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When I know that this world is not real and I am bound to leave it one day or the other, why should I not renounce it now?...

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 24, 2012 at 6:00pm

Taking Pati Seva as my duty, I am doing it very sincerely and faithfully. But I know that neither Pati nor son nor father nor mothercan help me in achieving the real goal. Did not Mira meet Bhagavan by leaving her husband?

For a lady, her husband is the image of God. She will have to realize God in and through
him alone. She need not go to temples even for worship. Your Vairagya is a momentary
bubbling. It cannot help you in any way in your spiritual progress. You may say, “This world is
unreal”; bu

I am disgusted with the false world. I know fully well that it is no use living in such a world. Everywhere I find misery alone....

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 23, 2012 at 6:00pm

I intend to enter into the life of a
Sannyasin, but I do not know where to find out a Guru. Kindly let me know what I have to
do to become a Sannyasin.

You should not hate the world, but you should hate the worldly life. The world is a
manifestation of the Lord. The world is the best teacher for you. The world cannot stand in the
way of your attainment of Kaivalya. You must change the way of your living and viewing
things. You will have to build a new mind and a new vision. Then the world will appear

Why does God not speak to me? What is the obstacle?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 22, 2012 at 6:00pm

The self-surrender is not complete. There are still subtle Moha, subtle desires and
egoism. The Indriyas are still powerful and outgoing. These are the obstacles. When these are
removed, you can hear the shrill, sweet, inner voice of God. Impure souls mistake the voice of
the impure mind for the voice of God.

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 Sivan

Understanding

Posted by Christopher Stewart on January 21, 2012 at 8:00pm

(« Detail of a poster for the International Hygiene Exhibition 1911 in Dresden » by Franz von Stuck)

« Understanding » is the third segue in the series that I have written as a means of combining earlier compositions into a conceptual piece of nearly one hour in duration.

Each of the miniature musical junctions emphasizes a particular lesson that was learned over the course of a demanding quest, proving essential to the success of the endeavour. In the case of « Understanding, » the acquired know

Should it not be considered as Himsa when we cut vegetables and fruits?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 21, 2012 at 6:00pm

Cutting vegetables is not Himsa. There is no real consciousness in plants and trees,
although there is life in them. There is life in plants, sensation in animals, mentality in human
beings and spirituality in sages. There is no Visesha Ahankara and reflection of Chaitanya in
plants and trees. Hence they cannot experience pain. The tree will not say, “I am experiencing
pain”. The mind in plants and trees is not developed. It is quite rudimentary. It is Jada and
insentient. Life on earth will be impos

Guruji's Yoga Quote#3

Posted by Arun Kapania on January 21, 2012 at 4:24am

Activity and Passivity must go together in Asanas. - B K S Iyengar

The mistakes and sins in my life are countless and the limit of my ignorance is infinite. I have not learnt Sanskrit. Kindly let me know if I can tread the path of spirituality.

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 20, 2012 at 6:00pm

Ignorance is a mental Kalpana, imagination. Thou art an embodiment of wisdom. When
the veil drops, you will shine in your own Svarupa. Allow the Vasanas and egoism to pass.
Break the clouds. Behind the clouds, there is the luminous sun. Behind the mind, there is the
self-radiant Atman. Purify yourself. Destroy the evil Vrittis. Plod on in the spiritual path. You
have taken this life for this purpose only. For Self-realization and the spiritual path, Sanskrit is
not at all necessary. You will have to

Is it absolutely necessary to do Nishkama Karma Yoga for Self-realization? If so, how should it be done?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 19, 2012 at 6:00pm

Yes. You cannot understand and realize the spirit and object of Vedanta if you neglect to
practice Nishkama Karma Yoga for the eradication of the impurities in the mind. Nishkama
Karma Yoga gives you Chitta Suddhi and eventually culminates in the realization of the unity of
the Self.
Serve everyone with intense love, without the idea of agency, without expectation of
fruits, reward or appreciation. Feel that you are only a Nimitta or an instrument in the hands of
God. Worship God in the poor and the s

The cycle of time

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 19, 2012 at 3:30am

The Cycle of Time

In this lesson, we learn about the beginning, the middle and the end of one complete ‘time cycle’ of this world. More than anything else, we will understand the great significance of the period we are undergoing at present.

The world has been in existence since eternity and it will continue to be eternal. The world was neither created anytime before nor will it get destroyed later, because matter can neither be created nor destroyed, it only undergoes transformation from one form

In your book “Easy Steps to Yoga”, you speak about the importance of Brahmacharya. I get tired after the day’s hard labour; is it a sin to look at my wife who gives me pleasure?...

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 18, 2012 at 6:00pm

Does Brahmacharya help one escape old age? The sexual act is
necessary for renewing life. All man’s mental powers give him no chance of escaping the
time-linked process of birth, life, aging and death. For the propagation of the species, man
and woman have been provided with this creative power; and the sex act is a necessity.

