Spirit of Accomodation When one of my students had left the Ashram for some reason, I at once felt that his valuable experience and faculty should not be lost for the service of humanity. So I wrote thus:- “I was sending you money for your pocket expenses. The money was returned with the remark: ‘Left the Place.’ I am always at thy feet to serve you at all times. You only refuse it. Why should you depend on anybody, when I am here to serve you in all ways? Why should you live in cities with worldly persons? There are various sections here in which you can work, gently, mildly, slowly, a little, without mixing with anybody, independently, having connections with me only. “All sections of work suffer for want of people and proper supervision. Even if you look after a little work in the correspondence section, it will be a great help to the world. You can assist me in a hundred ways. Do not work hard as before. You do a little work without any responsibility. This is God’s Blessing and Grace. Take plenty of rest and do a little work. You can remain away from the Ashram. Your food will be placed in your room. I shall give you money for your expenses. “There is no dearth for food for you here. I do not refuse food to any one. Why should you live in cities? Gradually you will lose all your faculties when you are not in touch with work. The worldly atmosphere is not congenial to spiritual progress. Therefore come at once to Rishikesh. May I send you train fare? If you like, you can live here for six months and six months in cities. “If you change your outlook, vision, imagination and attitude a bit, you can be happy here and everywhere. Man suffers on account of his own imagination and his old habit of thinking. He never allows himself to be changed. This is Maya. Adjust and adapt. Be happy and cheerful at all times. Evolve quickly and become a dynamic Yogi and bring Light and Knowledge to the whole world.” WHO CAN START ASHRAMS An Ashram is a Glorious centre to ensure World Peace. Many enthusiastic persons start Ashrams with a fine letterhead. That is not enough. The starting of new Ashrams by beginners will not bring good results to the world. It needs special faculties to run an Ashram successfully. For beginners, that will be a hindrance, and for advanced students that will be a downfall. Many years ago some Sannyasins wrote to me for financial help and advice for improving the activities of their Ashrams, and the reply I gave to one of them is reproduced below. That clearly explains my attitude and principles: “Beloved Swamiji, Your achievements, ambitions, aims and objects are laudable, indeed. O Swamiji, aspire not for Gurudom, comforts, name and fame when you start an Ashram or a religious Society. Generally those who start Ashrams are humble in the beginning and do some service. When they become rich and well established, they care not for public service or individual evolution. They become arrogant and autocratic. Beware of temptations and work as a meek Sevak always. Even after Self-realisation, leave not the daily routine of Sadhana. “I do not know any rich Rajah or Zamindar. I have no disciples. Some aspirants who want real spiritual training, consider me as their Guru. I take great care of them. That is all. I cannot help you with money. I am serving the world by a variety of ways and work through all Ashrams, Mutts and religious institutions. “If you do public service with a selfless spirit, if people see the spirit of renunciation in you, then they themselves will volunteer to help you in every way. Do not move heaven or earth for money. Try not your luck through Derby Sweep. It is a pity for Sadhus to think of such schemes. “Nowadays aspirants do not care to look to their spiritual progress. They shave their head, colour their clothes and remain at Rishikesh for some time and then pass for great Yogis. They begin to collect money for starting Ashrams for leading comfortable life. “There are enough Ashrams and Mutts in India. Sincere, selfless workers are rare. Before one starts an Ashram, one must have been leading an exemplary life. His very presence must give peace, power and bliss to all. Only then can one successfully run the institution. IDEALS MUST NOT BE FORGOTTEN “Before starting an Ashram, the mottoes, ambitions and aims are no doubt grand, charming and attractive. As soon as a little fund and fame come, the ideal is forgotten. The spirit of selfless service dwindles away. The objects are abandoned. The Founders want to lead a comfortable life with some chosen disciples and followers. Even granting that the founders are able to live an ideal life, their disciples will not be able to manage it with the same spirit later. It becomes a place of quarrel or a business-house. The head of the Ashram and the inmates there should lead a life of Vairagya, absolute renunciation. The Ashram run by such people stands as a centre, a nucleus of perennial peace, bliss and joy. It attracts everyone. Millions all over the world derive inspiration. The world is always in need of such Ashrams. “Every Sannyasi, every Yogic student has got some defect or other. It is only a full-blown Yogi who will be absolutely free from evil qualities and defects. All are in the path of evolution. Everybody is likely to err sometimes, even very often. Become tolerant. See good in everything. Slight rupture or friction is bound to come between friends and workers, at times between Sannyasins, too. One must excuse the other, must reunite and forget the past. You must have a tendency to grasp only the good in others and try to emphasise it in your everyday life. No one

Role of The Divine Life Branches and Spiritual Aspirants My message to individual spiritual aspirants and to the Branches of the Divine Life Society is as follows: “You have come to this earth to attain spiritual perfection. You have come here to attain supreme and unalloyed Bliss. The purpose of human birth is the achievement of Divine Consciousness. The Goal of life is Self-realisation. Man is not a sensual animal. Man, in his essential nature, is an ever free, ever pure, ever perfect, immortal, spiritual being. Feel that you are the Immortal Self. You are Satchidananda. Remember ‘Ajo nityah sasvatoyam puranah,’-you are unborn, eternal, imperishable and ancient. To live in this exalted Consciousness is to experience indescribable joy every moment of your life, to experience a limitless freedom in the Spirit. This is your birthright. This is the aim of your life. This is the goal. To realise this through a life of truth, purity, service and devotion is the chief purpose of the Divine Life Movement. “Fear dominates in this era of nuclear weapons of mass destruction. Hatred rules the policies of vast sections of the so-called enlightened and civilised mankind. This age of advancement has been exposed to be in reality an age of degeneracy in the views and values, the ideals and morals of the greater masses of mankind. At this juncture, cultured men and women all over the world look to the sacred land, India, for light and knowledge. It is your noble task to spread this light of spiritual knowledge and spiritual Idealism to all corners of the globe.” ONENESS OF HUMANITY “The Upanishads say: ‘All this is verily the Atman. The One, blissful Self indwells all beings.’ The spiritual oneness of all humanity is a great lesson man needs today. Whatever has been and whatever will be in the future, all this is verily the one, eternal Being alone. The Message of Divine Life is: ‘See God in all faces. Serve all. Love all. Be kind to all. Be compassionate. Feel everyone to be your own. Serve your fellow beings in the spirit of worship offered to the Divine which indwells them. Service of man is truly the worship of God.’ Let this message ring freedom from end to end in every land. Let this message enter into every home and into the heart of everyone. “All great religions of the world do verily declare this divine message of the spiritual basis of man’s life. They do verily declare the universal brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of the Almighty Lord. Know well that the heart of the Vedas, the heart of the Bible, the holy Koran, the sacred Gathas and all the world scriptures are in truth one and sing in unison the sweet message of love and concord, goodness and kindness, service and worship. Discard the barriers of name and form. Seek the oneness at the heart of all beings. Include within your spiritual embrace entire humanity. Live for peace. Live for universal love. Live in the Life Divine.” THE CLARION CALL OF DIVINE LIFE “A Divine Life Branch is a great blessing to man in the present age. It is a veritable boon from the Divine. It is a field of dynamic Yoga, a field of practical Vedanta. Spread of Divine Life is the hope of mankind. Through Divine Life shall man free himself from ignorance, pain and suffering and go beyond sorrow into the realms of peace and bliss now and here, in this very life. Divine Life brings peace and brotherhood to mankind. It purifies man, ennobles his nature and unfolds his glorious, hidden, divine personality. Divine Life is the gift of India to the world at large. “Let the clarion call of the Upanishads ring through every village, town and city. Let the glorious chant of divine Name fill all quarters. Let virtue be implanted in every heart and Dharma and the good life be seen in every walk of life. Divine Life must be practical. Ideals of Divine Life must shoot up into practical realisation. Divine Life must be made vigorously manifest in the lives of the people. This is important. Be sincere. Work with concord. Be adaptable. Adjust, adapt and accommodate. Remember always that work is the important thing, not personal views and individual opinions. Therefore dissolve all differences and work together for the cause of a pure life and spiritual perfection. “Perfection of the individual leads to the perfection of mankind ultimately. Spread the doctrine of selfless service. Inspire all to follow the path of Yoga and attain the Goal of life, fine health and long life.” It is not through rules and regulations and restrictions that I tried to help the seekers after Truth. Stage by stage, I gave instructions through letters, periodicals and valuable publications to all the students for creating some spiritual vibrations through collective prayers, common meditation, Bhajans and Kirtans. For spiritual progress, it is not number that counts. Even a single sincere student can move the world and bring light and knowledge to the world. The following letters written to my students between 1936 and 1940 will clearly explain how I started a dynamic campaign all over the world and established over 300 Branches of the Divine Life Society. (1) IMPORTANCE OF COLLECTIVE SADHANA “Evolution is quicker through collective Sadhana, mass prayers and common meditation. The purpose of Divine Life Branches is not amassing wealth, name or fame. It is just to bring peace and harmony to the world by creating spiritual vibrations at various centres. Organise weekly meetings. Invite friends who are spiritually-inclined. Clear the doubts of the devotees. You can have a library with philosophical books. Invite learned men of your place to give discourses. Occasionally print my “Twenty Important Spiritual Instructions” and other leaflets for free distribution. Thus you can lay the seed for a Divine Mission. It will grow slowly and bring spiritual good to the world. This will contribute a lot to your own

Is Guru Indenspensible Aspirants need not be afraid of pitfalls and snares in the spiritual path. The whole spiritual world is ready to back up sincere students who are trying to lift up their head from the quagmire of Samsara. Aspirants should nourish their good Samskaras through Japa and regular meditation. Even in this materialistic age, India is full of thirsty aspirants who, want God and God alone, who are ready to give up wealth, family and children, ruthlessly, for the sake of God-realisation which they regard as the be-all and end-all of their existence. This is a land of sages and saints. Thousands of seekers after Truth are in close touch with me from all parts of the world. Many foreigners come to India in search of Yogis and Mahatmas. Glory to India and all devotees. The spiritual path is beset with many obstacles. The Guru who has already trodden the path will guide the aspirants safely and remove all sorts of obstacles and difficulties. A personal Guru is therefore necessary. There is no more powerful way of overcoming the vicious nature and old Samskaras in the aspirants than personal contact with and service to the Guru. Guru’s Grace will, in a mysterious manner, enable the disciples to perceive the spiritual power within, though it is impossible for the Guru to point out God or Brahman to be this or that. INITIATION TRANSFORMS THE MIND Initiation (Diksha) is not a mere change in outward forms. Real change of mind and clear vision and understanding come to the aspirant after the initiation by a Brahmavidya Guru. Many students, according to their own fancy, select their own method of Sadhana without considering the consequences. Improper diet, wrong Sadhana without a proper guide, hard and foolish austerities on a weak body, torturing the body in the name of Tapasya, have entirely ruined many aspirants. Therefore a personal Guru is necessary to give timely instructions according to the change of seasons, circumstances and progress. The grace of a Guru is necessary. That does not mean that the disciple should sit idle. A Guru can clear the doubts, show the spiritual path best fitted to the aspirants and inspire them. The rest of the work will have to be done by the aspirants themselves. It is foolish to think that one can have all Siddhis (psychic powers) and Mukti from a drop of water from the Kamandalu of a Mahatma or a Yogi. There is no magic pill for attaining Samadhi. It is mere delusion to think so. FIRST DESERVE, THEN DESIRE To find out a Guru who may sincerely look after the interests of his pupil is a difficult task in this world. It is quite true. But to find out a disciple who will act sincerely according to the instructions of his Guru is also a very, very difficult task. As disciples are arrogant, disobedient and self-willed in these days, no senior man in the spiritual path wishes to accept disciples for training. They bring only troubles to the Guru. They do not want to carry out the instructions of the Guru. They become Gurus themselves in a few days. This problem of Guru and disciples is indeed an embarrassing one. If you cannot find a first class type of Guru, at least try to find out one who has been treading the path for some years, who is compassionate and selfless and who will take a special interest in your welfare and progress. Realised souls are not rare. Ignorant, worldly-minded persons cannot easily recognise them. Only a few persons who are pure and have all virtues can understand realised souls. They alone will be benefited in their company. There is no use of running hither and thither in search of realised men. Even if the Lord Krishna remains with you, He cannot do anything for you, unless you are fit to receive Him. To serve God and mammon at the same time is impossible. You will have to sacrifice the one or the other. You cannot have light and darkness at the same time. If you want to enjoy spiritual bliss, you will have to renounce sensual pleasures. Even if one of my disciples lifts up his head from the quagmire of Samsara, I have justified my existence. The greatest service that I can do to humanity is training and moulding aspirants. Every Yogic student, when he is purified and elevated, becomes a centre of spirituality. He will draw to himself, through his magnetic aura, thousands of baby souls for spiritual transformation and regeneration. Students who are in the world with responsibilities, need not wait for obtaining a Guru. They should select their own Ishta Devata and a Mantra suitable to their taste and do Sadhana and prayers. At the proper time, a Guru will appear to them. It is better to receive the Mantra from a Guru. The Mantra received from the Guru has a mysterious influence.

To Those Who Wish to Take Sannyasa Many sincere seekers of Truth in different parts of the world write to me very often expressing their eagerness to take to the path of renunciation or the Order of Sannyasa. From experience I have found that many of those who renounce the world on account of the emotional type of Vairagya, which might have been induced special reason or other, eventually fail to keep up to the spirit of renunciation and consequently go back to the world or become a disgrace to the Order of Sannyasa. While to those who have genuine Vairagya and burning aspiration, I recommend immediate renunciation; others I advise as follows, in order to give them ample opportunity to develop their Vairagya and prepare themselves for the path:- Worldly greatness is nothing, it is a child’s play. You must become a great man in the spiritual field. Remain in the world, but be not worldly-minded. Mere college study cannot make you great. When you remain in the world, prepare yourself nicely for the path of Sannyasa. You have Vairagya, but you have no experience in the line. I am ready to give you Sannyasa at any moment. Suppose you remain with me as a Sannyasi, have you got the strength to face your mother, wife, sister and brothers when they weep bitterly with a broken heart in front of my Kutir? Think well and decide this point. Destroy Moha first. Occasionally go out and live in a secluded place for a month or two, away from your family and see if your mind often goes to your people, your property and native place. Test your mental strength. Mere emotion and enthusiasm will not serve you much in the path of renunciation. The path of Sannyasa is beset with many difficulties. But it is full of joy and bliss and is smooth for the man of firm determination, patience and fortitude. The life of a Sannyasi is the best kind of life in the world. A true Sannyasi is the real monarch of the three worlds. Even a mere aspirant is an Emperor of the three worlds. Have courage. Be bold. Realise that the world is a mere illusion. Assert your real Satchidananda Svarupa. Sit for a moment alone in a quiet room. Enquire. Cogitate and investigate. Realise the glory of living in the Atman. Introspect. Try to remove your defects and weaknesses. This is real Sadhana. In the early stages of your life, do intense Sadhana in seclusion and a little service to Mahatmas, the sick and the poor-as much as you can. Do not think of conducting classes on Yoga and preaching and presiding over big Conferences. Do not entertain the idea of a world tour and of becoming a World-Teacher. All such hopes will only result in a downfall. When you are young, do intense Sadhana and have deep study. Forget the past and the future. Lord Jesus hid himself in solitude for several years. He came out for a period of three years to electrify and thrill the world with his spiritual powers and illumination. Empty bullets in the air cannot influence the birds. The words of a man who has no ethical and spiritual development will be like empty bullets. They cannot have any influence on worldly minds. Become a dynamic personality. Through pure thought (Satsankalpa) you can revolutionise the materialistic world. Do not be tempted by name and fame or comforts and conveniences. Lead a hard life. COMBINE SERVICE AND MEDITATION There is one difficulty when you live in a jungle or a cave. As you are a neophyte, you do not know how to regulate your energy and adjust your daily routine and spend the time profitably. You do not know how to get over depression when it manifests itself. Beginners cannot spend all the twenty-four hours in meditation alone. They have to work in the beginning for purification of the heart as well. They should combine work and meditation. I have never come across people in all my experiences of this life who always remained in meditation entirely and who emerged from it with flying colours. What I want to emphasise is that beginners cannot fare well in seclusion. They become Tamasic and lose their talents and hidden faculties after a long stay in seclusion. FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE I have closely studied the lives of Sannyasins, and I have come to the definite conclusion that a little money helps the Sadhaka in his Sadhana and evolution. Financial independence will bring peace of mind and strength during the Sadhana period. Downfall comes only when you try to augment the amount and to accumulate a bank balance. Yet, if you have a strong power of endurance, patience and fine health, if your Vairagya is intense and of a sustained type and if you are willing to do some selfless service to mankind, you need not worry about money. You can renounce the world even this moment. It is not advisable to waste your precious life in trying to earn more and saving a lot. There is plenty everywhere for sincere Sadhakas. Leave the world quickly. Fly, fly away from the company of worldly-minded persons. Get away from the bustle of cities and the tumultuous world. Run quickly to solitary places like Rishikesh. You will be outside the danger zone. Good Sadhus are well looked after everywhere. It is only the beggars who come in the garb of Mahatmas that become a nuisance to the public. It is not easy for the public to differentiate Mahatmas from beggars by a mere casual look. But it is quite possible to find out real Mahatmas from their talk, walk and action. These days Sraddha is lacking among householders. To avoid interruptions in Sadhana I ask the students to keep enough money with them to meet their needs. Do not entertain the begging mentality. If possible provide for bare necessities or join some Ashram or religious institutions.

