Day: August 21, 2021

Swamiji said…

“If someone were to ask us – ‘How well prepared are you to tread the spiritual path?’ – we would most likely give him a puzzled look and wonder about the peculiarity of such a question.
However, serious reflection on it, would reveal the sobering truth underlying this relevant, pertinent question. The never ending preparation for success in academics, jobs, business, health etc. barely leaves us with any time to prepare ourselves to know about God, to attain spiritual knowledge. Preparing for our so-called ‘life goals’ takes so much of our time, that we are not left with any to prepare ourselves to attain spiritual knowledge.”

“When we can spend a lifetime preparing for activities ranging from the mundane to the extraordinary; then an even greater initiative should be taken to prepare the mind to be in a state of readiness to acquire and absorb the light of the loftiest thoughts of God and Guru. We must be watchful and question ourselves – How much time are we able to devote to the study of our ancient scriptures and Holy Books? Do we direct our thoughts on knowing our Real Self? Does the paucity of time make it difficult for us to attend Satsang? Are we inclined towards spending time in ‘Swadhyaya’, ‘jap’, ‘tap’?”

“The choice is ours to make, and, once we make up our mind and begin to prepare ourselves to know about our Creator and who we are, we find a marked improvement in the quality of our life, as we begin to work on improving our nature and temperament. We begin to understand the importance of being pure in mind, body and heart. The essence of the word – ‘purity’ dawns on us in its true context and we endeavour to be pure – internally and externally. We not only ensure the cleanliness and purity of our physical body, but, also begin to steer the mind to stay focused on pure thoughts; draw it inwards; try to remain calm, unaffected by worldly distractions, so that while acquiring knowledge, from our self realised Guru, in an environment that is sanctified and sacred, we do not get restive, but remain focused on Him; His divinity.”

” All of us can access God’s word, spiritual knowledge through various means – at a Guru’s Darbar, by reading a Holy Scripture, hearing sermons etc. yet, not all of us receive, retain and imbibe the same essence of the knowledge imparted to us. Why? Because our minds are not alike. Not all are prepared to understand the holy knowledge that is imparted to them.”

” For those seeking spiritual knowledge – आध्यात्मिक ज्ञान – the mind is like a window.The dirtier it is, dimmer is the light of knowledge that seeps through. Thus, one must keep the mind clear – free from distractions, wants – to not in any way blemish, color or misunderstand the knowledge of the mind, heart and soul that one receives.
A mind preoccupied with making money will end up looking for ways to attain wealth even in the stories of great charity and sacrifice.A mind obsessed with familial relationships will see loneliness, and , not solitude in an ascetic’s life. Any spiritual knowledge is lost upon such souls.The seeds of spiritual knowledge will manifest into bliss, peace and success only for those whose minds are prepared, akin to the fertile soil that is made ready for the cultivation of crops.”

” Unfortunately many superstitions, inequality, and discrimination plaguing society , today, are often founded on the basis of misinterpretation of religious teachings – a result of ‘spiritual knowledge falling on unprepared minds’.”

“When seeking Knowledge, we must free our hearts from prejudice and let it overflow with love and thankfulness for God. But, are we willing to let love for God, Guru and every living being reign in our hearts? Are we ready to surrender and accept every decision that God makes for us? The impure, restless, agitated mind has to be controlled and calmed down, and, once we begin to do so, our ‘well prepared’ mind learns to be at peace, is filled with positive energy, stays focused, and concentrates on God’s and Guru’s teachings. Preparation matters the most.”