‘Niyam, Sanyyam’

Swamiji says …

“Being disciplined, following a routine and exercising self – restraint over oneself keeps the heart happy and beautiful …”

” ‘Niyam’ aur ‘sanyyam’ mann ko sunder banate hain…’ “

“Nature is the greatest teacher. It teaches us silently, but visually – the important lesson of ‘niyam’ – of following a routine; of doing things that are beneficial for us. And what better example could there be than that of the Sun rising, unfailingly, in the east and setting in the west every day. The seasons that change with clockwork precision, ushering in wondrous winter, glorious spring, august autumn and sultry summer leave us marveling at the synchronicity of Nature! ‘ Srishti ka yeh niyam hai.’ “

“Wouldn’t our lives be much better, more productive, more result oriented if we too led regimented lives as well? Surely most of us remember the words said by our parents and elders to us … ‘ Beta, yeh niyam se kiya karo! ‘ – whether it was going to bed early at night and waking up early in the morning , bathing in the morning, offering water to the Sun, saying our prayers or reciting our ‘mantra’, completing our homework at night , solving some math problems every day to hone our mathematical skills. Young and immature that we were then, it is possible that we might have resisted or maybe, even rebelled against their wise words, and retaliated by not adhering to their advice. ‘After all it was so mundane, so mechanical to be so regular and follow a routine – we said to ourselves!’ None of us wanted to be so boring, so predictable! “

” Believe me when I say …” ‘Niyam’ aur ‘sanyyam’ mann ko sunder banate hain…’ Initially, we might find it difficult to motivate ourselves to venture out of the comfort of our beds, early in the morning to exercise, to bathe in time, or to worship God regularly – but the second we make up our minds to do this, we experience life changing rewards. Happiness befriends us and becomes our constant companion.These habits are addictive and give a new purpose to our lives. The warm feeling of being happy, both externally and internally, helps us acquire a hold on our ‘self ‘ that was otherwise running aimlessly, in a wayward manner. Happy is the heart that beats and dances joyfully while singing ‘aartis’ and ‘ bhajans’ and on seeing spectacular visions of Gods and Goddesses while meditating. The sense of mental peace and calm that we experience on performing rituals that we had always wanted to perform, regularly, makes us feel stronger and closer to God, in the initial phase of our religious growth.” And if we make a regular, repeated effort to climb the spiritual ladder with sincerity, unfazed by our failed attempts and meditate regularly, take His name whenever possible and see His Grace in everything that happens with us, we will undoubtedly be rewarded in a manner most profound and divine.”

” ‘ Sanyyam mein shakti hai !” The silent but constant tussle that goes on between our heart and mind – as each pulls us in different directions when confronted with an irresistible temptation – makes us dither, unsure whether to succumb to it or to stand strong against the waves of desire that intend to engulf us. But once we are successful in exercising self-control over ourselves, no temptation can lure us and melt our steely resolve.The time that is otherwise wasted in calming a heart that gets disturbed and over – excited over trivial issues, is now able to withstand the pressures of life.’ Koi bhi haalat, koi bhi kathinai. mushkil nahi lagti hai …’ as our control over our senses , makes us feel stronger and happier. We begin to understand that it is our sacred duty to stay happy, as the soul is in an eternal state of happiness, and thereby benefit greatly, spiritually. The words – ‘Happiness is a state of mind’ sink deep in our mind and we decide to focus our energies in creating a mindset that is devoid of negativity and unhappiness.”

“Remember, it is better to be blessed with a beautiful heart, than with a beautiful face. Keep it happy and healthy.”