Wisdom in Humor The following excerpts from my letters to an aspirant clearly portray my temperament which is at once humorous with flashes that convey a deep philosophical bent of mind and extreme tolerance of other people’s defects and weaknesses combined with broad liberalism and a profound understanding of the habits of people and the nature of things: 1. TRAINING OF STUDENTS IN LECTURING “You will have to lecture at least for 5 minutes in English and Hindi and do Kirtan also with Nritya whether your body is willing to bend and move or refuses to move. If there is difficulty in lecturing, kindly cram a few lines from my books. If cramming also is difficult, read from a piece of paper. If you show or exhibit your foolish obstinacy like a child, there is no other course for me than to carry you and put you on the platform. Don’t give room for this extreme manoeuvres in these cold days.” Many students were turned into wonderful orators and Kirtanists after such compulsion by me in the early stages. I want everyone to be a fiery lecturer. People should learn to express their thoughts. 2. THE WAY OF BUSINESS PEOPLE “In Samaradhana or Brahmana Bhojana, leaves are spread at 10 o’clock in the morning but the food is served at 4 in the evening. The same is the case with the PRACTICE OF YOGA. Advertisement has been going on for 5 weeks now and yet not even a smell of the book for me. The first fruit of a tree is always offered to God. The first bound copy should reach me by registered post. But when V.P.P. orders are executed in full, a residue copy is sent to me. This is the way of business people.” 3. REGARDING A STRONG PACKING CASE WITH THICK NAILS “Thy parcel received in due order. It was a Brahman packing with Brahmic screws which had Brahma Nishtha. Hammering was not able to remove the cover. After all it was broken into pieces. Thanks to the Brahmic packer of the parcel. The books reached me in good condition.” 4. WHEN IMPORTANT POINTS ARE OMITTED BY PUBLISHERS “I have given you full permission or power of Attorney to remove whatever portion you deem fit to remove by your new long razor, just to suit your purpose in making the book grand and thrilling, but pray, keep a small tuft-according to Narada Parivrajaka Upanishad. Do not remove even a single important word from my writings, even if you find it a repetition.” 5. CARE ABOUT MANUSCRIPTS I think you say ‘goodbye’ when the book RAJA YOGA is over. You will not be able to take up BHAKTI YOGA. Just as Sankirtan cannot enter your ears, so also this BHAKTI YOGA does not attract you much. I know that you will not take up this work. Kindly bring the manuscripts with you very carefully. I shall transfer it to some other press, in Northern India. 6. ON ATTRACTIVE ADVERTISEMENT The Advertisement of Vol. II of PRACTICE OF YOGA at the end of the book is not a thrilling one. It is quite ordinary. It does not give a full, select exhibit. You have nicely done before for YOGA ASANA, KUNDALINI YOGA, etc. Why not for this? Perhaps the Thermos Flask was empty. 7. PHILOSOPHY OVER THE CALL OF COFFEE The Winter of Rishikesh is sending invitations. You may be feeling the cool breeze also. The stove which was sleeping is now turning its face towards the Railway Station to receive you with great joy. He who throws light on the Winter season and the stove is the Self-luminous Para Brahman, the support for seasons and all names and forms. He never drinks and talks. He is Asanga. He is Sakshi always. Feel His Presence. 8. METHOD OF SENDING REMINDERS Kindly advise me by a postcard: “Yes. I have despatched books for Libraries” or some code word. That will save much time and energy. It will not surely interfere with your deep Mauna. It is not Kaashtha Mauna or Maha Mauna. It is a form of ‘Hu-Hu’ Mauna. 9. CORRECTING THE WAYS OF STUDENTS Take special care of Poorna. My respects to him. He is simple, quiet and noble. Let him keep off his castor oil or quinine face. 10. INVITATION FOR FORMALITY Kindly come to Ananda Kutir after fixing up everything there. Invitation for Birthday is just for information but ‘not to come.’ 11. OVER THE DAMAGED PARCEL OF CASHEW-NUTS Received Kajoo (cashew-nuts) in a damaged condition on account of the admixture of sugar-candy in hot summer. The candy has melted and made the Kajoo soft, which will be nice for veteran Swami Jnanananda. My teeth are quite sound and strong. In future do not send sugar-candy with cashew-nuts. 12. RICH DESPITE DEBTS “Everyday new spiritual aspirants are coming to the Ashram. Hundreds of students write to me from all countries for spiritual guidance and I spend a lot in giving prompt replies to all the letters. Some Kutirs are under construction. Work is progressing on all directions. One cow is coming to the Ashram. You can take good milk. We are becoming rich nowadays despite debts.” 13. IDEAL TONIC FOR BRAIN-WORKERS (An Attack on the Coffee Habit) Take Badams (almonds) and Huxley’s Syrup. Put Badam oil or Amalaka oil on your head. This is very good for brain-workers. There is no ‘Pathyam’-(restriction) on diet. You can take the same quantity or even more of Coffee. 14. MY RESPECTABLE GUESTS Received all letters and parcels of coffee. The first respectable guests for the ‘tin’ of coffee were Sri Swami Omkar who carried the bundle from the Railway Station, and Sri Swami Poorna who prepared the coffee. Probably barber Balla will be my next guest. 15. AN ATTACK ON WEAKNESS IN ‘WALKING’ The Divine Life Society may send you as the head of a group of Sannyasins and Brahmacharins for propaganda, Kirtan and lectures if all goes

Spiritual Experiences 1. DAWN OF NEW LIFE I was tired of this illusory life of sense-pleasuresI became quite disgusted with this prison of body.I had Satsanga with MahatmasAnd imbibed their nectarine instructions.I crossed the dire forest of love and hatred.I roamed far beyond the world of good and evilI came to the border-land of stupendous silenceAnd caught the splendour of the Soul withinAll my sorrow is over nowMy heart is now brimming up with joyPeace has now entered my soulI was suddenly lifted out of my lifeThere was a dawn of new life.I experienced the inner World of RealityThe Unseen filled my soul and head.I was bathed in a flood of effulgence ineffableAnd saw the Lord behind all names and formsAnd realised that I am the Light. 