THE MASTER’S WISDOM: It was 9am. A group of devotees from Malaya and some other visitors waited eagerly in front of the Master’s cottage. When the doors were opened all rushed to have his Darshan.

In the midst of the crowd there was an aged, poor and diseased person. Somehow he came forward and sat in front of the Master. After explaining his difficulties he demanded twenty rupees. The Master, in his boundless compassion, took pity on him but gave only twelve. Again the old man pleaded for twenty. The Master flatly refused and asked Sri Satyagyanam to give him a tin of milk powder and coffee.

All were surprised to see this unusual attitude of the Master who refused the man the amount he demanded. “He has cultivated the bad habit of drinking,” explained the Master. “If I give him more money he will drink more and spoil his health.”

THE MASTER’S EQUAL VISION: After the office work the Master took photographs with a military officer and a press reporter from Delhi. While he was returning to his cottage, four or five beggars stood on the wayside. Suddenly, to the surprise of all, he called the poor beggars to his side and asked Sri Purushottam to take shots. Then he gave each one a rupee and sent them away. Both the press reporter and the military officer were dumbfounded to witness the Master’s simplicity and equal vision among the rich and the poor.

RAM-NAM BRINGS REAL FREEDOM: After going through some letters in his cottage, the Master started for the office. Swami Krishnananda Mata, an old lady, who prayed daily for her early departure from this world, came and bowed to the Master.

“Awo Mataji. How are you?” greeted the Master. “Expecting the time to come early, Swamiji. Somehow God is not granting.”

“All the same to be here or to go there if Ram-Nam is constantly on the lips,” said the Master.

SEE GOOD IN EVERYTHING: The Master was proceeding to the office. Sri Santosh approached him and informed him about R.’s health and consulted the Master about some medicines to be given to her.

“Santosh, from where did you get that medicine?” enquired the Master.

“From Swami Chidananda, Swamiji. He is keeping very good medicines with him.”

“He is a lover of medicines, I think,” said the Master. “Santosh, is he not a very loving and compassionate man?”

“Of course, Swamiji.”

The Master then said, “Always look to the good side of men and matters. Even when you come across people who are rude to you, feel that God has provided you with an opportunity of strengthening your mind through their behaviour. Always see what is good in others in order to develop that particular good quality in yourself.

“See no evil, but if you happen to notice any, see that that evil does not come to you. God created both good and evil in this world for us to learn. From the good we learn to be good, and from the evil to be free from evil. Therefore, both good and evil are really good only.”

MIND, THE CAUSE OF WORRY: Swami Venkatesananda was informing the Master that Sri X. was having a little family worry, which made him indulge in some unlawful act.

The Master said, “Who is not having worry? Everybody is having some worry or other. A householder is having family worry; a Sannyasin is having worry about alms. The only ‘worry-less’ man is the enlightened sage who has controlled his mind, which is the root cause of all worry and anxiety.”

ESSENCE OF TEACHINGS: Sri Sushila, a devotee from Delhi, who was a nurse by profession, met the Master with her sister in his cottage in the morning. After prostration she gave her diary to him for his autograph and blessings. “Washerman Rs. 8, house rent Rs. 25, vegetables Rs. 5, hotel account Rs. 26, milkman Rs. 15.”

All wondered what the Master was reading from that diary. To the surprise of everyone it was only from a blank page that he was reading all the above items. Everyone burst into laughter!

Then the Master inscribed his immortal teachings in the diary: “Serve, love, give, purify, meditate, realise; be good, do good,” and handed it back to Sri Sushila.

Sri Sushila was finding it a bit difficult to read what the Master had written. He helped her and said, “Ohji, try to practise the last couplet­­­—’be good, do good’—and the others will follow automatically.”

THE MASTER’S WIT: “Sushila, do you get angry with your patients?” the Master asked.

“No, Swamiji. Those who come to me as my patients are all railway officers. So I cannot get angry with them.” Turning to Chandravati, the Rani of Gaya, the Master said, “Chandravati, you get angry with your servants, is it not so?”

All burst into laughter!

GOD ALONE GIVES: While the Master was returning from the office the same beggar group which came yesterday approached him for money.

“Like this they will come daily, Swamiji. Swamiji need not give anything today. They should not be encouraged,” said Swami Hridayananda.

“Doesn’t matter,” said the Master. “God is giving.” Turning to Satchidananda he said, “Ohji, give them one rupee each.”

ON TAKING TO SANNYAS: The Master was coming out of his cottage, followed by disciples and devotees.

Just then he happened to witness a scene on the roadside, where a woman was going on shouting and quarrelling with a man, probably her husband. The Master remarked humorously, “If there were many ladies with such a quarrelsome nature the number of Sannyasins in the world will increase like anything!”

All burst into laughter!

HINTS TO NURSES: A lady doctor and her assistant came from Kankhal to have the Master’s Darshan in the office. After giving them some books he enquired of the assistant, “Are you the assistant doctor?”

No, Swamiji, I am in charge of the operation theatre. I assist during the operation.”

“What is an important quality necessary for one who assists in an operation?” asked the Master. He himself then answered, “Presence of mind. You must know beforehand the correct instruments needed at a particular time during the operation. Suppose you hand a wrong instrument by mistake and the doctor gets angry, then don’t feel upset. You must be calm and bold. Do the needed things cheerfully, otherwise you may commit more mistakes and the operation may not be successful.”

The doctor and her assistant thanked the Master for the advice and departed.

ON WISE CONTROL OF THE MIND: A middle-aged man who had resigned from a well-paid job in Delhi, came to the Ashram with the intention of staying to devote his whole time to spiritual pursuits. He prostrated before the Master and was waiting for his orders. The Master started to feel his pulse and began making suggestions and putting questions.

“Ohji, you had better return to Delhi and get the job back. Don’t do all these things through emotion. Your wife and children will suffer there. They will come here and weep. Moreover, it will be very difficult for you to stick to this path.”

The man replied, “No, Swamiji, I have no inclination to work. My family will not suffer there because I have made provision for them. They have two houses and Rs.5,000 in cash. I am determined to embrace the spiritual life. In any case I will stick to it.”

“All right, then what is your intention? What do you wish to do?”

“Swamiji, I wish to travel throughout India, visiting all the important shrines and sacred places and singing the Lord’s Name wherever I go; this is my intention.”

“Ohji, this is not an easy task. You have to undergo many difficulties. You will not get food and shelter in time,” rejoined the Master.

“No, Swamiji, God will take care of all those things.” “That is all right. God will provide you with everything, but before that He will see whether you are fit enough for His Grace. You will have to face many a tribulation and trial. In the midst of all these you may not be able to think of God and may even lose your faith. Your faith in God is not yet developed to such an extent as to enable you to face all pains and sufferings and yet think of Him. The best way is to stay here for a month or two, engage yourself in some work for a few hours daily and the rest of the time you can meditate.”

“No, Swamiji, I have no interest in any work. I cannot work. I want to utilise the whole time in meditation.”

“My dear sir, go step by step. Don’t jump from the first to the fifth. You will break your legs. It is not possible for a neophyte to meditate all the twenty-four hours of the day. You can do so for a few days only. Later on the mind will put an ‘automatic vacuum break’. In the name of deep meditation you will be sleeping only. This will produce inertia. The mind should be controlled tactfully and with discrimination, otherwise, like a vicious horse, it will throw you down and immediately bolt away. A few hours of Japa, a few hours of meditation, some Kirtan, some Asanas, a few rounds of Pranayama and a little selfless service—combining all these practices you must work to win over the mind. Then only will you have a harmonious and synthetic development of the head, heart and hand. Do not think that work is a hindrance to meditation; on the contrary it is very helpful. Work done selflessly refreshes the mind when it is tired due to meditation. So, do not hesitate, stay here and take up some work.”

“Excuse me, Swamiji, I cannot work,” put in the man. “All right, you need not work. You are interested in Kirtan, is it not? Do Akhanda Kirtan for a few hours daily in the Bhajan hall and help in the worship in the temple. Satyagyanam, give him a room, clothes and everything. All right, you can go now. Be cheerful. May the Lord bless you!”

Such is the Master’s supreme, inexpressible kindness!

FREE-WILL: Sri Sucha Singh, a zealous aspirant, who had been staying at the Ashram for a year, wanted to return to his native place to take up employment. He came to the Master to take leave.

