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As a drastic measure to overhaul the vicious worldly Samskaras, I ask the students to
drown themselves in active service for some months or years. The period of training varies
according to the evolution of the students. They must know cooking, washing, and nursing of the
sick. They must serve the Sadhus and the Sannyasins in every possible way. Side by side they
must be able to learn all the Yogic exercises, concentration, Japa, meditation, etc. They must be
able to write essays on philosophy and Yoga. They must do Kirtan and deliver lectures also. I
teach them on all these points. I give them lessons in the treatment of some ordinary diseases.
When I find that the students are able to control their senses and advance in concentration and
meditation and when I find that they have developed all the Sattvic qualities, I send them to cool
places with instructions for deep meditation.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda