindhasattractionforcertainnewwordsornamesoftownsorpersons.Suppose youhavecomeacrosscertainnewwordsornamesoftownsorpersonssuchas‘ecstasy,’‘Fyzabad,’ ‘JohnHerbert.’Ifyousitformeditationthemindwillrepeat‘ecstasy,’‘Fyzabad,’‘JohnHerbert.’ Sometimesitwillsingsomesongs,repeatsomeoldpoemsorSanskritSlokaswhichyougotby heartduringyourboyhood.Watchthemindcarefullyandtrytobringitbacktothepointorcentre.

16.Whenyoumeditatewithopeneyesyoumayseeafriendinfrontofyouandhearhis voicealso;butyoumaynotbeabletomakeoutthepersonandhisvoicebecausethemindisnot attachedtotheearsortheeyes.Ifthemindisentirelywithdrawnfromthesensualobjects,ifthe thoughtsareannihilated,iflikesanddislikesaredestroyed,howcanyouperceivetheworldatall? Youwillbecomemindless.YouwillbeholdtheSelfonlyeverywhere.Allnamesandformswill vanish.

17.Itisverydifficulttofixthemindallatonceonapoint.Themindmoveswitha tremendousvelocity.Justasthehorseinacircusrunsinacircleagainandagain,soalsothemind runsinacircleagainandagain.Insteadofallowingthemindtoruninabigcircle,makeitrunin smallerandsmallercircles.Eventuallyitcanbefixedonapoint.Youwillhavetocatchholdofthe mindthroughintelligentmethods.Merecoercionandforcewillnotdo.Itwillmakemattersworse.

18.Sometimesyoumaybecomedespondentandfeel,“Ihavemanyweaknessesand defects.HowcanIeradicatethem?HowcanIcontrolthisstrongandimpetuousmind?WillIget liberationorNirvikalpaSamadhiinthisverybirth?IhavenotgainedmucheventhoughIhave practisedmeditationforthelast8years.”Donotbedisheartened.Evenifyouhavecontrolledone ortwoIndriyas,evenifyouhavecontrolledsomethoughts,halfthebattleiswon.Controlofeven onethoughtordestructionofevenoneVasanawillgiveyoumentalstrength.Everythoughtthatis controlled,everydesirethatisdestroyed,everyIndriyathatissubdued,everydefectandweakness thatiseradicatedwilladdstrengthtothemind,willdevelopyourwillandtakeyouonestepnearer tothegoal.Friends!Whythenlamentationsanddespair?FightbravelyintheAdhyatmic battlefield.Becomeaspiritualsoldier.Comeoutvictoriousandwearthespirituallaurelsofdivine wisdom,eternalpeaceandsupremebliss.

19.Sometimesthemindwillbesluggishorslothful.Youcannotconcentrate.Itwillrefuse towork.Thesamevigorousmindmaybecomesluggishinthelatterpartofconcentration,justas thehorsethatwasrunningwithgoodspeedinthebeginningofthejourneybecomessluggishinthe end.Justasthedriverfreshensthehorsebygivingalittlegrassandwater,soalsoyouwillhaveto freshenthemindwithsomeelevatingthoughtsanddisciplineitwithundistractedattention.

20.Ifthemindisrestlessorwanderingsitinaquietroom.OrliedowninSavasanalikea deadmanfor15minutesandrelaxthebodyandmindcompletely.Entertainsomepleasant thoughts.Thinkofsomebeautifulflowers,theglaciersoftheHimalayas,theblueexpansivesky, thevastoceanorsomebeautifulsceneryinHimalayasorKashmirorinanyotherplace.Nowyou cansitagainformeditation.

21.Whenyouenterintodeepmeditation,youwillhavenoconsciousnessofyourbodyor surroundings.Youwillhaveequanimityofmind.Youwillnothearanysound.Therewillbe stoppageofup-goinganddown-goingsensations.Theconsciousnessofegoismalsowillgradually vanish.Youwillexperienceinexplicablejoyandindescribablehappiness.Graduallyreasoningand reflectionalsowillcease.

22.Whenyouenterintodeepmeditation,thepulse-beatsmaycometo30.Theon-looker maynotbeabletoperceivethebreathing.Thebreathmaynotcomeoutofthenostrils.InJada SamadhiofHathaYoginsthebreathingandheart-beatswillentirelystop.InChaitanyaSamadhi thelungsandheartwillbefunctioningvery,veryslowly.

23.Advancedaspirantsshouldstopallsortsofworkandstudyofreligiousbookseven,if theywanttoenterintoSamadhiquickly.TheyshouldobserveMounaandremaininasolitaryplace onthebanksoftheGanga,YamunaorNarmadaoranyotherriver.Theyshouldliveonmilkalone ormilkandfruits.TheyshouldplungethemselvesinSadhanainrightearnest.Theyshouldreduce sleepto2to3hours.Theyshouldstartthepracticeinthebeginningofwinter,inNovember.There isrealrestinmeditation.Thisrestisfarsuperiortotherestthatisobtainedfromsleepevenforhalf anhouroronehourandwillsuffice.

24.TheaspirantorYogiinthecaveintheHimalayasorasilentmeditatorintheplains thinksthatheisverymuchadvancedspiritually.Helookswithcontemptathisbrotherwhois ploddingtoreachthegoalthroughuntiringselflessserviceandmeditationcombined.Theformer

mayberichinVairagyaandTitiksha.Hemaybeproficientinthestudyofscriptures.Hemaybe abletobearcold.HemaybeabletoliveonbreadandDhalalone.Hemaybeabletositonone Asanaatastretchforalongertime.Buthemaybelackinginmercy,cosmiclove,broadtolerance, generosity,courage,etc.Hemaynotbeabletobearheat,hemaycomplainofstrongVikshepa,he maynotbeabletokeepupabalancedmindwhenhecomestotheplains,whilethelattermay possesshisownspecialvirtuesandbalancedmindandmayexceltheYogiofHimalayasorthe silentmeditatoroftheplainsinmanyrespects.Oneshouldhaveexcellenceinallvirtues.Thenonly hewillbecomeaperfectsage.EquanimityisYoga.

25.AworldlymanhasAbhimanaforhiswealthandposition.HehasgreatMohaforhis childrenandwife.ButaSannyasiorYogihasgreatspiritualandmoralpride.Hethinks:“Iam superiortoahouseholder.IamagreatYogi.Icanmeditatefor12hours.Ipossessgreatpurity, renunciationanddispassion.”TheAbhimanaofaSannyasiismoredangerousandpowerfulthan theAbhimanaofaworldlyman,andsomoredifficultforeradication.