2. PRELIMINARY SPIRITUAL EXPERIENCES – I More and more dispassion and discrimination,More and more yearning for liberation,Peace, cheerfulness, contentment,Fearlessness, unruffled state of mind,Lustre in the eyes, good smell from the body;Beautiful complexion, sweet, powerful voice,Wonderful health, vim, vigour and vitality,Freedom from disease, laziness and depression,Lightness of body, alertness of mind,Powerful Jatharagni or digestive fireEagerness to sit and meditate for a long timeAversion to worldly talks and company of worldlingsFeeling of Presence of God everywhereLove for all creatures,Feeling that all forms are forms of the LordThat the world is Lord HimselfAbsence of Ghrina or dislike to any creatureEven to those who despise and insultStrength of mind to bear insult and injuryTo meet dangers and calamitiesAre some of the preliminary spiritual experiences.These indicate that one advancesIn the spiritual path.Preliminary Spiritual Experiences – IIBalls of white lights, coloured lightsSun, stars during meditationDivya Gandha, Divya Taste,Vision of the Lord in the dreamExtraordinary, superhuman experiences,Vision of the Lord in the human formSometimes in the form of a BrahminOld man, leper or out-caste in ragsTalking to the Lord,Are the preliminary spiritual experiences.Then comes cosmic consciousness or Savikalpa SamadhiWhich Arjuna experienced.Eventually the aspirant entersInto Nirvikalpa SamadhiWherein there is neither seer nor seenWherein one sees nothing, hears nothingHe becomes one with the Eternal. 3. I HAVE WON THE GAME OF LIFE Through the Grace of the Lord and Sat-GuruI am unattached and free.All doubts and delusions have vanished.I am free and ever blissfulI am free from fear,As I rest in That non-dual State.Fear is due to duality.I am Brahman-intoxicated.I have attained perfection and freedom.I live in the pure consciousness.I have won the game of life.I have won! I have won!! I have won!!! 4. IN HIM I FIND MY ALL At last His Grace descended on meI gazed and gazed at HimI was lost in that wondrous Vision of the Lord.The Grace filled the cup of my heart.The ecstatic thrill overwhelmed meIn His Will is my peaceHis Name is a heaven of reposeIn Him I find my all. All knowledge is locked up in His bosomThe whole creation rise and fall in HimHe is the Supreme Reservoir of all that appears.He is the Mainstay of all the worlds.He is the Holy One, Perfect in Wisdom,The cause of this world, the Bestower of Salvation! 5. IN THE OCEAN OF BLISS O Mahadeva, O KesavaBy the sword of Thy GraceI have cut off all my bondsI am free, I am blissfulAll desires have disappearedNow I aspire nothingBut Thy blessed FeetI have lost all my thoughts In Thee, O Narayana. I had Thy wondrous visionI was lost in ecstasyI was at once transformedI was drownedIn the Divine ConsciousnessIn the ocean of blissHail, Hail, O Vishnu, My Lord. 6. IMMORTAL SELF I AM One eternal, infinite Being alone existsJiva is identical with this BeingPain is unreal; it cannot existBliss is Real; it cannot die.Mind is unreal; it cannot exist,Soul is real; it cannot die.Freedom comes through knowledge of the SelfFreedom is Perfection, Immortality and BlissFreedom is direct realisation of the SelfFreedom is release from births and deathsI am neither mind, nor bodyThis whole world is my bodyThe whole world is my homeNothing exists, nothing belongs to meImmortal Self I am. 7. SPEECHLESS ZONE In the perfect nameless, formless Void,In the unlimited expanse of bliss,In the region of matterless, mindless joyIn the realm of timeless, spaceless, thoughtless spaceIn the transcendental abode of Sweet HarmonyI united with the Supreme EffulgenceThe thought that we are one or two vanishedI crossed the sea of birth for ever.This is all due to the Grace of the LordWho danced in Brindavan with rhythmic jingleWho raised Govardhan as umbrella for the cowherds. 8. I HAVE BECOME THAT The Maya-made world has vanished nowMind has totally perishedThe Ego has been entirely powderedThe watertight compartments have been broken downNames and forms disappearedAll distinctions and differences have meltedOld Jivahood has entirely fusedThe flood of Truth, Wisdom and BlissHas entered everywhere in abundanceBrahman alone shines everywhereOne homogenous Joy-essence pervades everywhereI have become That. I have become That.Sivoham. Sivoham. Sivoham. 9. THE GREAT BHUMA EXPERIENCE I merged myself in great unending joyI swam in the ocean of immortal blissI floated in the sea of Infinite PeaceEgo melted, thoughts subsidedIntellect ceased functioningThe senses were absorbedI remained unawakened to the worldI saw myself everywhereIt was a homogeneous experienceThere was neither within nor withoutThere was neither ‘this’ nor ‘that’There was neither ‘he’, ‘you’ nor ‘I’ nor sheThere was neither time nor spaceThere was neither subject nor objectThere was neither knower nor knowable nor sightHow can one describe this transcendental experience?Language is finite, words are impotent;Realise this yourself and be free. 10. MYSTERIOUS EXPERIENCE Brahman or the Eternal is far sweeter than honeyJam, sugar-candy, Rasagulla or LadduI meditated on Brahman, the ImmutableI attained the stage that transcends finiteTrue light shone in meAvidya or Ignorance vanished in totoThe doors were totally shutThe senses were withdrawnBreath and mind merged in their sourceI become one with the Supreme LightA mysterious experience beyond speech indeedSivoham, Sivoham, Sivoham, SohamSat-chit-ananda Swaroopoham. 11. SIVOHAM-SIVOHAM-SIVOHAM I have realised the identityOf individual soul and Supreme SoulSat-chit-ananda is my essential natureMy mind is withdrawn from all external objectsI am deeply God-intoxicated All sorrow and pain and fear have vanishedI am ever peaceful and joyfulI am Truth, Pure Consciousness and BlissI

Practical Hints on the Spiritual Path 1. TRAINING OF STUDENTS THROUGH POST I7 letters to different aspirants, delineating the methods of my training in the path of Yoga, the spiritual perspective. I emphasise to all, the moral and ethical ideals. I exhort others to emulate-in short, showing the way to lead the divine life. 2. WAY TO PEACE Swarg Ashram,16th August, 1930. Revered Brother, Your kind line. Thank you very much indeed. Get up at 4 in the morning. Have a meditation room under lock and key. Do not allow anybody to enter it. Have a Gayatri picture, the Gita, etc., in the room. Meditate on the Gayatri. Repeat the Gayatri Mantra with meaning. Concentrate on the Trikuti, the space between the two eye-brows, with closed eyes. Sit on Padma-Asana. Try to sit for two hours continuously. Study the Gita regularly. Speak the truth at any cost. Control anger. Serve poor persons, the sick and the saints. Spend some money on charity. That will purify your heart. Don’t join worldly persons. Serve, love, respect everybody. Give up Ninda (criticising), back-biting, fault-finding, tale-bearing. Be humble. Be obedient. Speak sweetly. You will enter into Peace. Observe Mauna for one hour daily and three hours on holidays. Yours fraternally, Swami Sivananda 3. HAVE STRONG THIRST FOR KNOWLEDGE I advise aspirants against emotionalism and impetuosity in taking to the path of renunciation, but counsel diligent cultivation of a strong urge for spiritual life while yet in the world. Swargashram, Kutir 22,29th August, 1930.Om Sat-Chit-Ananda, You are the Atma. You are immortal. Be fearless. Assert the majesty of your Self. Free yourself from the deceptions of the mind and worldly objects. My Dear Yogi, May God bless you. I am filled with infinite delight to peruse your line of the 21st instant. You are a man of spiritual Samskaras. Nurture them. Protect them. Increase them. DO NOT COME TO ME If you can manage, and if you are quite sure that you will not become a menace to society, if you can control lust, be a Brahmachari till the end of life (Naishthika Brahmachari). You are not rich. How can you manage a family and children? That will bar your spiritual progress. Mere juvenile enthusiasm will not do. Mere emotions will not do in the spiritual line. It is not a rosy path. It is full of thorns, scorpions and snakes. The path is rugged, precipitous, extremely difficult, but easy for a man of the strong determination: “I must realise-I will give up life even.” This kind of strong thirst for Knowledge is needed. Develop Sattvic virtues gradually-patience to counteract anger, contentment to check greed, service (Seva Bhava) to destroy pride, arrogance. Develop humility, truth-speaking, Titiksha (bearing heat, cold, pain). Love all. Be kind to all. Never become irritated, excited. Keep a diary of spiritual progress. Record everything. Live amidst developed persons. Visit the Ramakrishna Mission and serve the Mahatmas. Serve elders with enthusiasm, love and affection (deep).Clear your doubts. Wishing you peace and beatitude, YoursSivanandaHARI OM TAT SATOM SANTI! Get a copy of my Yogic & Vedantic Sadhana.In future send me a reply post card or postal envelope for my reply. 4. Do Not Be Hasty in Leaving the Worldc/o. Vizianagaram House,Camp/Calcutta,12th December, 1930.OM SAT-CHIT-ANANDA Come to Rishikesh for some time. You will enjoy the solitude and the spiritual vibrations undoubtedly. Tell my name. People will accommodate you and serve you. Have Darshan of Sri Swami Advaitanandaji, Sri Swami Tapovanji Maharaj, Sri Swami Purushottamanandaji. They are all in close touch with me,-advanced souls. Do not be hasty in leaving the world. The world is an arena for developing various Sattvic qualities. The world is the best teacher for those who want to be benefited. Remain for some time longer there. Earn and enjoy. Vairagya comes out of Bhoga. Then it will be strong, steady and intense. DO NOT MARRY. That is a different point. The world is not a hell. It is all Ananda when ego and Raga-dvesha die away. Change the mental attitude. Come and see all these places and Mahatmas. You will have inspiration. Lead a divine life when you are there. The spiritual path is not all rosy. It is full of thorns. Qualify yourself. Attain purity and spiritual strength through Japa and meditation. Cheer yourself. Wishing you Kaivalya Moksha,Swami SivanandaHari Om Tat SatTat Tvam Asi 5. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP The preceding two letters, addressed to one of my disciples, would show how I caution aspirants against any hasty decision. But when I find that one is endowed with strong Vairagya and unshakable determination, I am at once filled with joy and delight. On those days, when I lived alone and had no Ashram of my own, I was very reluctant to have any disciple by my side. I did not want anybody to come and stay with me. Hence, in the case of the above-mentioned aspirant, when I found that he had strong aspiration and unwavering will, I felt that it would be better for him to stay in an active Ashram, so that he might improve there rapidly. Thus I preferred forgoing my own interest by not availing myself of the services of aspirants, and always looked to their own welfare and the progress of other religious institutions. Beloved Self, Your devotion towards God and religion will doubtless elevate you from Samsara. May God bestow on you spiritual strength and power to attain the Goal of life-God-realisation. Kindly join Sri Aurobindo Ashram or the Ramakrishna Mission. There you will improve a lot. I promise you. I assure you. Stick to the Ashram for some years. You may come here for visiting and not for permanent stay. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAP. Think. Consider well. The world is the best teacher. You have to learn a lot. Do not be hasty and run away to the Himalayan caves. Youthful buoyancy, juvenile enthusiasm, may not help you much. This line is an arduous, hazardous path. You may not know how

The Ideal of Life The aim of philosophy is right living. The meaning of right living depends on how it is defined. It is a life of wisdom, free from the imperfection, which characterises unphilosophical life. Philosophy is neither intellectual diversion nor aristocratic pedantry which overlooks the facts of experience in the world. As against a feat of scholarship or a mere hobby of the care-free mind, philosophy is the intelligent analysis of the implications of experience and a scientific theory evolved from such wise meditations for the purpose of regulating the functions responsible for the various experiences in the world. Philosophy is, therefore, the great art of the perfect life, a kind of life where the common notion of life is transcended and where the Supreme Life, which is identical with existence itself, is realised. The philosophy taught by me is neither a dreamy, subjective, world-negating doctrine of illusion, nor a crude world-affirming theory of humanism. It is the theory of the divinity of the universe, the immortality of the soul of man, which is identical with the Absolute Self of the universe, there being an essential unity of everything in the universe with the highest Brahman, which is the only existing Reality. The Vedanta does not shut its eyes to the heart-rending pitiable condition of the world, nor does it ignore the body and the mind with their downward pull towards an empirical life, though the province of the Vedanta is supra-mundane. INTEGRAL DEVELOPMENT The one Brahman or the Supreme Self appears as the diverse universe in all the planes or degrees of its manifestation, and, therefore, the aspirant has to pay his homage to the lower manifestation before he steps into the higher. Sound health, clear understanding, deep knowledge, powerful will and moral integrity are all parts of the process of the realisation of the Ideal preached by the Vedanta. I insist on an all-round discipline of the lower self. The teachings of the Vedanta are not in conflict with Yoga, Bhakti or Karma. All these are blended together as elements constituting a whole in the several states of its experience. To adjust, adapt and accommodate, to see good in everything and to bring to effective use all the principles of Nature in the process of the evolution of the individual towards Self-realisation along the path of an integrated adjustment of the human powers, are some of the main factors which go to build up my philosophy of life. To love all and to see God in all, to serve all, because God is all, to realise God as the identity of all in one fullness of perfection are the main canons. In all my writings I have prescribed methods for overcoming and mastering the physical, the vital, the mental and the intellectual planes of consciousness in order to enable the aspirant to proceed with his Sadhana without impediments towards this great spiritual destination, the realisation of the Absolute. The Vedanta is a philosophy and way of life which teaches the method of spiritual realisation, the direct experience of the immortal, the omnipresent nature of the