The Master remarked, “Due to some good impressions of past births God places us in an environment where we can utilise our time in prayer and spiritual practices in the company of holy men. It is due to lack of discrimination that one wishes to abandon such a place and return to worldly life. God has given us the intellect as well as good conditions. It is left to us to decide whether to walk the path of Sreyo Marga, which leads to everlasting bliss, or the path of Preyo Marga, which leads to the ever-revolving cycle of births and deaths and destruction in the end.”

Turning to Sri Sucha Singh, the Master said, “All right, may the Lord bless you! Keep this money with you for your onward expenses. Om Tat Sat.”

FORBEARANCE: Forbearance is exercise of patience. It is command of temper or clemency. It goes hand in hand with forgiveness. It is a divine virtue.

Forbearance is patient endurance or toleration of offences. It is restraint of passions. It is abstaining from giving vent to one’s rash thoughts and feelings. It is refraining from feelings of resentment.

Forbearance is a mysterious mixture of mercy, sympathy, pity, compassion, patience, endurance, forgiveness and strong will. He who practises forbearance keeps himself under restraint. He practises self-control and forgiveness. He bears all kinds of insults, injuries and annoyance patiently, prayerfully and with self-control. He thus develops his will-power. Cover the blemishes, faults and weaknesses of others. Excuse their failings. Bury their weaknesses in silence, but hesitate not to proclaim their virtues. A divine splendour will then shine in you at all times.

Welcome opportunities of practising this most essential and divine virtue. Know that you, too, may have many weaknesses that need the forbearance of others. So forgive and forget the wrongs of those who are weak. Cultivate forbearance till your heart yields a rich crop.

Fruit

Fruit are nature’s easy-made delicacies, prepared in the heat of the sun. We can live on fruit alone. Fruit are vital foods and valuable appetisers. From the nutritional standpoint they are valuable, as they have a high content of vitamins and mineral salts. Fresh fruit, especially oranges, grapefruit, lemons and black-currants are very rich in vitamin C.

Not only do fruit impart vigour and vitality but they also preserve health in the most natural manner. With care in the selection of sugary and succulent fruit according to the various seasons, there should be no difficulty in providing a well-balanced fruit diet. Pure fruit can alone meet the demands of the whole human system. It calms passions, stimulates the intellect,

and controls feverish activity, thus preventing wearing out of this wonderful and beautiful human machine before its allotted time.

Fruit have an advantage over other foods as they furnish the body with a readily digestible form of sugar that gives energy at once.

How refreshing and revitalising is a drink of fresh fruit juice! Fruit juices are powerful antiseptics. The acids in them can destroy nearly all germs. They also promote the formation of gastric juice, which is needed for the digestion of food. The juice of a lemon added to a glass of water renders the water sterile within half an hour even though the water might have had germs of typhoid fever or cholera. It is because of these antiseptic properties of fruit juices, that cures like the grape-cure or peach-cure are so effective. These cures have been used for many years in Switzerland and other countries of Europe.


Fruit are the food of the Gods. They are the food of Rishis and Yogis as well. They help one to control the mind and practise meditation. They are sweet, tempting, delightful to the eye, and pleasing to the palate.

Fruit that are unripe are difficult to digest because the carbohydrates in them are still in the form of raw starch and have not been converted into sugar. Overripe fruit, on the other hand, lose both food value and flavour. Tinned fruit contain poisonous preservatives. Fruit get spoiled during the process of cooking as many vitamins are destroyed. Dried fruit retain energy value but lose their vitamins in the heat of the sun. From all these facts we learn that it is best to eat fresh, ripe fruit without any processing.

Vegetables

Vegetables, like fruit, are valuable items in a healthy diet. Mother Nature has shown her marvellous skill and power in providing these wonderful vegetables for her children in her divine, cosmic garden. How extremely kind and merciful she is! She has blended carefully and beautifully all the essentials of life in different kinds of fruit and vegetables, to give proper strength, vitality, vigour and energy to her children. Vegetables may be divided into three classes: fruit or seed vegetables, greens or leafy vegetables, and roots or tubers.

Tomatoes and cucumbers are fruit vegetables and are rich in vitamin C. Spinach and lettuce are leafy vegetables and contain plenty of mineral salts, which protect the body against diseases. A liberal quantity of leafy vegetables added to pulses make a perfect combination. The leaves of these vegetables are the “lungs” of plants; they are storehouses of vitamins and mineral salts. They are most beneficial when eaten raw.

Potatoes are the most important of the tubers. They supply an excellent form of starch and also contain iron and vitamin C. Carrots are useful blood-forming tubers. Garlic and onions are blood-purifying tubers. Radish and beetroots are other very useful tubers.

Yogic Diet

A diet suitable for the practice of spiritual disciplines is called a Yogic diet. Diet has a close connection with the mind. The mind is formed of the subtlest essence of food.

One’s inner nature becomes purified by the purity of the food one takes in daily life. When the mind gets purified remembrance of God comes easily. Therefore, food plays an important part in Yoga practice.

Offer the food to God first and then partake of it. It becomes sacred and is called Prasad. Such food purifies the body and mind and gives good health.

The Yogic diet is light, easily digestible, nutritious and Sattwic. The Yogis divide foods into three sections: Sattwic, Rajasic and Tamasic.

Sattwic foods make the mind calm and give rise to holy thoughts and feelings, poise and calmness.

Rajasic foods generate passion and restless tendencies.

Tamasic foods make a person dull, lethargic and lazy. They give rise to exciting, impure thoughts.

Rajasic and Tamasic foods should be given up. Instinct will guide you in the choice of suitable articles of diet. The most important thing to remember in the selection of the right foods is that they must help to keep up good health and mental vigour.

Milk is a perfect food in itself. It is a well-balanced food. It is an ideal food for Yogis who practise Pranayama.

Gluttons cannot have success in Yoga. Only one who is moderate in diet can become a Yogi. Take half a stomachful of food, a quarter stomachful of water, and allow the remaining quarter free for the expansion of gas. This is the formula for moderation in diet.

He who lives to eat is a sinner, but he who eats to live is verily a saint. Food is required only to maintain the body. He who prays and meditates regularly requires very little food. Too much attention to food will create more attachment to the body and forgetfulness of God.

Ill-Health & Its Cure

“Prevention is better than cure” runs an old adage. In this article, we have dealt with the positive methods of preventing disease or ill-health. We have discussed how to maintain sound health. If the instructions are followed carefully we can be quite certain that our bodies will be healthy and full of vigour.

However, the second aspect of this article is the cure of diseases when they occur in the body. When man strays away from nature in order to gratify his wrong desires and passions, he suffers from ill-health and various diseases. Sometimes, despite the best care against diseases, a person may suffer ill-health due to his past Karma. Whatever the reason may be, it is necessary for us to have some knowledge of curative methods.

There are many types of cures known to man. Most of these require the use of drugs, which have become popular through widespread advertisement. These offer some relief but no permanent cure. In the old days an ordinary physician could cure a disease with some simple drugs costing a few cents. In these days of scientific progress, allopathic medical treatment has become very costly. People cannot afford it. For every ailment, the patient has to have his blood, urine, faeces and sputum tested. Each time he goes to a different doctor for a test, he has to jingle some coins! This is the state in the medical world today.

Mother Nature—Our Saviour

Nature Cure is the most natural method of bringing about a cure for human illnesses. Its chief aim is to prevent diseases and help man to maintain a high standard of health and vigour.

Nature Cure is really a philosophy and a way of looking at life, health and disease.

Nature Cure prevents diseases and also cures them. It is a complete system. Nature is not a blind force. She is not inert. She is really the power of God and is, therefore, an intelligent principle, full of purity.

Nature rebuilds and repairs the body. Body wastes are constantly being formed in the human body. In a healthy person these are at once got rid of through the kidneys, lungs, skin and bowels. If they continue to accumulate, owing to the wrong function of these organs, slow poisoning takes place and diseases result.

Nature Cure is one of the best methods of healing. More and more people everywhere are now resorting to Nature Cure to prevent, as well as heal diseases.

Nature tries to get rid of all impurities and germs that are dangerous to life and health. That is her main job. She repairs all injuries. She herself heals all diseases. God has endowed her with marvellous healing power.
In fact, what we see as disease is actually the result of the purifying and healing efforts of nature. The symptoms of disease are actually symptoms of healing. As far as nature is concerned there is no difference between disease and treatment. This is the most important principle of Nature Cure.

Let us see how this principle works in some common diseases. When there is some congestion in the throat, nature at once starts the self-cleansing process, and begins to throw out the sputum and mucus. When this occurs then nature’s healing process is taking place. But we call it the “common cold”. Not realising what nature is doing, we take drugs and pills and actually hinder her in her work.

When nature’s cleansing effort becomes intensified due to some very acute collection of waste in the body, we say we have a very serious disease, fever or swelling, etc. Nature works with great precision. It is not wise to interfere in her work. She works on the principle of action and reaction. If we do not follow her laws, she will react on us by rejecting from our body that which is harmful to its health. This rejection we call fever.

In many cases the drugs we use during illnesses merely suppress the ailment. They do not get rid of the real cause of the ailment. Nature, however, is thorough in her work. She is not careless. Her healing begins in the minute living cells. When blockages in a gutter are removed, water flows freely. Similarly, when the poisons and toxins in the body are removed, health and vitality flow freely.

Nature asserts that instead of taking drugs and hindering her work, we should help her along by following certain natural practices. There are eight natural ways by which we can assist nature in her healing process. These are: fasting, proper dieting, baths and wet-packs, sun-bathing, enema, physical exercise, breathing exercises, and rest or relaxation.

Of these, fasting is very important and we shall deal with it at some length. Exercises and relaxation will be dealt with in a future issue. Diet and sun-bathing have already been discussed. A wet-pack is application of a wet bandage around the body to bring down temperature and remove inflammation and pain. An enema is the injection of water in the rectum to rid the colon of accumulated faecal matter. It is used in conjunction with fasts.

Before we discuss the subject of fasting, we give examples of Sattwic, Rajasic and Tamasic foods, and then a list of the Master’s “20 Golden Eating Habits”.

Different Kinds of Food

SATTWIC FOODS: Milk and milk products; cereals such as oatmeal, barley, maize, wheat; fresh fruit of all kinds; fresh vegetables, such as leafy vegetables, white pumpkins, cauliflower, potatoes, carrots, nuts, coconuts, dried ginger, brown sugar, sugar-candy, sugar-cane juice and honey.

RAJASIC FOODS: Meat, fish, eggs; tea, coffee, cocoa; chillies, pickles, tamarind, chutneys, highly spiced dishes; dry and hot foods, bitter, sour, saline and pungent foods, oil; too much sweets, white sugar, radish, brinjals, fried foods, pastries, cucumbers, sesame seeds, drumsticks, and foods producing wind.

TAMASIC FOODS: Beef, pork; alcoholic drinks, all drugs, all kinds of stimulants; garlic and onions; all stale, rotten and unclean foods; all half-cooked foods; and foods that have been re-heated.

20 Golden Eating Habits

Here are twenty very useful dietetic rules which you can put into practice at once. You will then enjoy perfect health.

1. Eat only when you are hungry. Beware of false hunger.

2. Eat less and chew more. Make sure to chew every mouthful until the food is perfectly liquid. Do not eat hastily.

3. Fasting once a week is very helpful. It removes poisons, overhauls the internal system and gives rest to the organs.

4. Avoid overloading the stomach. Do not eat anything which you dislike; but also try not to eat only things which you enjoy eating.

5. Reduce cooked food to a minimum. Always include an abundant quantity of fresh, raw salads and fruit in your meals.

6. Eat only four or five kinds of foods at one meal. Give up many varieties. It is difficult for the digestive juices to digest many varieties.

7. Eat only those foods that combine well, that is, foods that agree with one another. In this respect your experience will guide you in choosing the right combination.

8. Do not eat when you are angry or in a state of tension. Rest for a while till your mind becomes calm and then take your food. The ductless glands secrete poisons and throw them into the bloodstream when you get angry or greatly agitated. These poisons affect the health.

9. Take food as medicine. Give up greed. People eat too much. This causes many diseases. Even when there is no hunger, they take chutneys, spices and appetisers to create a false appetite. It is the tongue that deludes a person and causes havoc. It goads him to eat this thing and that and thus overload the stomach. So try to control the palate.

10. When you feel a bad sensation in the throat, or when foul gases rise up through the mouth, it is a sign that you should go on a cleansing fast.

11. Do not eat anything between meals. With the exception of water, drink nothing between meals. Do not take meals late at night.

12. The skins of apples and carrots contain very valuable minerals and vitamins. So do not remove the skins.

13. Rice and vegetables should be steamed. If they are boiled, the water should not be thrown away, as it contains valuable minerals. Always use unpolished rice.

14. Take food at fixed hours and take only two meals a day.

15. Sit in Vajrasana for ten minutes after a meal. This will digest the food well. Vajrasana is the kneeling down posture, like the prayer pose of the Muslims.

16. Have no slavish craving for any particular food. Do not make an undue fuss over diet. Take simple, natural food.

17. Make changes in diet slowly and carefully. If an article disagrees with you, reduce the quantity. Use your common sense at all times. Do not make sudden and drastic changes.

18. Observe silence while you take food. This is important.

19. Do not engage in any strenuous physical or mental work at once after a meal. A little rest after meals, especially after dinner, is very beneficial. The body’s strength is then at its lowest. Rest helps the body to restore its spent energy.

20. During meals remember God, the Indweller in all foods and the Bestower of all bounties. Offer the food to Him and take it as His Prasad. Pray to Him before and after meals.

MOTHER NATURE: Most diseases are results of wrong habits and faulty modes of living. Mother Nature, who has fashioned this wonderful human mechanism, attempts to correct promptly the errors committed by you. All her well-intentioned visits are always announced in the shape of various symptoms of sickness.

Introduction

In this article we shall go a step further in our study of Karma. We are now going to apply the law of Karma in our lives in such a way that we can completely free ourselves from all the Samskaras or impressions left in us by the actions we do. This is a very practical subject. It is the great science and art of living. It is called Karma Yoga.

How can we act and yet be freed from the fruit or reaction of that action? Is such a kind of action possible? If it is, then it would surely be of great benefit to know how this is done. It would mean that our actions would be like writing on a slate and then wiping it off again, or writing with a finger on the surface of water—no mark is left behind. This means that we will not be bound by our actions. We will be free. There will be no need for us to be reborn again and again to work out the fruits of our Karmas as we will not be creating any fresh Karma.

This article shows us that such a kind of action is possible. The method of performing such actions is called Karma Yoga. The Bhagavad Gita calls this Yoga “skill in action”, or the “Yoga of wisdom”. Truly, he who knows this Yoga, knows the secret of work. He does his actions in such a manner as to escape their reactions or fruits. He attains full control of his mind and senses, and experiences poise and balance under all conditions. This is the skill in action of which the Gita speaks.

Selfishness: The Curse of Human Life

Man generally has an eye on the rewards of his efforts even before he starts any kind of activity. The mind is so framed that it cannot think of any kind of work without expecting a reward of some sort for it. Human nature is always like this. This kind of thinking is due to the quality of restlessness and passion.

Karma Yoga is a great spiritual adventure. It is a Yoga of heroism, because one has to give up selfishness, which is so very hard to give up.

The quality of passion creates selfishness and attachment. A selfish man has no large heart. He has no ideal apart from satisfying his selfish desires. He is petty-minded. His mind is full of greed. He ever calculates. He cannot do any service in the true spirit of charity. He will say, “I will get so much money, so I must put forth so much work only.” He will weigh the work and the money in a balance. He will not be willing to do even a little extra work. He will be ever watching the clock to stop his work. He is motivated by money. He is hired for money. He is driven by the hope of reward. He is greedy for gain.

Such a selfish man has no idea of God. He has no glimpse of the Truth. He cannot even imagine what a life of selfless service is. He has a narrow and limited vision. He dwells within a small groove. His love extends only to his own body and to those closely connected with it, like his wife, children, parents and relatives. Generosity and the spirit of selfless service are quite unknown to him.

Selfishness has made man’s heart very small. It is the curse of human life. It clouds understanding. Sensual enjoyment is fuel to the fire of selfishness. It is the root of suffering.

When we learn to think carefully, this nature slowly begins to change. The pure spirit of selflessness begins to manifest itself in us. Real spiritual progress commences with selfless service because the heart must be purified first.

The Yoga of Service

If we expect fruits for our actions, we will have to come back into this world to enjoy such fruits. We will have to take birth again. To avoid this the only way is to act without expecting any reward or fruit. An action of this kind is called selfless service. The Yoga of service is the art by which we practise how to serve selflessly.

You should understand the secret of Karma Yoga. Plunge yourself in selfless work. Work untiringly. Nurse sick people with the feeling that they are forms of the Lord. Serve society in a variety of ways. Gradually you will understand the glory and splendour of unselfish work. You will very soon become a changed being with a divine brightness and sweet Yogic fragrance. The Bhagavad Gita stresses again and again that a Karma Yogi should be free from attachment and should not desire the fruits of his actions.You will get great inspiration if you study constantly the lives and teachings of the famous Karma Yogis of ancient, and modern India.