26.Becautious.Studythenatureofpeople.Moveverycarefullywithpeople.Donotbe deceived.Haveaknowledgeofpsychology.Knowpeoplebytheirbehaviour,talks,look,smile, gait.Knowthembythefoodtheytake,thebookstheystudy,andthecompanionstheykeep.

27.Sometimesthemindwillrevoltseriously.Youwillfeel:“Ihavenotgainedmuch throughTapas,disciplineandmeditation.LetmebreakthevowofBrahmacharya.Letmegiveup entirelyalldieteticdiscipline.Letmerevelinsensualobjects.Letmeeatsumptuously.”Donot yield.Coaxorcajolethemind.DovigorousJapaandKirtan.Studymybook‘HowtogetVairagya’ orBhartrihari’s‘VairagyaSataka’againandagain.RememberthepainsofSamsaraandthedefects ofthesensuallife.Rememberthesaintsandtheirteachingsagainandagain.Standadamant.Be cautious.Bevigilant.Watchandpray.Therebelliousmindwillcooldowngradually.

28.EvenapureBrahmachariwillbetroubledinthebeginningbycuriosity.Hewillbe curioustoknowandfeelwhatsortofhappinesswillthesexualenjoymentgive.Hethinks sometimes:“Letmehavethecarnalknowledgeofawomanonce.ThenIwillbeabletorootoutthis sexualimpulseanddesirecompletely.Thissexualcuriosityistroublingmeverymuch.”Mind wantstodeludethisBrahmachari.Mayahavocsthroughcuriosity.Curiosityistransmutedintoa strongdesire.Enjoymentcannotbringsatisfactionofadesire.Justasthetiger,man-eater,runsafter humanfleshonlyifittastesoncehumanblood,soalsothemindwhichhasoncetastedsexual pleasurewillbeeverhankeringafterit.ThewisewayistokillthewaveofcuriositybyVicharaor enquiryofthatpuresexlessAtman,renunciationofsexualdesire,totallyeradicatedbyconstant meditation,bythinkingoverthegloryofBrahmacharyaandthedefectsofanimpurelife.

29.Eveninablindmanwhoisacelibate,whohasnotseenthefaceofawoman,thesexual impulseisverystrong.Why?ThisisduetotheforceofSamskarasorimpressionsofpreviousbirths whichareimbeddedinthesubconsciousmind.Whateveryoudo,whateveryouthink,allarelodged orprintedorindeliblyimpressedinthelayersoftheChittaorsubconsciousmind.These impressionscanbeburntorobliteratedonlybythedawnofknowledgeofAtmanortheSupreme Self.WhenthesexualVasanafillsthewholemindandbody,theSamskarasassumetheformofbig Vrittisorwavesandtormentthepoorblindman.

30.Thoughtistherealaction.Butthereisagreatdealofdifferencebetweentheactual shootingofamanandthinkingtoshootaman,betweenactualcopulationandthinkingtohave intercoursewithawoman.Philosophicallyspeakingthinkingtoshootaman,thinkingtohave copulationistherealact.Desireismorethantheact.Godgivesfruitsaccordingtothemotivesof theman.Bepureinyourthoughts.ThenonlyyoucanenterthekingdomofGodwithin.Thenonly theLordwillbeenthronedinyourheart.

31.Anaspirantwritestome:“Somebodytappedatmydoorat3a.m.Iwokeupandopened thedoor.IsawLordKrishnawithcrownonHishead.HedisappearedsoonandIwentthroughthe laneinsearchofHim.IwasnotabletofindHimout.ThenIcamebacktomyhouseandsatinfront ofmydoortillday-breaktoseeHimagain.”Casesofsomnambulistsorsleep-walkersarenot uncommon.Theydreamevenwhilestandingandwalkingalso.Theabovecasemighthavebeena purecaseofsomnambulism.Youwillhavetobeverycarefulinascertainingthetruenatureofyour spiritualexperience,whetheritisadreamoranactualreality.DarshanofLordKrishnaisnotso verycheap.Aspirantsmakemistakesinthebeginning.

32.Apieceofordinarywhitepaperorcolouredpaperhasnovalue.Youthrowitaway.But ifthereisthestamporpictureofthekingortheemperoronthepaper(currencynotes),youkeepit safeinyourmoneypurseortrunk.Evensoanordinarypieceofstonehasnovalueforyou.You throwitaway.Butifyoubeholdthestone-MurtyofLordKrishnaatPandharpuroranyotherMurty inshrines,youbowyourheadwithfoldedhands,becausethereisthestampoftheLordinthestone. Thedevoteesuperimposesonthestone-Murty,hisownbelovedandalltheattributesoftheLord. Image-worshipisverynecessaryforbeginners.

33.HowsweetistheNameoftheLord!HowsoothingandelevatingaretheNamesofHari, Rama,Krishna,Siva.TheNamedrivesawayyourfear,anguish,sorrowandpain;andfillsyour heartwithjoy,peace,strengthandcourage.TheNameisahealingbalmtoyourwoundedheartand tirednerves.TheNameisapanaceaordivineelixirthatconfersimmortalityandeternalbliss. RemembertheNameoftheLordalways.SingHisNameandassociateitwithyourbreath;youwill befreedfromtheroundofbirthsanddeaths.

34.YoumusthavetheBhavathatAtman,Isvara,Devata,Mantraareone.WiththisBhava youwillhavetorepeatyourGuruMantraorIshtaMantra.ThenaloneyouwillhaveMantra-siddhi orGod-realisationquickly.

35.ThebestflowerthatcanbeofferedtotheLordisyourheart.Penetratemoredeeplyinto theinfinitedomainofKailasa,theKingdomofillimitableblissandboundlesspeacewithin.

36.MayyoubeindirectcommunionwiththeLord,thyIshtam,Guide,SupremeRefuge andSolace!

CHAPTERVIII

YOGICEXERCISES

1.YogicAlphabet

Asanas makeyoustrongandhealthyanderadicatemanydiseases.

Bhastrika Pranayamadevelopslungs,destroysthegermsoftuberculosis,augments lung-powerandlung-capacity.