Self, where the universe is realised as identical with the Self, where nothing second to the Self can exist, and as the result of this high realisation, the realised sage becomes the Saviour of the Universe, Sarva-bhuta-hite Ratah. MY CREED To behold the Atman or Self in every being or form, to feel the Brahmic consciousness everywhere, at all times and in all conditions of life, to see, to hear and taste and smell and feel everything as the Atman is my creed. To live in Brahman, to melt in Brahman and to merge and dissolve in Brahman is my creed. By dwelling in union with Brahman, to utilise the hands, mind, senses and the body for the service of humanity, to sing the Lord’s Names for elevating Bhaktas, to give instructions to sincere aspirants and to disseminate knowledge far and wide through books, pamphlets, leaflets, magazines and platform lectures is my creed. To be a cosmic friend and a cosmic benefactor, a friend of the poor, the forlorn, the helpless and the fallen is my creed. It is my sacred creed to serve sick persons, to nurse them with care, sympathy and love, to cheer up the depressed, to infuse power and joy in all, to feel oneness with each and every creature and to treat all with equal vision. In my creed there are neither saints nor sinners, neither peasants nor kings, neither beggars nor emperors, neither friends nor foes, neither males nor females, neither Gurus nor Chelas. It is all Brahman. It is all Satchidananda. SECRET OF ENERGY AND DYNAMIC WORK I am now 72 (in 1958). I keep myself busy. I am always blissful and happy. I can do more work. I personally attend to hundreds of students at the Ashram and manage the affairs of the Divine Life Society, the Forest University, the General Hospital and guide thousands of students at far off places through correspondence. I pay much attention to the Printing Press and the despatches of useful books to the students, libraries and religious institutions. I can do more. The secret of my energy for the dynamic work is the keeping up of the Divine Consciousness throughout. Change the angle of vision and be always happy and cheerful. See only good everywhere. Dance in joy. Saturate the mind with divine thoughts. You will at once feel tremendous, inner spiritual strength and spiritual power from within. The peace you enjoy now cannot be described in words. Adopt any method that can make your mind move inward, that can make the mind one-pointed and steady. Keep control over the senses. Have a careful vigil and intense faith. Develop will-power. Otherwise, Vikshepa and Alasya (oscillation and laziness) will overpower you. HEALING THROUGH PRAYERS All over the world, doctors experiment on the poor patients with so many medicines. How to expect a permanent and lasting cure when

Jnana Yajna When I study scriptures, I mark the important portions. I constantly think over the points and reflect. I found effective methods to tide over difficulties and obstacles. I recorded my own experiences. Thousands came to me in person or through correspondence seeking a remedy for solving their problems. I gave suggestions and suitable remedies based on my own experiences. I do not miss a single thought because I record all my thoughts. I attach great value to the experiences of the students also. I minutely observe and note down the points for the benefit of other students. I take care to see that these reach immediately all aspirants at distant places through my letters, articles and messages, through all leading journals and periodicals in various languages. For the guidance of so many struggling souls, I released my experiences as ‘Mind, Its Mysteries and Control’, ‘Spiritual Lessons’, ‘Precepts for Practice’. I classify the lessons and publish the same in pamphlet and book form. Thus my publications become numerous and limitless. When once I gave a lot of new material for ‘Practice of Yoga’, Volume Second, the publishers gave me a suggestion to have only one volume. In 1933, I wrote to them: “Why do you stop my work? Let ‘Practice of Yoga’ be in several Volumes, 3, 4, 5 and so on, when I have brand new ideas and lessons. Let me work as long as my eyes are good, as long as I have new messages and lessons for seekers after Truth. My love to serve mankind is so great that I will continue the publication work with the help of able stenographers and secretaries even if I lose my eyesight. Let the Divine work grow and bring peace and bliss to the world.” WHY THERE ARE REPETITIONS IN MY BOOKS I believe in the harmonious development of heart, intellect, mind and body. One-sided development is not of much benefit. I do not ignore any of the teachings of the sages and saints of various religions and cults. For a quick spiritual progress of students of different tastes and temperaments, I give the essence from all sources. I call this “Synthesised Yoga” or “Integral Yoga.” The lessons that I give are the outcome of my own researches and also the experiences of thousands of devotees. In all my books I emphasise the essential points of the practical side for an all-round development. This is regarded by some as “Repetition.” They are very helpful to sincere students. Aspirants are able to grasp the value and importance of such useful repetitions. These lessons are intended to create a deep and indelible impression on the minds of the aspirants. While describing a particular subject, with a view to making the book useful to all the readers, I repeat the vital points that are to be observed in daily life. These prove to be very helpful. They hammer the mind that is tossed by materialistic influences. That helps to develop the will-power also. There is a message for the solace, peace, freedom and perfection of every individual. Devotees have a big library with a complete set of my books and yet they frequently write to me for books that are in the press. They very often write to me: “The one beauty I find in your books is that the lessons create a taste for spiritual progress and tempt me to follow some of the lessons, though I am conscious that I do not have a natural taste or inclination for the path. The lessons are meant for me and I find them highly useful for my material progress as well. I feel a new power and hope in me after reading a few pages of your book: ‘Mind, Its Mysteries and Control’.” In 1935 the publishers sent me a letter from a devotee who complained that my books contain a lot of repetitions. I wrote to them: “Repetition should be carefully avoided. You will have to sit 3 or 4 nights with full thermos flasks of tea and work hard for removing the repetitions. For fear of repetition, do not omit the important portions. Repetitions are necessary when the lessons aim at hammering the worldly mind. This world is a sphere of repetition. We cannot please the entire world. The Gita, the Upanishads and other scriptures are full of repetitions. This cannot be avoided. Without hammering, nature refuses to change. After some years, when we bring out fresh editions, we can thoroughly overhaul each and every book, every para, every sentence and improve the book. Print all that I have given you. Do not omit even a single comma or word.” The devotee of that letter says that my books are full of repetitions and yet he wants to have a complete list of my latest publications! At the end he adds: ‘It is food and life for me.’ It will be a great surprise for the world to see that I authorise any number of publishers to bring out new editions of several of my books. One and the same book comes out from various presses in India, Germany, Switzerland, Indonesia and America. I want the maximum amount of work in a short space of time. My letters written in 1934-36 explain the method of my work in carrying out a dynamic work through the press:- “I like 20 days’ and 10 days’ productions. Can you do ‘Dhana-dhan’ or ‘Fata-fut’ work? Can you take up 3 or 4 books at a time? Engage several presses. This is Dhana-dhan work which is being done by a small press here in Rishikesh. Mind not about payments. Anyhow the bills will be paid, sooner or later.” “Engage several presses for finishing the matter quickly. Do not rely on one Press alone. Press people, goldsmiths and tailors belong to the same category. They do things very slowly, leisurely. They do not stick to their promise.” My object is quick work and rapid dissemination

Fourth Stage Young aspirants, because of old habit, used to sleep in the winter cold till sunrise or till 6 or 7 in the morning. They must not waste their precious life in sleeping in the Brahmamuhurta, between 4 and 6 in the early morning. That period is highly favourable for deep meditation. The atmosphere also is charged with Sattvic vibrations. Without much effort one can have wonderful concentration at this period. From my Kutir, I used to chant aloud several times the Mantras: “OM OM OM, SHYAM SHYAM SHYAM, RADHESHYAM RADHESHYAM RADHESHYAM” and thus made my students get up early for prayers and meditation. This had no effect on the Tamasic type of aspirants. I arranged their night meals before sunset. That enabled some to get up early morning. It is only those who load the stomach heavily at night that find it difficult to get up early in the morning. In the beginning stages of Sadhana, even if people meditate alone in a room, they get up in the morning only to see that they were overpowered by sleep, and sleep the whole period in a sitting posture. This gave me an idea of a common prayer and meditation during Brahmamuhurta. One student would ring the bell in front of every Kutir and collect the aspirants in a common place for the collective Sadhana. I joined the group daily for some months and years. PRAYER AND STUDY CLASSES The function started with prayers to Lord Ganesha, Guru Stotra and Mahamantra Kirtans. One student would read a Chapter of the Gita and explain the meaning of one Sloka. Another student gave some short hints on concentration and meditation. In the end, I spoke for half an hour on attaining quick spiritual progress and suggested various methods for destroying the evil tendencies of the mind and controlling the turbulent senses. I laid great emphasis on ethical perfection. The function came to an end with the chanting of ten Santi Mantras in chorus. The students kept up the divine consciousness even during their work in the day. Some students lived in Brahmananda Ashram, a furlong away from my Kutir. On many occasions I paid surprise visits to the Kutirs at 4 a.m., and chanted OM several times and made them get up for prayers. I did not compel all the students to join the common meditation. I permitted them to have their own Sadhana in their own Kutirs. Thus I paid all my attention to the spiritual uplift of my students. Even now many students who attended in those days the common prayer and meditation say how they were inspired by my short speeches on Sadhana. In the evening also I organised a “Study Class” between 3 and 4. I asked one student to read a Chapter from any of my books. On the next day I used to put questions on the important points. I trained the aspirants in a variety of ways. They all specialised in chanting the Mantras of the scriptures, conducting Kirtans, delivering short lectures. I asked one student to put questions and others to answer them. In the evening class, I introduced Likhita-Japa and in the early morning, Trataka and other Yoga exercises. During the day, they should all prepare essays on Yoga and philosophy and write about their own experiences. Even today when school boys and young children come to the Ashram, I teach them a few short sentences in English and ask them to deliver a powerful lecture. Many have learnt my English Kirtans, like “Eat a little.” I trained my students in organisational work, typing, maintaining proper accounts managing the affairs of the Society and in attending to the devotees, visitors and the sick. Thus even in the early stages, the Yoga-Vedanta Forest University was vigorously in its working. ATTENTION TO VISITORS When visitors came to me, instead of talking to them on their family affairs, I asked them to forget the past and sing Kirtans with me. I taught them music, Bhajan, Kirtan and philosophy. Even today when devotees come to the Ashram, I prescribe a book for their study and on the next day, I ask them questions. I clear all their doubts and give helpful suggestions for the removal of their troubles and obstacles. They all feel happy in receiving my personal attention. The systematic work done at this sacred centre in the Himalayas on the banks of the Ganga, attracted thousands of seekers after Truth from all distant places in India and other countries. The Divine Life Society, the Yoga-Vedanta Forest University and the Sivananda Ashram became “watch-words” for all aspirants. Similar work is now organised systematically in various centres with the formation of Branches of the University, The Divine Life Society, Sivananda Ashram and Sivananda School of Yoga. I pay much attention to the diet of the aspirants at the Ashram. Here they have enough to keep themselves quite fit-not for luxury or craving of the senses, but helpful items for progressing in Sadhana. I introduced saltless diet on Sundays, simple boiled potatoes and bread on Ekadasi days or only milk and fruits for some students. I started the work with a dozen students. In a short period, a large number of devotees came to me during holidays from Delhi, Madras, Calcutta and other cities in India. Then I introduced a Collective Sadhana-a special programme with the important items of Sadhana-a kind of Spiritual Conference on the practical side of Yoga. This took the shape of Sadhana Weeks during Easter and Christmas holidays. And now this has become a regular feature during the last twenty years. Various Branches of the Divine Life Society in India organised similar Conferences with the routine of the Sadhana Week at the Ashram. They invite great men to deliver lectures during these Conferences. They print several leaflets, pamphlets and books for free distribution on the occasion. Thus there is a dynamic work for spiritual awakening all over the world.