Selfless work raises us to lofty heights of inner joy and peace. It brings us freedom. Selfish work retards spiritual progress and fastens yet another chain to our feet. The joy and bliss felt by a fully developed Karma Yogi cannot even be imagined. Words cannot describe fully his joyous state and inner happiness.

If you find it difficult to work without any motive then at least have one strong motive for inner freedom. This type of work will also not bind you. It will destroy the lower selfish motives and will itself eventually die, just as a stick used in burning a dead body is itself consumed in the end.

In the beginning, not all our actions may be of the pure, selfless or desireless type. Some may be tinged with a little selfishness, and others may be totally selfless. It does not matter. We should not be discouraged in this regard. Slowly, as we grow in purity, the number of unselfish actions will grow. A good time will come when all our actions will be perfectly selfless.

We should work patiently and ceaselessly to attain the state of complete selflessness. We have to destroy our old selfish habits and build up a new heart of selflessness. This is no doubt an uphill task. It demands struggle and constant effort with patience and an iron will.

Let us keep before us the examples of the great Karma Yogis who served mankind and radiated peace, bliss and wisdom to all. Look at the wonderful work turned out by Lord Buddha, Sri Sankara, Mahatma Gandhi and other Karma Yogis of days gone by! Their names are handed down from generation to generation. They are still remembered by us.

The whole world worships them with reverence. Was there an iota of selfish motive in their actions? No, they lived only to serve others. They were ideals of true selflessness.

The spirit of service must be deeply ingrained in our very bones, tissues and nerves. Practise and feel the oneness with all creation and enjoy infinite bliss and peace. Have intense zeal and enthusiasm for service. Be fiery in the spirit of service.

Start developing selflessness at once, even with a little expression of some love, mercy and sympathy. Enter the field of Karma Yoga at once. You will draw inspiration from the leaders in the field. The perfected Yogis will push you on. Your friends will give you strength. After some time you will become a good Karma Yogi. Fearlessness, humility, love and other virtues will now shine in you by themselves.

Let us now look at two very important methods by which we can cultivate selflessness—dedication of work to God, and non-attachment to work.

Dedicate Work to the Lord

Non-Attachment to Work

SERVICE: The world is yourself. Therefore, love all, serve all, be kind to all, embrace all. Behold the Lord in the poor, the downtrodden, the oppressed and lowly ones. Become a servant of humanity. This is the secret of attaining God-realisation. Seek out the lowly and the miserable; cheer up and bring a ray of comfort to them by serving them unhesitatingly. Console the disconsolate, comfort the distressed and you will be blessed.

Sri Swami Sivananda

One evening, a young man was found walking along the bank of a river with a woman. He had a bottle in his hand. Sometimes he carried the woman on his back. After walking a short distance, the woman would sit on the ground. The young man would then sit at her side and shampoo her legs. He would drink from the bottle.

A Brahmin pundit of the village, who was taking a walk along the bank of the river, was closely watching the actions of the young man. He hurried to the village and announced to the headman, “A young, immoral man is drinking wine publicly. He is keeping the company of a woman also. He is doing immoral actions openly. He is setting a bad example. He should be driven out at once from this place.”

The headman took some people along with him to drive the couple away. As there was heavy rain and also a hailstorm, they stopped in a nearby shed and watched the actions of the young man.

The young man again drank of the contents of the bottle and shampooed the legs of the woman. The headman was convinced that the young man was an immoral wreck, addicted to drink.

Suddenly a boat in the river capsized on account of the heavy storm, and the passengers were in danger of getting drowned. Without the least hesitation the young man jumped into the river and saved all of them by bringing them to the shore one by one. The headman and the pundit, who were witnessing the scene, did not stir from the shed. They were all the while joking and laughing amongst themselves.

The rain stopped. The headman came to the young man and asked, “How is it that you are drinking liquor openly and doing immoral actions in public? Who is this woman?”

The young man replied, “I have already walked thirty miles today. I have to cover a distance of ten more miles before I reach my village. As it is very hot I felt thirsty. So I drank some pure Ganges water from this bottle. This woman is my mother. She is suffering from heart disease and acute rheumatism. She cannot walk. I carry her on my back. I shampoo her legs as she suffers from unbearable pain.”

The Brahmin pundit hung his head in shame. The village headman was simply stunned. He thought within himself: “I had formed a very hasty opinion of this noble young man. I did not use my common sense. What a great mistake I committed! Look at his sympathetic heart! How brave he is! He at once jumped into the river and saved the lives of the passengers. We were only talking and joking. How politely he talks! This lady is clearly in acute agony.”

The headman admonished the Brahmin pundit severely and at once arranged for a bullock cart to take the mother and son to their village. He gave them plenty of milk to refresh themselves.

You should think carefully before you come to a conclusion. Appearances are not always to be trusted. You should possess keen discernment, good power of judgement and also common sense.

You must have all the facts and detailed particulars before you take any action in a matter. You must not be carried away by the false reports and wild rumours of the mischief-mongers. Mere book learning will not help much. It will make you arrogant and proud.

Prejudice

Prejudice is judgement or opinion formed beforehand or without due study of the facts or reasons that are essential for a just conclusion. It is a kind of strong bias.

Prejudice shuts out the truth and often leads to ruinous error. It is like a mist that dims your vision.
A person who has this weakness has a brain that cannot work properly to grasp facts in their true light. Such a person cannot endure honest differences of opinion. This is intolerance.

Religious intolerance and prejudices are great obstacles on the spiritual path to God. Aspirants should remove prejudices of all sorts. Then only will they be able to see truth everywhere.

Sri Swami Sivananda

Through persistent effort, a sinner can become a saint. If you attempt to fly away from evil, it will cling to you all the more.

In a certain highland, where stealing sheep was deeply resented and considered a crime, two brothers were caught in this nefarious act. To perpetuate the punishment, the village elders branded on their foreheads the letters “S.T.”. It signified “Sheep Thief”. Then they were set free.

Both the brothers were extremely unhappy as the entire village came to know of the story, and whenever they were seen in public the people jeered and mocked at them, and the little children were hilarious in their wake.

“There go the S.T.’s! Look out for the sheep thieves!” they would cry out.

The older brother took the ignominy seriously and thought to himself: “Let me run away from it all.” He left the village and wandered through hills and dales, but alas! nowhere could he find peace. The staring trademark on his forehead attracted attention wherever he went, and he was pestered with many questions.

“What do the letters mean? Who branded those letters on your forehead?” For a time he tried to evade these inevitable enquiries. But how long could he succeed? Now and then he had to change from place to place. He grew more and more restless day by day, and eventually died of bitterness and frustration. He was buried in lonely soil, away from the warmth of his family and home.

But the younger brother decided to stay on where he was. “There can be no running away from the fact of my crime,” he thought, and bore the public insult with a stout heart. He had decided to forget the past and to open a new chapter in his life. With undaunted zeal, through months and years, he gradually built up a very high reputation for honesty and integrity. To his neighbours he became a symbol of goodness and virtue. His sore was healed by the cosmic healer—time—and people forgot about his past in due course.

Years later, some stranger came to the village and found the old man with the letters “S.T.” branded on his forehead. He enquired of a neighbour what they meant.

“It is an old, old story,” began the neighbour. “I do not quite remember the particulars, but they must be an abbreviation of ‘saint’.”

The moral of the story is that through persistent effort a sinner can certainly become a saint. No man can indeed fly from from the evils or wrongs of his actions. They follow him like shadows. The more he thinks of his past, the more his conscience is haunted. His mind clings to him wherever he goes.

Few are born saints. The story illustrates the fact that a sinner of today is a saint of tomorrow. Through sincere effort and a determination to succeed, even the most vicious nature can be turned into a saintly one. The transformation of rogue Ratnakar into sage Valmiki is a shining example of this truth.

Therefore, O Ram! Do not be down-hearted because of your shortcomings. However heinous your past may have been, through an unflinching will you can certainly overcome your defects and become a shining example of virtue and ethics to all those around you. Cheer up and start your Sadhana right now.

Sin

God has not created men to become everlasting fuel to feed the flame of hell. How many spotless men are there in this world? Who is of such untainted character as to receive a direct passport to heaven?

Everybody has his secret sins and few are born saints. No person is found on earth who shines with all the excellent qualities. No one is wise at all times. The sinner of today is the saint of tomorrow. Hate the sin, but not the sinner. A rogue is not an eternal rogue, neither is a prostitute an eternal prostitute. Put these people in the company of saints and they will be newly moulded, and will be transmuted into saints with virtuous qualities.