Constipation isremovedbythepracticeofBhujanga,SalabhaandDhanurAsanas.

Dhanurasana isacombinationofBhujangaandSalabhaAsanas.

Eating inmoderation,plainlivingandhighthinkinghelptheYogicstudentinattaininghis goalquickly.

Fasting eliminatespoison,purifiesthesystemandinvigoratesthecells.

Garbhasana augmentsthedigestivepower,increasestheappetiteandremovesmany intestinaldiseases.

Halasana makesthespineverysuppleandelastic.

Indriyas shouldbecontrolledbythepracticeofPratyahara.

Japa of‘Om’or‘HariOm’shouldgohandinhandwithAsanasandPranayamas.

Kumbhaka helpstoattainlongevityandawakenstheKundalini.

Lolasana strengthensthemusclesofthearmsandforearms.

Mind canbecontrolledbyVairagya,Abhyasa,SatsangaVichara,eradicationofVasanas, destructionofegoism,Pranayama,meditation,andcultivationofvirtues,suchasmercy, complacency,self-denial,SantiandSantosha.

Nadi SuddhicanbeobtainedbythepracticeofPranayama.

Oordhva Padmasanacheckswet-dreamsandtransmutesthesexualenergyintoOjas.

Paschimottanasana removesfat,increasesthegastricfireanderadicatesdiseasesofthe stomach.

Quetta earthquakeisnothingwhencomparedtotheagitationcausedinthemindbythe turbulentsenses.

Regularity inthepracticeofAsanaandPranayamaisindispensablyrequisiteforquickand solidprogress.

Sirshasana isthekingofallAsanas.IttransmutesseminalenergyintoOjas,develops memoryandintellectualcapacity,andremovesahostofailments.

Trataka helpsconcentrationofthemindandremovesdiseasesoftheeyes.

Uddiyana Bandhaimpartsbeautifulhealth,strength,vigourandvitalityandremovesthe disordersofthealimentarysystem.

Vajrasana removesdrowsiness,strengthensthespine,helpsdigestionandisveryuseful formeditation.

Winter isthebesttimeforrigorouspracticeofYoga.

Xerostomia (abnormaldrynessofthemouth)canberemovedbythepracticeofSitaliand SitkariPranayamas.

Yoga MudraremovesthedisordersoftheabdomenandawakensKundalini.

Zerosis isthediseaseoftheeyeowingtothedeficiencyofVitamin‘A’.Thisisremovedby thepracticeofmildTratakaandSirshasana.

2.Padmasana

YoumustbeabletositinanAsanaquitesteadyatastretchforfullthreehours.Thenonly youwillgetmasteryovertheAsana(AsanaJaya).WithoutsecuringasteadyAsanayoucannotget

onwellinmeditation.ThemoresteadyyouareinyourAsana,themoreyouwillbeableto concentrateandmakeyourmindone-pointed.Ifyoucanbesteadyinthepostureevenforonehour, youwillbeabletoacquireone-pointedmindandfeeltherebyinfinitePeaceandAtmicBlissinside. FourAsanas,viz.,Padmasana,Siddhasana,SvastikasanaandSukhasana,areprescribedfor meditativepurposes.RishislikeGheranda,SandilyaandothersspeakveryhighlyofPadmasana. Thisishighlyagreeabletohouseholders.

SpreadaseatonthegroundandtakeyourseatfacingNorthorEast.Spreadthelegsforward. Takeholdofyourrightfootandkeepitontheleftthighandthenplacetheleftfootovertheright thigh.Placethehandsontheknees.Youcanmakeafinger-lockandkeepthehandsovertheleft ankle.Siterect,keepingtheback,neckandheadinonestraightline.Closeyoureyesandbeginyour Japaandmeditation.

NexttoPadmasanacomesSiddhasanainimportance.YoungBrahmacharinswhoattempt togetestablishedincelibacyshouldpracticethisAsana.Sitonyourseat.Spreadthelegs.Takehold ofyourleftfootandkeeptheheelattheanusandthenplacetherightheelatthetopofthegenerative organ.HandscanbeplacedasinPadmasana.

3.Siddhasana

4.Sirshasana

Sirshasana,Sarvangasanaandotherexercisesareintendedforgeneralhealth,foran all-rounddevelopmentofthebodyandformaintainingBrahmacharya.Sirshasanaiskingofall Asanas.TheseminalenergyistransmutedintoOjas-sakti.InthisAsanaalonethebraincandraw plentyofPranaandblood.Greatbenefitisderivedbysittingformeditationafterthepracticeof Sirshasana.Alldiseasesoftheeyes,nose,head,throat,stomachandotherorgansareremoved.The advantagesthatarederivedfromthisAsanaareincalculable.Thisisapowerfulblood-purifierand nervinetonic.Memory-powerimprovesadmirably.

Spreadafour-foldedblanket.Sitontwoknees.Makeafinger-lockbyinterweavingthe fingers.Placeitontheground.Nowkeepthetopofyourheadonthegroundbetweenthe finger-lockandraiseyourlegsslowlytilltheybecomevertical.Avoidjerks.LearnthisAsanaby thesideofawallandgetthehelpofyourfriend,tillyoulearnbalancing.

5.Oordhva-Padmasana

Perform-Sirshasana.Slowlybendtherightlegandkeepitontheleftthighandthentheleft legontherightthigh,formingafoot-lockasinPadmasana.Dothisslowlyandavoidjerksorafall. WhenyouknowthebalancinginSirshasanaperfectly,youcanattemptforthisAsana.ThisAsana helpsthepractitionertomaintainBrahmacharya.AllotherbenefitsofSirshasanaarederivedbythe practiceofthisAsana.

6.Sarvangasana

Spreadablanketonthefloorandlieonthebackquiteflat.Slowlyraisethelegs,hipsand trunk.Supportthebackwiththetwohandsandresttheelbowsontheground.Pressthechinagainst thechest.RemainintheAsanafor5secondsandslowlybringthelegstotheground.Graduallyyou canincreasetheperiodto20minutes.ThisAsanagiveswonderfulbenefits.Itkeepsthespine elasticandhelpsyoutomaintainBrahmacharya.Elasticityofspinemeanseverlastingyouth.After performingthisAsana,doMatsyasana.YoucanderivethemaximumbenefitofSarvangasana.