"Guidance in Daily Life", Sri Swami Sahajananda

Grace in Difficulties

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, it is easy to recognise your Divine Grace when conditions and environments are favourable and all our desires are fulfilled, but it is rather difficult to recognise it when we are confronted by tests, difficulties and problems in our daily life.

GURUDEV: Yes, this is always the case. If the spiritual aspirant is able to recognise Divine Grace under all circumstances and conditions—both favourable and unfavourable—it is indeed a substantial progress on the spiritual path.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, often we recognise and acknowledge it intellectually, but when the test comes we fail.

GURUDEV: The recognition of the Guru’s Grace must come from the heart, not just from the head.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, when you gave me the knowledge that only when one attains God’s deep, abiding peace amidst all trials, turmoils and tests, can it be said that one has made substantial spiritual progress, it was a great revelation to me. I thought that if such was the case, I would like to meet all problems and tests without trying to evade them. I would also like to pay off the fruits of my past Karmas as soon as possible and thereby hasten my spiritual progress. So I used to pray to you, Gurudev, to put me through difficulties and trials.

GURUDEV: When an aspirant practises Sadhana in seclusion, there is nothing there to test his spiritual progress. He will not know to what extent he has conquered his weaknesses like lust, anger, greed, selfishness, etc.

Individuals who are always on lecture tours, travelling about from place to place, are also at a disadvantage as far as spiritual transformation is concerned. Physical comforts, popularity, and name and fame, will distract their mind. They may talk eloquently on spiritual matters, but unless they are advanced, they will not know how far they have progressed in conquering their own mind. It is only when one remains at one place for a considerable length of time, facing all the trials and tests there, can one guage one’s spiritual progress.

Seclusion helps one to develop virtues like endurance, detachment, dispassion, etc. but qualities like compassion, love, adaptability, tolerance, spirit of selfless service, etc.—qualities that are vitally necessary for spiritual progress—can be effectively developed only in the midst of activities.

SWAMIJI: Thank you, for your most precious and thought-provoking advice, which is full of common sense and wisdom.

GURUDEV: If the Guru’s Grace comes in the form you have described, you may call it “Gracitis”. For many aspirants it is not very easy to recognise.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, I thought that if I met with calmness all the trials and frustrations sent by you, it will help me to perfect my self-surrender and faith. Also, it will enable me to harmonise the dual currents of my mind, as I wanted to recognise your play in those who supported the Society as well as in those who were antagonistic towards it.

In answer to my prayers, Gurudev, you put me through enormous difficulties and dangers, the like of which very few Spiritual Heads would have gone through. At one stage, for a period of six months, it was almost a life and death struggle for us at the Ashram. The problems stemmed mainly from individuals trying to harm the Society.

GURUDEV: Yes, it was God who was playing His part in all those names and forms.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, your boundless Grace was equal to the occasion, because there was hardly any anxiety, fear or worry. When the situation became critical, I used to pray at your holy Padukas, “Gurudev, it is you who are coming in all those forms to cause trouble. If you wish to continue it, I am quite prepared.”

The result was that not only did your Grace protect us at all times, Gurudev, but our faith and surrender grew by leaps and bounds. We knew that when Gurudev is near we need not fear. Those who caused the trouble were not aware that the results were contrary to what they had desired.

GURUDEV: If there is the correct attitude of self-surrender and faith, the spiritual gain is certain, otherwise not.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, I discovered that self-surrender is not so easy to develop as it appears to be. Many times I thought that I had succeeded, only to fail miserably. I used to then remember a saying: “Nothing is worthwhile unless it is strengthened again and again by failure”.

GURUDEV: If in the beginning of his spiritual life a devotee says that he has complete faith and self-surrender to the Guru, you may be certain that there is something wrong somewhere. This is possible only in the case of highly advanced aspirants. One’s faith and self-surrender have to be tested over a long period of time through many trials before they are perfected.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, after repeated failures, I am careful not to entertain the feeling that I have attained perfection in my faith and self-surrender to you.

Gurudev, you have taught me that there should not be the slightest trace of agitation or mental disturbance when confronted by even the most severe tests and trials. You have also said that this unbroken serenity must be maintained over a long period of time, then only can it be said that one has attained some success in faith and self-surrender.

GURUDEV: This means perfect control of your thoughts, words and actions over a long period of time.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, since you want us to attain faith and self-surrender amidst our daily activities, the difficulties are more, but the end result—unbroken calmness of mind—is indeed a great gain. Gurudev, how to develop self-surrender and faith as quickly as possible?

GURUDEV: Faith can hardly be developed. It is a gift of God or the Guru. All that you can do is to pray for it. Those who have faith in this birth have evidently brought it from their past life. Self-surrender can be developed by constantly chanting the Divine Name, and by offering your body, mind and senses to the Lord. All your actions, and gradually all your thoughts, too, must be offered to the Lord or the Guru.

It is important to note that if the aspirant does not succeed in practising perfect self-surrender and keeping a balanced mind amidst minor tests and trials, it is quite likely that he may fail when a major crisis comes up. Self-surrender should be practised at all times in one’s daily life.

SWAMIJI: Gurudev, ultimately success and failure, good fortune and misfortune, gain and loss, praise and abuse, will all lose their meaning, because they come from you only.

GURUDEV: Yes, it is perfectly true.

Self-surrender

Self-surrender is complete surrender of the self to God. Self-surrender makes the devotee feel the reality of Divine Grace and the Lord’s readiness to bestow on him protection and help at all times. The divine influence streams into his being and moulds it to make it a fit medium of divine realisation and divine instrumentality.

Surrender and Grace are interrelated. Surrender draws down Grace, and Grace makes surrender complete. Surrender starts the purification of the heart, Grace completes it. Grace divinises your being in order that the constant inflow and inspiration can be received and retained. It is through Grace alone that one’s entire being can be galvanised, rejuvenated and strengthened.

Hare’s Dissatisfaction
Courtesy: "Animal Citizen"

Hare had a big mirror in his shanty of twigs and leaves. One day, he went to it to brush his coat. He looked at himself in the mirror and felt very dissatisfied with what he saw.

“What long ears I have, not a bit like that of the deer. And he has horns, too, not very big, but awfully handsome.” Now Hare began looking at himself up and down and all over.

“What an ugly, tiny tail I have, just a puff, not like that of a cock. He even has feathers on his tail with curls in them!” Hare thought of meeting his friend, Squirrel, to relate his dissatisfaction. So he decided to go and see Squirrel.

But just as he came out, Squirrel herself arrived with her three children. Hare wanted to ask her how to grow a fine tail as her’s, but Squirrel got in first.

“Oh, please, Hare! Do look after my children for a little while. I have to go into the forest for fruit and nuts. I’ll be back soon.”

And she whisked away before Hare could talk to her! So there he was with the squirrel children!

And very soon his head was in a whirl. One little squirrel squeezed into a small pot and got stuck, and there was just a tail waving at the top. Then the pot fell down and rolled about the floor, and little squirrel screeched. Hare rushed to help, and pulling him out by his tail, sat him down in a rocking wood. He rocked him and sang to him until little squirrel fell asleep!

The second squirrel had found a mirror and there he saw one who stood just like himself. He waved his paw and the mirror squirrel did the same.

“Come here!” cried little squirrel, but mirror squirrel did not. Then little squirrel jumped and banged his head and paws against the glass. And there was a to-do! He cried and screamed until the leaves were shaken from the ceiling. Well, Hare held something cold against the bump on his head and soothed him until at last second little squirrel was quiet.

When Hare had time to look around, third little squirrel had disappeared altogether!

“He must have got frightened and hidden,” Hare said to himself, and started hunting high and low. At last he found the third little squirrel. He then sat all three of them down in front of his shanty and started telling them stories, and went on until mother squirrel appeared with a basketful of fruit and nuts.

“Thank you, Hare. I hope the children have been enjoying themselves and having a nice time.”

Before Hare had a chance to say anything at all, the little squirrels began talking all at once, “Mummy, buy me some lovely, long ears like Hare has! Mummy, I want the same kind of coat like Hare has!”

But the youngest shouted the loudest of all, “Hare has such a beautiful tail, Mummy. I want to exchange my tail with him!” Mother Squirrel laughed and Hare laughed, too, because he was so pleased.

“You have very obedient and well-brought-up children, friend!” Hare said, and happily walked home with the squirrel family.

The Rescue
Courtesy: "Animal Citizen"

One fine morning in the month of March, Gaja, the elephant prince, was out for a pleasant stroll along a forest path.

It was a beautiful morning in the early spring. The air was fresh, flowers peeped out of every nook and corner, butterflies flitted to and fro, and birds twittered in glee.

Gaja felt a wave of joy, which he wanted to share with someone. Unfortunately, all his companions had gone by another route to have a bath in the forest pool. So Gaja felt lonely.

As he marched along swinging his trunk, he heard a shrill squeak. He turned aside and looked into two bright eyes out of a hole and a pair of whiskers.

“Hello, Rat, did you wish me good morning?

Thank you. Why don’t you accompany me, instead of hiding in that poky hole?” Gaja asked.

“Accompany you? What a joke!” squealed Rat. “I am a tiny pigmy and you a terribly huge giant. How can we keep company? Everyone will laugh at us.”

“What does the size matter?” replied Gaja, “You and I have much in common.”

“In what way?” asked Rat.

“For one thing, I am by tradition, upbringing and taste, a vegetarian. So are you. Secondly, we have more or less the same colour, a lovely shade of grey, and you are the devotee and the chosen vehicle of God Ganesha, and my head is the very copy of His. In fact we could be twins. So come with me,” said Gaja.

Rat was delighted to be related to so grand a personality. He jumped out of his hole, humming a merry tune. Suddenly they heard a cry, “Mind your step, monster. Don’t crush me!”

Gaja looked down and saw a fluffy tail bouncing off.

“Is that you, little rascal? You are in everyone’s way. Don’t be afraid. I won’t hurt you. Why don’t you come with Rat and me for a walk? We would enjoy your jolly company.”

The hare burst out laughing, “Ho ...ho...ho! What a trio! What a trinity we shall be! The gods will be jealous of us. Ho ...ho...ho!”

“Stop it!” trumpeted Gaja, and the hare trembled with fear. Gaja was about to lift him up and fling him into the air when the hare apologised.

“Sorry, prince, sorry. I shall be greatly honoured to go with you.”

Saying thus, he joined them and they resumed their trip.

As they passed through a glade, Gaja felt a tickling sensation and began to sneeze. He felt the end of a rope near his ear, and he caught hold of it and began to pull it.

“How dare you! Let go of my tail or I will tear off your ears,” screamed a monkey, who was sitting on an overhanging branch of a tree, and to whom the tail belonged.

Gaja immediately let go of the tail and apologised. “Sorry, sorry, I did not know that it was your tail. Forgive and forget, manikin.”

“Don’t abuse me. I am no manikin. I detest that race. They torture us for their own good,” scolded Monkey.

“Sorry again,” said Gaja. “I have heard that your tribe is their ancestor.”

“Nonsense. They say so. We have nothing to do with them. We are descendants of the great God, Hanuman,” Monkey added.

“Stop your argument,” cried Rat. “Why don’t you join us on this parade?”

“Yes, yes, come along,” coaxed Hare and Gaja.

“My thin legs can hardly match your heavy pillars,” said Monkey to Gaja.

“Let me give you a ride. I must make amends for my stupid mistakes,” said Gaja.

Monkey jumped onto the back of Gaja and the four enjoyed the walk.

As they went on, they saw a bush by the path, whose leaves were moving in a strange manner. They were wondering as to why it was shaking, when Rat whispered loud enough to be heard, “Beware! Beware! He is there, hiding like a thief. Don’t trust him. He is dangerous.”

“What? That puny creature, not even as big as one of my legs, a harmless insect,” sneered Gaja.

“A scorpion!” said Hare. “A devil!” said Monkey.

“He will chain your legs, cut off your beautiful tusks. He will enslave you and sell you to the circus,” they cried in chorus. But Gaja paid no attention.

Meanwhile, a man came up holding out a bunch of bananas in one hand and sugar-cane and lumps of jaggery. Monkey, Hare and Rat went swiftly into hiding and watched their deluded friend approach the man.

Gaja ate the bananas and sugar-cane with relish and then took the ball of jaggery and gobbled it up. No sooner had he swallowed it, than he collapsed as if struck by lightning and became unconscious. The man shouted with joy.

“I have got him! Come, comrades, bring the truck and help!”

Four other men who were in hiding rushed forward, shouting and jumping. They chained Gaja’s legs, heaved him onto the truck and drove away.

“Alas, alas!” wept Rat, “I have lost a dear friend.”

“So have I,” whimpered Hare.

“Me, too,” sobbed Monkey.

“Hush!” hissed a snake who had been watching the whole scene. “Weeping is not going to help. If you are true friends, find a way to rescue him.”

So saying, the snake glided off.

The three friends had a quick consultation. Monkey being the most agile was deputed to follow the truck by swinging himself from branch to branch. He would be able to see what they do with Gaja and then they—the friends of Gaja—would find ways and means of setting him free.

The men in the truck got drunk. They danced and sang all round the unconscious victim. Soon they started to quarrel among themselves.

“I shall have the tusks, for I was the one who traced the beast,” said one.

“But I actually got him,” shouted another. “But I brought the truck,” screamed a third.

The fourth said, “Let us sell him to the circus and divide the money.”

At last the truck arrived at a shed in the forest and Gaja was dragged out. They brought heavy logs and hammered them all round Gaja’s body to form a cage. Then they ate and drank, shouting hilariously.

“Even the devil himself will not be able to rescue him,” said one. It was nearly midnight before they fell asleep. Meanwhile, Monkey had quickly gone and reported the whole matter to Hare and Rat. They were all horrified to hear it.

“So they have chained and caged our dear friend—the devils!”

“If they sell him to the circus, Gaja will be tortured to make him perform stupid tricks. He will be starved and beaten. It is better that he dies,” said Monkey.

“How shall we save him? We must do it now before the men wake up. The chains have to be cut and the wooden logs broken,” said Hare.

“We need a file to cut the chain. But, Monkey, can you use a file? You alone have hands.”

“I think I can. I have watched a blacksmith do it.”

Saying thus, he ran off to steal a file.

“Now, Rat, can you gnaw the wooden logs of the cage?” asked Hare.

“I have a large family and many friends, quite an army. We shall do what we can,” said Rat. “But then, how can we get him to wake up out of that poisonous coma?”

“Leave that to me,” said Hare. “I know a herb, the juice of which can wake up even a mountain. I shall run and fetch it.” The three friends hurried to the glade. All the men were snoring and shouting in their drunken sleep. Monkey quietly slipped into the cage with his brothers to take turns to file off the chain. An army of rats started to gnaw the wooden logs. Hare was busy preparing the herbal juice. Throughout the night they worked.

When Monkey’s hands began to ache, his brothers took it up in turn. Before dawn, all the chains were cut, except one. The logs were all gnawed and were lying as if dead. Hare had the juice ready in a leaf cup.

“Let us hurry. Dawn is about to break and all will be lost,” warned Rat.

Hare hurried up the side of Gaja and poured the juice into his ears!

“He has done it too soon. There is still a bit of the chain remaining,” screeched Monkey.

Gaja heaved like a mountain bursting into life. He sprang up wildly, breaking the half-filed chain. He trumpted like thunder, waving his trunk.

“Well done! Well done! Run, Gaja, run. They are after you. You are free, but run!” the three friends shouted and hid themselves.

Meanwhile, the men, hearing Gaja’s terrific trumpeting, woke up with a start and rushed to the cage, shouting, “He has gone—the rogue! He has broken the chain and the logs. Bring the truck, quick! We will chase him and get him.”

Cursing and shouting, they ran to the truck. But wily Rat, knowing the ways of men, had already entered the engine and gnawed off the wire!

The men pulled and pushed in desperation, but all in vain. The motor was dead!

Gaja fled into the deep forest carrying his three friends on his back. All the animals rejoiced.

The cruel men were caught by forest guards and punished for poaching.

The Master's Assurance

In his handwritten letters to Sri Swami Sahajananda the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, gave his assurance about the work of Divine Life Society of South Africa:

	God will look after the divine work,
	Lord will look after everything.
	All must adapt, adjust and accommodate; co-operate, collaborate and co-ordinate. Co-operation means fifty-fifty—giving out and taking in advice.
	Strengthen your resolves. Regularity, tenacity and fixity in spiritual practice are essential. Record your practice in a spiritual diary daily. Review it every month and correct your failures.
	The ego is your terrible enemy. It wages guerrilla warfare with you. Beware! Beware! Beware!
	Take delight in the joys of other people, in making them happy. Intense, concentrated effort is demanded in self-discipline towards righteousness and God-realisation.