7.Halasana

Spreadablanketonthegroundandlieflatonyourback.Keepthehandsatthesidesonthe groundwiththepalmfacingtheground.Joinbothyourlegs.Liftthelegsslowlyupasin Sarvangasana.Donotbendthelegs.Donotraisethehands.Thenslowlylowerthelegsuntilthe toestouchthegroundabovethehead.Keepthekneesclose.RemainintheAsanafor5secondsand increasetheperiodto5minutesbygradualpractice.Thenraisethelegsslowlyandcomebackto theoriginalposition.

8.Matsyasana

Sitontheblanketandformthefoot-lockasinPadmasana.Thenlieflatontheback.Stretch theheadbacksothatthetopofyourheadrestsonthegroundfirmlyononesideandthebuttockson theother,thusmakingabridgeoranarchofthetrunk.Placethehandsonthethighsorcatchholdof thetoes.RemaininthisAsanafor3secondsorhalftheperiodthatyoudevotetoSarvangasana. ThisAsanamustbedoneimmediatelyafterperformingSarvangasana.ThisAsanadestroysmany diseasesandremovesconstipation.

9.Paschimottanasana

Sitonthegroundandstretchthelegsstifflikeastick.Catchthetoeswiththethumb,index andmiddlefingers.Whilecatching,youwillhavetobendthetrunkforwards.Exhale.Slowlybend withoutjerkstillyourforeheadtouchesyourknees.Youcankeepthefacebetweenthekneesalso. Youcanbendthehandsandresttheelbowsontheground.Retaintheposefor5secondsand graduallyincreaseto5minutes.ThisisanexcellentAsana.ThisAsanarelievesconstipation, removessluggishnessofliver,dyspepsiaandgastritis.Musclesandorgansoftheabdominalviscera aretonedupcompletely.

APPENDIX

1.TheUniversalPrayer

OAdorableLordofMercyandLove! SalutationsandprostrationsuntoThee.

ThouartSatchidananda.

ThouartExistence-Consciousness-BlissAbsolute. ThouartOmnipresent,OmnipotentandOmniscient. ThouarttheIndwellerofallbeings.

Grantusanunderstandingheart, Equalvision,balancedmind, Faith,devotionandwisdom.

Grantusinnerspiritualstrength

Toresisttemptationsandtocontrolthemind. Freeusfromegoism,lust,greed,hatred,angerandjealousy. Fillourheartswithdivinevirtues.

LetusbeholdTheeinallthesenamesandforms. LetusserveTheeinallthesenamesandforms.

LetuseverrememberThee.

LetuseversingThyglories.

LetThyNamebeeveronourlips.

LetusabideinTheeforeverandever.

2.Serve,Love,Give

BecomeaKarmaYogiandworkforthewell-beingoftheworld.Youmustdouniversal serviceinordertoattainthestateofbeingonewiththeuniversalconsciousness.

Itisonlythroughselflessactivities,unattachedworkandlovingservicethatonecanacquire thepreciousgemofpurity,patienceandhumility.

Whereverthereisdistresssharewhatyouhaveandalleviatehumansufferingwhereveritis possible.ThusyouwillbeabletoachievethegoalforwhichGodhasgiventhishumanbody.

Whiledoingselflessservice,aninsidiousfeelingofselfapprobationmaycreepin unnoticed.Thismaylatermanifestitselfintheformofasortofindulgentattitudeandalofty contemptforthosewhoarenotfollowing,asimilarlife.Aconstanthumilitykeptalivebya ceaselessexerciseofitinserviceisthesurearmouragainstthisfoe.

Spiritualiseallactivities.FeelyouareaninstrumentintheLord’shandsandthatallthe Indriyas(senses)belongtoHim.Repeattheformula‘IamThine;allisThine;ThyWillbedone.’

FeelthatthewholeworldisamanifestationoftheLordandyouareservingtheLordinall namesandforms.Whateveryoudo—youractionsandtheresultsthereof—consecratethemallto theLordattheendofeachday.Donotidentifyyourselfwithactions.Thenyourheartwillbe purifiedandyouwillbereadytoreceivethedivinelightandgrace.

Restnotwithbeinggood.Dogoodalso.Bekind.Becompassionate.

Letnotvirtuewitherforwantofexercise.

Godislove.LoveisGod.Selfishness,greed,egoism,vanity,pride,hatredcontracttheheart andstandinthewayofdevelopinguniversallove.Feelthatthewholeworldisyourbody,yourown home.Meltanddestroyallbarriersthatseparatemanfromman.Ideaofsuperiorityisignorance. DevelopVisvaprema—all-embracinglove.Unitewithall.Separatenessisdeath.Unityiseternal life.

Godislove.Theonlytruereligionisthereligionofloveorthereligionofheart.Feelfor othersasyoufeelforyourself.

Loveexpectsnoreward.Loveknowsnofear.LoveDivinegives—doesnotdemand.Love thinksnoevil;imputesnomotive.Toloveistoshareandserve.

Docharity—amountingtoatleastonetenthofyourincomeorsixPaiseperRupee.

Happinesscomestohimwhogiveshappinesstoothers.

Give,Give.Giveinplenty,inhumilityandwithjoy.Thusintheveryprocessofgiving enrichyourselftoo.

Ifaman,whohasnotremovedjealousy,backbiting,hatred,pride,selfishnesssays,“Iam meditatingforsixhoursdaily,”itisallnonsense.Excel.Thereisnohopeofgettingintoa meditativemoodevenafterayearunlessamanremovesalltheseVrittisandpurifieshismindfirst byselflessserviceatleastforsixmonths.

ExcelinService, ExpandinLove, AdvanceinKnowledge.

ServiceisLoveinexpression, LoveisconcentratedKnowledge, Knowledgeisdiffusedlove.

3.Purify

SpiritualitymeansgrowingintotheformofDivineIdeal.Itisthetransformationofyour naturefromhumantoDivine.ThisisbroughtaboutbyAbhyasa,i.e.,spiritualpracticeorSadhana andVairagyaleadingtorenunciation.

ConsciousattempttomergeourselvesintheSupremeRealityiscalledspiritualSadhana, whichshouldbethecommonaimofall,thoughtheprocessmaybedifferent.

Ifyouwishtoevolvequickly,youmusthavetherightkindofSadhana.Ifyouareastudent ofthepathofself-reliance,youcanselecttheSadhanaforyourdailypractice,yourself.Ifyouarea studentofthepathofself-surrender,youshouldgettherightkindofSadhanafromaGuruand practiceitwithintensefaith.