Guru Bhakti Yoga Workshop

s held on 23 January at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. A large number of devotees from all our branches benefited from the inspiring presentations. Items on the programme included:

1. Karma Yoga and experiences relating to it.
2. Experiences at the Sivananda Ghat.
3. The last birthday message delivered by Pujya Swami Sahajananda in the form of a DVD presentation.
4. Laughter therapy.
5. Spiritual resolves and virtues.
We are pleased to report that 108 devotees undertook personal spiritual resolves. These were lovingly offered at the Master’s holy Padukas.

Sivananda Sunlit Path Programme

Our first programme for the year, designed by Pujya Swamiji to assist youth in overcoming their addictions, was held on Sunday, 28 February in conjunction with the Saiva Sithantha Sungum at the A.M. Moolla Spes Nova School Hall in Lenham, Phoenix. About 300 people attended the function and we are pleased to report that thirty two children signed the pledge form to stay away from bad habits. This brings the total membership of the Sunlit Club to over 900 members.

The function commenced with invocatory prayers by members of the Divine Life Society and an invocation dance by a member of the Saiva Sithantha Sungum. Members of both organisations presented items during the programme. The function proved to be very successful with a spiritual atmosphere filling the hall.

Sri Deva Pillay, President of the Saiva Sithantha Sungum, in his welcome, lauded Pujya Swami Sahajananda’s vision in launching a programme that is of vital importance in our community. He said, “Sri Swami Sahajananda’s Divine Knowledge has the power to transform and enlighten people adequately. His vision was appropriate then, is practical today and will also be relevant in time to come. The ‘Sunlit Path’ is a very apt name given by our most revered Swamiji for the drug-overcoming programme. As the sun gives light and solar energy to the entire world, so too this ‘Sunlit Path’ must give hope, strength and encouragement to everyone, irrespective of caste, colour, language, religion, etc., so that our youth can become better human beings as envisaged by Pujya Swamiji. It is here that we want to express our deep gratitude and indebtedness to Pujya Swamiji himself for initiating this unique Sunlit Path Programme.”

The humorous and educative play "Bunty & Babli"

Guest of Honour, Professor Kantilal Bhowan, Head of the School of Management at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, directed his talk to the youth and encouraged them to sign the pledge forms. He provided salient and startling statistics in respect of drug and alcohol abuse. Drugs and alcohol have become a formidable industry throughout the world, said Professor Bhowan. In the U.S.A. one out of four students are addicts. He also related that the primary problem among youth in South Africa is alcohol, followed by dagga and mandrax. It was pointed out that children in South Africa are also addicted to painkillers, petrol-sniffing, “sugars”, etc.

He concluded by saying, “Listen to your parents, teachers and Pujya Swamiji because they love you. If you obey them and stay away from bad habits then you will improve in your studies, sport, etc. If you are afflicted by drugs, gambling, evil company, etc. you won’t be able to make it in the competitive world now, and even later when you take up employment. Spirituality will protect you and give you success in life.”

In the summation, Dr Mawalall Chatrooghoon spoke about the moral and spiritual education that the Sivananda Sunlit Path Programme offers. He said, “It provides a firm foundation for youth and adults to follow a noble life-style, free of the immoral vices prevalent in our society. It is the responsibility of all present at this function, to make a tangible difference in the lives of those in our immediate vicinity, and the world at large, by spreading the message of the ‘Sivananda Sunlit Path Programme’.”

Day of Descent of Divine Grace

At a special Satsang at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills on Monday, 1 March, devotees gathered to pay homage to the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda and Pujya Swami Sahajananda. As many readers would know, it was on this day in 2007 that Pujya Swamiji received the Grace of the Divine Master when an unusual power descended into Pujya Swamiji. On 29 July 2007, in his Guru Purnima message, Pujya Swamiji said, “In order to get the Grace of the Guru we must develop faith, devotion and dedication. We must free ourselves from negative qualities like anger, hatred, jealousy, etc., then only the Guru’s Grace will work freely. If we deviate from the path by doing wrong actions, the Grace will not work.”

Hindu Dharma Campaigns

Pujya Swami Sahajananda had been propagating the message of Hinduism, the oldest religion in the world, through the writings of our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, since the inception of the Society in this country in 1949.

The Society has been organising Hindu Dharma Campaigns since 1993. Once again in 2010, Divine Life Society of S.A. is hosting such Campaigns in many parts of KwaZulu-Natal. It is through the inspiration of our Divine Master and Pujya Swamiji that we have been able to do this work.

Dissemination of spiritual knowledge is one of the cornerstones of the Society’s mission. Our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda has written:

“Give food to the hungry, and after a while they will again be hungry. Give clothes to the naked, and very soon they will again be in need. Give money to the needy, and when they have spent it they will again be in want. But give Divine Knowledge to all—and you would have provided them with the wherewithal to take care of themselves.”

Ordinary Hindus experience difficulty in comprehending the deep and profound truths to be found in Hinduism. On the other hand, the deep meanings of the symbols and rituals conducted in its practice are also not easily understood. The Campaigns are designed to explain some aspects of the philosophy and rituals in a language that is easier to understand. Discourses, sketches, conversations and readings are used with great effect to get the messages through. They instil faith and devotion, and urge all to take to spiritual practices seriously through self-surrender and constant repetition of the Name of God. There are items in the programme that provide skills to meet the challenges of life. The need of the hour is to restore pride in our ancient Sanatana Dharma.

A special booklet entitled Glory of Hindu Dharma that contains all the messages and songs sung at the Campaigns has been published. A CD containing all these songs has also been released. It is envisaged that those purchasing the CD will be encouraged to conduct Satsangs at their home for their peace, protection and spiritual progress.

One of the messages in the booklet contains the following inspiring words of the Master:

“Have a burning love for Hinduism. Have a burning love for the word “Hindu”. If everybody has this burning love, all Hindus can be united. This love is the true cementing force. Be prepared to sacrifice everything. Be of one mind. Speak with one voice. Have common aspiration. Act in perfect union. Cultivate immense love for your religion. The flame of love must burn in your hearts steadily. There is no religion greater than love.

“Reclaim your lost brethren. Purify them. This is very, very important. Times have changed. That aspect of Dharma—Apath Dharma—certainly allows this. The number of Hindus is going down.

“Piety, nobility, generosity, philosophy, Yoga, religious inclination of mind, religious tolerance, wisdom, devotion, renunciation, Self-realisation, Ahimsa, Satyam and purity are associated with the name Hindu. Therefore, always be proud to call yourself a Hindu!”

Hindu Dharma Campaign: Howick West

The first Hindu Dharma Campaign for 2010 was held on Sunday, 14 March at the Ashram of the Howick West Hindu Prayer Association in Divine Road, Howick West. This historic function drew a packed hall of devotees who were treated to a spiritual feast of melodious Bhajans & Kirtans, recitation of the slokas from the Ramayana, chanting of Mantras, inspiring messages and poems on Hinduism by our Divine Master, an enlightening article by Pujya Swamiji entitled, “All Have to Seek God”. A humorous but informative sketch on Hindu Symbols & Practices, brilliantly enacted by our Pietermaritzburg youth as well as an excellent presentation on the value of spiritual literature done in conversational style by our Rishikumaris from Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills were well received.

Prayer Hall & Shrine at the Howick West Hindu Prayer Association

In the message on Hinduism, our Master wrote, “The more you know of the great religion, the more you will honour it, love it and feel proud of it. The more you study and practise its various teachings, the more it will enlighten and satisfy your heart.” In the poem our Master reminded us as follows:

“A Hindu will give up his life
But he will not give up his principles and Dharma;
He won’t be tempted by woman or wealth for conversion,
He would rather prefer death than conversion.”

Bookstore at the Hindu Dharma Campaign in Howick West

In the article written in 2006, Pujya Swamiji states, “If people today realize that the great law of Karma—the law of cause and effect—works with unrelenting precision, they will be careful in their thoughts, words and actions. They will also get a clear understanding of the ‘why’ and the ‘how’ of all the problems that people are facing, not only in this country, but all over the world.”

It was pleasing to hear the rich vocal support from the Howick West public throughout the Satsang as they followed the Bhajans & Kirtans carefully from the booklet.

Spiritual Darlings from Howick West did our Master proud as they eloquently presented sayings from our Hindu scriptures.

We compliment the committee of the Howick West Hindu Prayer Association, under the leadership of Ajith Baijoo and Pravin Dasarath for their sincere efforts to promote our Hindu Dharma in the Midlands region.