ConstantSatsangawiththewiseandstudyoftheSrutisunderaGuruwillslowlywipeout thewrongandworldlySamskaras.

MakeintenseinnerSadhanathekeynoteofyourlife.Baseyourlifeupontheceaseless remembranceoftheDivineconsciousnessandconstantfeelingofHispresence.

Sadhanaisatfirstmechanicalanditisonlyinthelaterstagesthatitbecomesapartand parcelofone’sownlife.Itappearsasadrudgeryinthebeginning,butlateronitimpartsjoy,peace, strength,courageandfreedom.

DonotbeslackinyouSadhana.ItisSadhanathatwillhelpyouinthelongrun.Itistheonly assetinthislife.

BeregularinyourSadhana—andattainSelf-realisationinthisverybirth.

NevermindrepeatedfailuresinyourSadhana.Nildesperandum.Despairnot.Donotgive upthestruggleortheSadhana.Standupandfightagain.Struggleagain.Youarenearertosuccess eachtime.Everyfailureisasteppingstonetosuccess.Youaresuretosucceedinthelongrun.

Onlywhenyouhavepurifiedtheheart,silencedthemind,stilledthethoughtsandsurging emotions,withdrawntheoutgoingsenses,thinnedouttheVasanas,youcanbeholdtheglorious Atmanduringdeepmeditation.

Thepracticalmethodofrealisingone’sdivinenatureisthecompletetransformationofthe baseanimalnature,transcendingthehumannatureandawakeningfullythedormantspiritualtraits within.

Thisisdonethroughperfectethicalevolution,self-restraint,self-analysis,self-purification, concentration,meditation,practiceofselflessloveandservicetoallandsystematicinnerculture throughrightspeechandrightconduct.ThisaloneisthepathwaytoYogaandinnerunfoldment.

Nevercomplainagainstbadenvironments.Createyourownmentalworldwhereveryou remainandwhereveryougo.Donottrytorunawayfrombadunfavourableenvironments.Godhas placedyoutheretomakeyougrowquickly.

Theworldisnotahindrancetoyourspiritualpath.TheworldisyourGuru.Theworldisa trainingschool.TheworldisViratorIsvara.

Perfectserenity,cultivationofdivinevirtues,entertainingholythoughts,disciplineof diet—allthesepavethewaytosuccessalongspiritualpath.

Rightfromtheverybeginningofyourspirituallife,youmustunderstandclearlythatintrue humility,sinceredesiretorootoutgraduallypride,egoismandjealousy,earnestandincreasing introspectiontofindoutone’sowndefectsandimproveoneself,liesyourhopeofprogress.

Thenatureofthemindissuchthatitbecomesthatwhichitthinksuponintensely.Thusif youthinkofthevicesanddefectsofotherman,yourmindwillbechargedwiththosedefectsand vicesatleastforthetimebeing.He,whoknowsthispsychologicallaw,willneverindulgein censuringothersorinfindingfaultsintheconductofothers.Hewillalwayspraiseothers.Hewill onlyseegoodinothers.Thatisthewaytogrowinconcentration,Yogaandspirituality.

Nomanisabsolutelybad.Everyonehassomegoodtraitorother.Trytoseethegoodin everyone.Developthegood-findingnature.

Examineyourcharacter.Pickupsomedistinctdefectinit.Findoutitsopposite—letussay thatyousufferfromirritability.Theoppositeofirritabilityispatience.Meditateonitregularly everymorningforafewminutestakingoneaspectofit—suchasitsvalue,itspracticeunder provocationondifferentdays.

Chooseonevirtueforeverymonthandkeepitbeforeyouasanidealtobeachieved throughout.Meditateonitmorningandeveningjustaftergettingupfrombedandjustbefore retiringatnight.

Thereisnoeasypathtosalvationexceptthroughsmallimprovements,correction,purity, Japaandcelibacy.

IfyouareestablishedinAhimsaornon-violence,youwillneverbeharsh,rudeandhaughty evenforamoment.Nothoughtofevilorofinjuringotherswilleveroccurtoyou,evenfora moment.Yourheartwillbefilledwithlove,kindnessandaffection.

Nottohurtothersisnotsodifficultasnottobehurtbyothers.Youwillhavetobecome mindless.Youwillhavetokillyouregoismintoto.Youwillhavetodeveloppatiencetoa maximumdegreeifyouwishnottobehurtbyothers.

Adapt,Adjust,Accommodate Bearinsult.Bearinjury.ThisistheessenceofallSadhana.Thisisthemostimportant Sadhana.

Forgivethosewhoslanderorspeakillofyou.Donotharmanyonewhoinjuresyou.If anybodyfromaversionspeaksdisparaginglyofyou,greethimcourteouslywithoutmindingthose disagreeablewords.

Wrathisthedaughterofignorance,thesisterofjealousyandthemotherof hard-heartedness.

Withboldness,manlinessandself-reliance,combinehumility,softnessofspeechand behaviourandself-denial.Bereadytoserveothers.Putupwithprovocationandabusewithout retaliation.Removeallharshnessandrudenessfromyournature.Courtesyandpolitenessmust becomepartofyourverynature.

WhilecomingincontactwithRaga,Dvesha,lust,angerandgreed,wehavetoseethatthe frictiondoesnotigniteus.LetusalwayskeephandythecoolingbalmofBhagavan’sDivineName andHisreflection.

Donotarguemuch.Speakonlymeasuredwords.Ifanyoneabusesorinsults,keepquiet. IdentifyyourselfwiththeAtman.Atmanisthesameinall.Itcanneverbehurtorbeinsulted.

Watchyourthoughts,wordsandactionsverycarefully.Knowthepowerofwordsanduse themcautiously.Respectall.Speaksweetmeasuredwords.Bekind.Cultivatepatience,loveand humility.Enquire‘WhoamI?’

Hewhogivesrespect,getsit.

Besereneandtranquilunderallcircumstances.Cultivatethisvirtue,Shama(serenity), againandagainthroughconstantandstrenuousendeavour.Serenityislikearock;wavesof irritationmaydashonit,butcannotaffectit.Meditatedailyontheever-tranquilAtmanorthe Eternalwhichisunchanging.Youwillattainthissublimevirtuegradually.Thedivinelightwill descendonlyonacalmmind.Anaspirantwithacalmmindonlycanenterintodeepmeditationand NirvikalpaSamadhi.HealonecanpracticeNishkamaorselflessKarmaYoga.