Yoga Retreat

On Saturday, 27 March, the first Yoga Retreat for the year was held at the Sivananda International Cultural Centre. About 350 participants attended the Retreat which began at 6am and went on until 7.30pm, giving all an opportunity to spend the entire day within the holy precincts of the Ashram. The morning session was spiritually charged, with Pundit Bhagprakash performing Havan at Ganga Rani, which was followed by mass homa, chanting and meditation.

After breakfast, the Sri Hanuman Chalisa was chanted 11 times, to commemorate Sri Hanuman Jayanti. Subsequent sessions on the Ramayana, and musical presentations by guest artists, Sri Krishnamurthi and Sri Pregalathan, were well received. After lunch, a plenary session on health and stress management based on the teachings of the Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda, and Pujya Swami Sahajananda, gave participants practical methods of dealing with stress in these busy times and living a well-balanced, spiritual life amidst daily activities.

Spiritual Darlings participating in the bean-bag race at the Stadium

Perhaps the highlight for many (especially the Spiritual Darlings), was the nature hike through the cane fields and the novelty sports session held at Sivananda Stadium. Items such as the bean-bag race, sack race, three-legged race, obstacle course, relay, walking race and tug-of-war were enjoyed by both competitors and spectators alike. The evening session comprised cultural items such as Bhajans & Kirtans, a play and a youth orchestra. All these items were performed by different branches of Divine Life Society.

All in all, the Yoga Retreat was thoroughly enjoyed by all devotees, and many are already looking forward to the next Yoga Retreat scheduled to take place in a few months. We thank Sri Gurudev and Pujya Swamiji for the day-long spiritual feast.

Pujya Swamiji’s 54th Sannyas Day Anniversary

On Saturday, 10 April, the 54th Sannyas Day Anniversary of Pujya Swami Sahajananda was observed with great devotion at Sivanandashram, Reservoir Hills. This date also marks the Birth Anniversary of the renowned Saint of South India, Papa Swami Ramdas.

Devotees taking Darshan during Ganga Arati

The auspicious day commenced with Ganga Arati at 6am, followed by invocation. Chanting at the sacred Sahaja Kutir and Darshan of Pujya Swamiji’s holy room, followed thereafter. Akhanda chanting continued from 7am to 4pm at Ganga Rani.

About 400 devotees attended a spiritually charged Satsang later that evening. Gratitude was expressed to our Divine Master, Sri Swami Sivananda for bestowing upon us the foremost and most powerful manifestation of his Divine Grace, Pujya Swami Sahajananda. A message written by our Divine Master on the deeper meaning of Sannyas and true renunciation, of which Pujya Swamiji was a shining example, was eloquently read out.

Devotees were treated to a much appreciated audio message by Pujya Swamiji which highlighted the importance of meditation as well the necessary components of Sadhana. Some of Pujya Swamiji’s favourite Bhajans and Kirtans rounded off a spiritually elevating Satsang.

The Grace of Ganga Mata completed a memorable function when devotees were blessed by a gentle shower after having taken supper Prasad.

Power of Sivananda Ghat

Sivananda Ghat, the post cremation ash disposal facility next to the Clare Estate Crematorium, is having a deep impact on all those using its facilities. Below are some recent incidents of how the Ghat has helped bereaved families to cope with the loss of their loved ones.

1. A devotee from our Estcourt branch sent us the following report:

“One of my colleagues had a death in his family in Newcastle. He asked me to make arrangements for the ash disposal to take place at Sivananda Ghat in Clare Estate. When I met him today, I heard the most wonderful things, which I thought I should communicate to you. He said that the bereaved family never prayed. They did not even light a lamp at their home. For some reason, the wife of the deceased insisted on going for the disposal, despite the priest’s suggestion that she should not leave the house so soon after the death of her husband. She and her family were astounded at what they experienced at the Ghat. My colleague described it as such:

‘It was almost as though the loss was forgotten! The family could not believe that such a serene place existed in this country.’

“They purchased books and CDs which the family is now playing the entire day. My colleague said he was surprised at the sudden transformation. The family is now praying regularly and have vowed to attend the ‘All Souls Day’ prayer service on the first of every month.”

Mass Havan being performed on All Souls Day at Sivananda Ghat

The Visitors’ Book at the Ghat is replete with praise for the Ghat as a haven of peace. Many visitors have testified to similar experiences. The following quotations have been selected from the Visitors’ Book:

1. “Very peaceful. Feel the presence of God—I love it!”
2. “This place is really beautiful and peaceful. There was so much of pain and suffering in my dad’s life, but now we are assured that my father is resting in peace. Thank you.”
3. “The most beautiful, peaceful, exquisite place to be, especially at a time when you need to know that God is there for you. Keep up the excellent work.”
4. “The divinity, serenity, tranquility and calmness I experienced in my lowest period, I could never explain.”
5. “The most beautiful and peaceful haven on this earth plane.”
6. “Heaven on earth!”
7. “Very peaceful, feels like heaven.”
8. “It feels like heaven. I wish I could feel this peace everyday.”
9. “The Sivananda Ghat has brought the essence of Nature and God into my soul.”
10. “What I’ve learnt today, no university can teach me.”
11. “This place is showing us here on earth, what it would be like in heaven.”
12. “Calmed a lot of my fears and worries.”
13. “Just what the bereaved need in time of death. This creates peace within oneself.”
14. “A very serene and tranquil place with God amongst us.”
15. “God’s gift to mankind.”
16. “All glory to a pure Soul, Swamiji.”

Publications

In the last 3 months, Sivananda Press has released the following publications:

1. Divine Life No.87: 5 000 copies
2. Daily Meditations (Reprint): 5 000 copies
3. 20 Spiritual Instructions Booklet: 5 000 copies
4. Glory of Hindu Dharma Booklet: 4 000 copies
5. Sunlit Path No.10: 4 000 copies

A new CD entitled, Glory of Hindu Dharma—Bhajans & Kirtans, which contains melodious Bhajans & Kirtans that will be sung at the Hindu Dharma Campaigns was released at the function in Howick West.

Our Press has acquired specialised computer equipment to produce and make DVDs for the Society. A DVD set containing two discs of the three-day Sivananda Diamond Jubilee Conference that took place from 5-7 June 2009, was released on 10 April 2010, Pujya Swamiji’s 54th Sannyas Day Anniversary. The DVD set has proven to be a unique souvenir and treasure-chest of memories for all devotees, donors, patrons and well-wishers who attended the Conference. It is also very inspiring and spiritually elevating for first time viewers who were not present at the Conference.

Forthcoming publications:
1. Mother Ganga (Reprint)
2. Midnight Anecdotes (Reprint)
3. Path of Divine Grace – Volume 2
4. Sunlit Path No.11

Projects

Below is an updated version of our Projects list:

371. Sivananda Sunlit Club Centre, Arena Park, Chatsworth.
372. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Ward 2, Ntambanana Muncipality.
373. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Ward 5, Ntambanana Muncipality.
374. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Ward 6, Ntambanana Municipality.
375. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Ward 8, Ntambanana Municipality.
376. Sivananda Crèche, Ward 4, Umlalazi Municipality.
377. Sivananda Crèche, Ward 14, Umlalazi Municipality.
378. Sivananda Crèche, Ward 22, Umlalazi Municipality.
379. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Ward 6, Umlalazi Municipality.
380. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Ward 16, Umlalazi Municipality.
381. Sivananda Isisphoso School, Ward 14, Umlalazi Municipality.
382. Sivananda Maqotha School, Ward 5, Umlalazi Municipality.
383. Swami Sahajananda Community Centre, Estcourt.
384. Sivananda Crèche, Umfolozi Municipality.
385. Sivananda Crèche, Ward 4, Ntambanana Municipality.
386. Sivananda Crèche, Nyezane, Umlalazi Municipality.
387. Sivananda Crèche, Umfolozi Municipality.
388. Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre, Nkandla Municipality.

External & Internal view of a Sivananda Peace & Skills Training Centre
decorated with colourful tiles, pictures of Nature
and teachings of Sri Swami Sivananda in English & Zulu

SIVANANDA SUNLIT CLUB CENTRE

Donors, patrons, well-wishers and devotees will be pleased to note that the construction work at the Sivananda Sunlit Club Centre in Rose Heights Road, Arena Park, Chatsworth is going on very well. The resident quarters at the centre is completed. The ablution block is at an advanced stage. The slab has been cast over the soya milk making centre that will be housed in the basement. The Computer Training Centre, Skills Training Centre and Dining Hall & Kitchen are all at roof level.

We record our deep gratitude to the many devotees who sacrifice their weekends to participate in voluntary work at the Centre. If all goes well, the project should be completed by the end of the year.

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