EachSadhakashouldbearinmindthatdivinelifeistobelivedinsmalldetails.Ifyouare divineinsmalldetails,youcanbedivineinbigthings.Unlessyouarecarefulinyourday-to-day lifeandmouldyourlifeinaccordancewithyouridealism,itcannotbearfruit.

DoubtoruncertaintyisagreatobstacleinthepathofSelf-realisation.Itbarsthespiritual progress.ThismustberemovedbySatsanga,studyofreligiousbooks,Vicharaandreasoning.It willagainandagainraiseitsheadtomisleadtheaspirant.Itshouldbekilledbeyondresurrectionby certaintyofconvictionandfirmunshakablefaithbasedonreasoning.

Doubtisyourgreatenemy.Doubtcausesrestlessnessofmind.Destroyalldoubtsthrough VicharaandJnana.

Introspectregularly.Practiseself-examinationfortenminutesbeforeyougotobed.Sit comfortablyonachair.Closeyoureyes.Thinkofallactions—goodandbad—thatyoudidduring thecourseoftheday.Thinkofallthemistakesthatyoucommittedconsciouslyorunconsciously.

Aman,whohasnolifeofintrospection,whosemindisofoutgoingtendencies,cannotfind outhisownmistakes.Theself-conceitactsasaveilandblursthementalvision.Ifanaspirantwants

togrow,hemustadmithisdefectswhentheyarepointedoutbyothers.Hemusttryhislevelbestto eradicatethemandmustthankthemanwhohaspointedouthisdefects.Thenhecangrowin spirituality.

Donotbroodoveryourpastmistakesandfailuresasthiswillonlyfillyourmindwithgrief, regretanddepression.Donotrepeattheminfuture.Becautious.Justthinkofthecauseswhichled toyourfailuresandtrytoremovetheminfuture.Strengthenyourselfwithnewvigourandvirtues. Developslowlyyourwill-power.

Everytemptationthatisresisted,everyevilthoughtthatiscurbed,everydesirethatis subdued,everybitterwordthatiswithheld,everynobleaspirationthatisencouraged,every sublimethoughtthatiscultivated,addstothedevelopmentofwill-force,goodcharacterand attainmentofeternalblissandimmortality.

Subconsciouslifeismorepowerfulthanyourordinarylifeofobjectiveconsciousness. Beneathyourconsciouslifethereisaverywideregionofsubconsciouslife.Thesubconsciouslife canmodifyandinfluenceyourconsciouslife.ThroughthepracticeofYogayoucanmodify, controlandinfluencethesubconsciousdepths.Allhabitsareimbeddedinsubconscious.

Themindisaproductofexperience.Itistheresultofpastthinkingandismodifiedby presentthinking.

FromexperienceyougetSamskara,fromSamskarayougetVasana,fromVasanayouget Vritti.Thenimagination(Kalpana)makestheVrittiintoadesire(Iccha).Egoattachesitselftothe desireanditbecomesthenanurge(Trishna).ThenyouareforcedtodoCheshtaoractiontofulfil thedesire.Actiongivesrisetoexperienceandsothecycleisrepeated.

SamskarasorimpressionsyouhavecreatedduringyourSadhanaperiodwithinaclosed room,willbewipedoutifyouarenotcarefulorvigilantduringyourperiodofactivityintheworld. Soconstantlydwellontheseideas,“Thewholeworldismybody.Allbodiesaremine.Alllivesare mine.Allpainsaremine.Alljoysaremine!”Jealousy,anger,hatred,egoism,allwillvanish.

Themindisthecreatorofallfancies,conceptsandthroughtheseofworries.Alittlecontrol overthemindshouldbeexercisedwhensmallripplesofdisturbancepassoverthesurface.Sit calmlyandwatchthemind-wanderingscarefully.Findoutwhatareitshabituallikingsand thoughts.

Justasyouremoveatoncefromyourshoesapebblethattroublesyou,soalsoyoumustbe abletoremoveatonceanytormentingthoughtfromyourmind.

Allyourtroublesandmiseriesareduetoyouregoism.Itisegoismthathaslimitedyou.The causeofyourmiserydoesnotcomefromwithout.Annihilatethisegoism.Youwillenjoyinfinite blissandalifeofexpansion.

Thesecretofrenunciationisrenunciationofegoism,mine-nessanddesires.Objectsdonot bindyou.Itismineness(Mamata)thatbindsyoutothisSamsaraorcycleofbirthsanddeaths.

Freeyourselffromthebasethoughtsofthemind,thevarioususelessSankalpas.Itisthe actionsofthemind,thataretrulytermedKarmas.Trueliberationresultsfromthedethronementof themind.Thosewhohavefreedthemselvesfromthefluctuationsoftheirmindscomeinto possessionofthesupremeNishtha(meditation).Ifthemindbepurgedofallitsimpurities,itwill becomeverycalmandalltheworldlydelusionsattendantonitsbirthsanddeathswillbesoon destroyed.

Destroythefuelofdesire,andthefireofthoughtswillbeextinguished.

Ineverythought,ineveryaction,youhavetoassertyourmasteryoveryourVritti.Then Yogaisfulfilled,divinelifeislived.

Detachandattach.

Yogaisthedissolutionofthoughtsineternalawarenessorpureconsciousnesswithout objectification,knowingwithoutthinking,mergingfinitudeininfinity.

TheprocessofYogaembodiesanascentintopurityandintothatabsoluteperfectionwhich istheoriginalstateofman.Itimpliesthereforetheremovaloftheenvelopingimpurities,thestilling ofthediscordantvibratorytempoofthelowerKosasandestablishmentofastateofperfectbalance andharmony.

MasteryovermindshouldbetheobjectofYogaSadhana.Ifyoucanremainunshakenby griefandloss,angerandmalice,lustandgreed,hatredandjealousy,ifyouareabletocurbegoism andselfishness,ifyouarenotswayedbylikesanddislikes,ifyouhaveequalvision,abroadheart andacatholicmind,ifyoupossessasterlingcharacterandgoodmannersunderallcircumstances, ifyouvaluetheneedofothersaboveyourown,andifyourmindiseverengagedincontemplation ofHisall-pervadingpresence,thenyoucanassureyourselfthatyouarepracticingtrueYoga.

SignsofSpiritualGrowth

Sadhanaorspiritualpracticeshouldmakeyouevercheerful,moreconcentrated,joyful, balanced,peaceful,contented,blissful,dispassionate,fearless,courageous,compassionate, angerless,‘I’-less,desireless,mineless.Sadhanashouldgiveyourichinnerlife,introspectiveinner visionandunruffledstateofmindunderallconditionsoflife.

Thesearethesignsofyourspiritualgrowth.Seeingofvisions,lights,hearingofAnahata sounds,DivyaGandha,etc.,havenotmuchspiritualvalue,althoughtheyindicateyouhaveattained firstdegreeofconcentration.

MancanneverseparatehimselffromGod,forGodistheCosmosandmanitscomponent. ThereisonlyoneGod,theSelfofallbeings.Thereisonlyonelaw,thelawofcauseandeffect. Thereisonlyonereligion,thereligionofSelf-realisation.Religionisthemostrationalscienceof life,thescienceofmanasheessentiallyis,thesciencewhichshowshimhowheisapartof Cosmos,howheoughttoabidebythelawoftheCosmos,andaimatthefulfilmentofthe evolutionalprocessoftheCosmos.

Religionispracticalphilosophy.PhilosophyistheunderstandingoftheultimatePrinciple thatgovernslife.Religionistheartofpracticingit,i.e.,livingthespiritofphilosophy.

SurrendertotheLord

Bhaktiisessentialforeverybodyhoweverstrongtheindividualeffortsmaybe.Itis impossibletoeradicatethesubtleVrittisinthemind,viz.,subtleformoflust,anger,jealousy,Moha ordelusion,pride,etc.,withoutthehelpofDivineGrace.

OpenyourselftotheDivinethroughpurity,faith,devotion,aspirationandtotalungrudging self-surrender.TheDivinegracewilldescendonyou.

ApproachtheLordwith‘SarvaBhava’withallyourheart,mindandsoul,withyourwhole being.Donotkeepanyreservation.Themind,Chitta,intellectandegoshouldallagreetodothe surrenderwholly.Youwillbesupremelyblessed.YouwillobtainHisfullgrace.

FeelthatthewholeworldisamanifestationoftheLordandyouareservingtheLordinall namesandformsandwhateveryoudo,youractionsandtheresultsthereof—consecratethemtothe Lord.Dothisregularlyaftertheday’sworkisover.Donotidentifyyourselfwithactionsandthus beboundbythem.FeelthatyouaredoingyourdutyasadetachedinstrumentoftheLord’s benevolence.ThenyourheartwillbepurifiedandyouwillbereadytoreceivetheDivinelightand grace.Repeattheformula,“IamThine.AllisThine.ThyWillbedone.”

Mantra-writing

WhenyouwritetheMantra,alwaysobserveMounaorsilence.FeelthatthedivineSaktiis enteringyourwholebeing.Donotchangeyourseattillyouhavefinishedtheday’snumberof pages.ThereisanAchintyaSakti(indescribablepower)inMantra-writing.Ithelpsthe concentrationintheSadhaka.Ifthetwojointogether,athrillofjoypervadesthewholebeing.The innercalmisthenfeltbytheSadhaka.HefeelshimselflostintheonethoughtofGodoften.

Donotbedejected.Youhavegotimmeasurablestrengthandpowerwithin.Thereisa gloriousfutureawaitingyou.Facealldifficultieswithasmile.Painistherealeye-openerandreal guide.Godisputtingyoutothisseveretesttomakeyoumorestrongandmorepowerful. Understandthissecretwell.Neverbedespondent.Everlaugh,jump,whistleandsmile.

Keepyourselfinpositivestate.Overcomenegativethoughtsbyentertainingpositive, divinethoughts.Risefromimpurity,impotenceandfaintnessofheart.Bebold.Becheerfulalways.

ArealdevoteeknowsthatGoddoeseverythingforhis(devotee’s)owngood.Thelossand suffering,amanundergoes,willproduceVairagyainhimandturninghismindmoreandmore towardsGodwilldevelopinhimpowerofendurance,patienceandastrongwill-power.

Pain,suffering,misfortuneandill-luckareallmentalcreations.Infact,theydonotexist thereatall.EverythingisdonebytheBlessedLord,ourBelovedFatherandMother,foryourown good.Trytomeditateonthisgreattruth,andrealisethewonderfulresults.Whenyoulearntoreact

inthesamewaytopainandpleasure,whenyougreetbothasblessingsfromtheLordshoweredon youforthepurposeofremindingyouofHim,andwhenyouusebothasGod-sentopportunitiesfor rememberingHimandrepeatingHisNameandsingingHisGlories,thenInfiniteBlissand SupremePeacewillbeyours.

BroadPrinciplesofDivineLifeare: Truth,CompassionandPurity.DivineLifeisalife baseduponYogaandpervadedbyaspiritofVedanta.Itismadeupofselflessness,service,spiritual practicesandSelf-realisation.

4.Meditate

Meditationisthekeepingupoftheoneidea—beitofNirgunaBrahman,SagunaBrahman, imageoranabstractidea.Itfollowsconcentrationwherealltheraysofthemindarefocussedonto asinglethought.

UltimatelyeventhissinglethoughtgivesplacetoAwareness—justawarenessand illumination—whereallproblemsdissolvethemselves.

Whenyouenterintodeepmeditation,youwillhavenoconsciousnessofyourbodyor surroundings.Youwillhaveequanimityofmind.Youwillnothearanysounds.Theconsciousness ofegoismalsowillgraduallyvanish.Youwillexperienceinexplicablejoyandindescribable happiness.Graduallyreasoningandreflectiongiveplacetoawareness.

Ifyoucanmeditateforhalfanhour,youwillbeabletoengageyourselfwithpeaceand spiritualstrengthinthebattleoflifeforoneweekthroughtheforceofthismeditation.Suchisthe beneficialresultofthismeditation.Asyouhavetomovewithpeopleofdifferentnaturesinyour dailylife,getthestrengthandpeacefrommeditationandyouwillhavenotroubleandworrythen.

Sitdownwithacomposedmind.Assertyourmasteryoverthebodyandmind.Plungedeep intothechamberofyourheartandenterintothestupendousoceanofSilence.Listentothevoice whichissoundless.

5.Realise

Therealizationofonenessinallexistences,manifestedandunmanifested,isthegoalof humanlife.

Untilmanrecognizesthefactthatinessenceheistheimmortalsoul,hewillnotknow himself;throughignoranceheidentifieshimselfwiththebody.Whenknowledgedawnsthrough annihilationofignorance,identificationwiththebodyvanishes.HebecomesonewiththeSupreme SoulandattainsknowledgeofBrahman.

Whentheelectriclampiscoveredbymanywrappingsofcloth,therewillbenobrightlight. Whentheclothisremovedonebyone,thelightgrowsbrighterandbrighter.Evenso,whenthe self-resplendentAtmanwhichiscoveredbythefivesheathsisstrippedoff,bymeditationonthe

pureSelfandthepracticeof‘netineti’doctrine,theself-luminousAtmanrevealsitselftothe meditator.

Allreligionsareequallygood.Godisthefruitofanyreligiontrulypracticed.Makeno mistakeaboutit.Godisone.Truthisone.Thecolourofthecowsmaybedifferent,butmilkis white.

Donotrunfromsecttosect.Donotjumpfromcreedtocreed.Youwillderivenopeace. Peacedoesnotcomebyfrettingandfuming.Outofcalmnessandstrengthensuespeace.Acquire calmnessandstrengthbylivingyourreligionandbypracticingitsprecepts.

Divewithin;introspect.Searchwithin.Seeifyouarepracticingthetenetsofyourownfaith. Iftheanswercomes‘No,’makeafirmresolve‘Iwillbetruetomyfaithrightfromthismoment’ andliveuptoyourresolve.Peaceofmindisboundtofollowasdayfollowsnight.

6.PeaceChant

PeacebetotheEast!PeacebetotheWest!

PeacebetotheNorth!PeacebetotheSouth!

Peacebeabove!Peacebebelow!

Peacebetoallcreaturesofthisuniverse!

Peacebeeverywhere.

OmSantih,Santih,Santih.

TWENTYIMPORTANTSPIRITUALINSTRUCTIONS

ByH.H.SriSwamiSivanandajiMaharaj

1.Getupat4a.m.daily.ThisisBrahmamuhurtawhichisextremelyfavourablefor meditationonGod.

2. ASANA: SitonPadma,SiddhaorSukhaAsanaforJapaandmeditationforhalfanhour, facingtheeastorthenorth.Increasetheperiodgraduallytothreehours.DoSirshasanaand SarvangasanaforkeepingupBrahmacharyaandhealth.Takelightphysicalexercisesaswalking, etc.,regularly.DotwentyPranayamas.

3. JAPA: RepeatanyMantraaspureOmorOmNamoNarayanaya,OmNamahSivaya, OmNamoBhagavateVasudevaya,OmSaravanabhavayaNamah,SitaRam,SriRam,HariOm,or Gayatri,accordingtoyourtasteorinclination,from108to21,600timesdaily.

4. DIETETICDISCIPLINE: TakeSattvicfood,SuddhaAhara.Giveupchillies, tamarind,garlic,onion,sourarticles,oil,mustard,asafoetida.Observemoderationindiet (Mitahara).Donotoverloadthestomach.Giveupthosethingswhichthemindlikesbestfora fortnightinayear.Eatsimplefood.Milkandfruitshelpconcentration.Takefoodasmedicineto keepthelifegoing.Eatingforenjoymentissin.Giveupsaltandsugarforamonth.Youmustbe abletoliveonrice,Dhalandbreadwithoutanychutni.DonotaskforextrasaltforDhalandsugar fortea,coffeeormilk.

5.Haveaseparatemeditation-roomunderlockandkey.

6. CHARITY: Docharityregularly,everymonth,orevendailyaccordingtoyourmeans, saysixpaiseperrupee.

7. SVADHYAYA: StudysystematicallytheGita,theRamayana,theBhagavata,Sri Vishnu-Sahasranama.Lalita-sahasranama,AdityaHridaya,UpanishadsorYogaVasishtha,the Bible,ZendAvesta,theKoran,theTripitakas,theGranthSahib,etc.,fromhalfanhourtoonehour dailyandhaveSuddhaVichara.

8. BRAHMACHARYA: Preservethevitalforce(Veerya)very,verycarefully.Veeryais Godinmotionormanifestation—Vibhuti.Veeryaisallpower.Veeryaisallmoney.Veeryaisthe essenceoflife,thoughtandintelligence.

9. PRAYERSLOKAS: Getbyheartsomeprayer-Slokas,Stotrasandrepeatthemassoon asyousitintheAsanabeforestartingJapaormeditation.ThiswillelevatetheMindquickly.

10. SATSANGA: HaveSatsanga.Giveupbadcompany,smoking,meatandalcoholic liquorsentirely.Donotdevelopanyevilhabits.

11. FASTONEKADASI: FastonEkadasiorliveonmilkandfruitsonly.

12. JAPAMAALA: HaveJapaMaala(rosary)roundyourneckorinyourpocketor underneathyourpillowatnight.

13. MOUNA: ObserveMouna(vowofsilence)foracoupleofhoursdaily.

14. SPEAKTHETRUTH: Speakthetruthatallcost.Speakalittle.Speaksweetly.

15.Reduceyourwants.Ifyouhavefourshirts,reducethenumbertothreeortwo.Leada happy,contentedlife.Avoidunnecessaryworry.Haveplainlivingandhighthinking.

16. NEVERHURTANYBODY: Neverhurtanybody(AhimsaParamoDharmah). Controlangerbylove,Kshama(forgiveness)andDaya(compassion).

17. DONOTDEPENDUPONSERVANTS: Donotdependuponservants.Self-reliance isthehighestofallvirtues.

18. SELF-ANALYSIS: Thinkofthemistakesyouhavecommittedduringthecourseofthe day,justbeforeretiringtobed(self-analysis).Keepdailydiaryandself-correctionregister.Donot broodoverpastmistakes.

19. FULFILDUTIES: Rememberthatdeathisawaitingyouateverymoment.Neverfail tofulfilyourduties.Havepureconduct(Sadachara).

20. SURRENDERTOGOD: Thinkofgodassoonasyouwakeupandjustbeforeyougo tosleep.SurrenderyourselfcompletelytoGod(Saranagati).

OmSantihSantihSantih! ThisistheessenceofallspiritualSadhanas. ThiswillleadyoutoMoksha. AlltheseNiyamasorspiritualcanons mustberigidlyobserved. Youmustnotgiveleniencytothemind.