You have viewed the topic from a thoroughly wrong angle. The very premise for your
theory is wrong. Immortality does not pertain to the physical body. Once born, a man has to d

Thoughts are the seeds that create destiny.

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 18, 2012 at 2:37am

Thoughts are the seeds that create destiny.Expression: Thoughts lead one to destiny. If there is the same thought as before, there is no newness and there cannot be anything new attained. If things have to change, effort needs to be put in at the level of the thought first. Such thoughts will naturally inspire and motivate to make the best use of the available resources.Experience: When I begin to create new thoughts in challenging times , Iam able to be happy and peaceful . I don't have questio

Is it absolutely necessary for a Sannyasin to wear coloured cloth?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 17, 2012 at 6:00pm

The glory and liberty of a Sannyasin can hardly be imagined by the householders. If there
is a change inside the mind, there must be a change outside also. Wearing the ochre-coloured
cloth, the orange robe, is very necessary for one who has a changed mind. Due to the force of
Maya or habit, when the senses go to the objects of enjoyment, the moment you look at the
coloured cloth you wear, it will remind you that you are a Sannyasin. It will give you a kick and
save you from vicious actions. It has go

In spite of my thorough search, I am not in a position to find out a real Guru. Can you suggest one?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 16, 2012 at 6:00pm

To find out a real Guru who may sincerely look after the disciple is a very difficult task in
this world. It is quite true. But, to find out a true disciple who may sincerely follow the
instructions of a Guru is indeed a very, very difficult task in this world. Have you thought over
this point? Do not use your reason too much in the selection of a Guru. If you fail to get a Guru
of the first-class type, try to get one who is treading the spiritual path for some years, who has
right conduct and other

In the last eight years,...

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 15, 2012 at 6:00pm

I have spent my days in studying the Vichar Sagar, Panchadasi, Gita, Upanishads, etc., and I have mastered them in a way. But I do not feel the oneness of life in all. Are the scriptures for mere study alone?

Mere study of the Vichar Sagar or Panchadasi cannot bring in the experience of pure
Advaitic consciousness. Vedantic gossiping and dry discussions on scriptures cannot help a man
in feeling the unity and oneness of life. You should destroy ruthlessly all sorts of impurities,
hatred, jealousy, e

Om Nam: Shivay

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 15, 2012 at 4:08am

Om Nam: Shivay/''''' /="=('''"""""""""")===,>------<'''''''''Namah ShivayeOvercoming Frustration In RelationshipsThere are two things in life that we can never change:• the past and• other peopleThis often brings us one frustration after the other, especially when we do not get the results that we want. Frustration is also a sign of failure, and every time that you fail in getting what you want from the other, your self-esteem and self-confidence are reduced.Frustration is a form of anger. You a

I am observing fast on Ekadasi days. I hear that fasting will cut short the life of man. Is it a fact?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 14, 2012 at 6:00pm

Certainly not. By fasting, the body, mind, Prana and nerves will be renovated, vivified.
All the impurities will be destroyed. One can develop easily Sattvic qualities. The mind
becomes calm and peaceful. All the diseases can be destroyed by fasting. If a glutton takes to
fasting, he will find it difficult. A man of Mitahara will take great pleasure in fasting. He can
live for a longer period. Constant fasts for long periods should be avoided. Gradual practice is
necessary. In the beginning, observe

It has been said against reincarnation that there are more people now in comparison with the past world population.

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 13, 2012 at 6:00pm

It is not necessary that the same persons are reborn into this earth and none else. In the
process of evolution into human life, many from lower births also come up to the human level.
All these are controlled by superhuman powers or by the Divinity, God or Isvara Himself.
Further, rebirth need not necessarily be on this earth plane alone. It can take place anywhere in
the universe.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine

To have an attitude of power is to be free from physical pain.

Posted by VISHNU ER on January 13, 2012 at 3:18am

To have an attitude of power is to be free from physical pain.Expression: When there is a problem in the body, there is naturally pain experienced. The one who is caught up with the pain is not able to take the mind beyond it. Such a person usually continues to describe the pain and tends to focus on it more and more. So there is inability to use the power of the mind to relieve oneself from the pain.Experience: When there is the ability to make the mind strong even when there is a problem in th

Why do we not remember our past lives?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 12, 2012 at 6:00pm

Such remembrance under our existing limitations would considerably complicate our
present life. Therefore, the wise and beneficent Lord has so ordered our mental evolution that we
cannot recall our past lives until such time as it is good and helpful for us to remember. Such
instances may well form a cycle which is all clear to us when we come to the end of it, when we
see a whole rosary of lives threaded upon the one personality.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informat

What is the easiest way for concentration?

Posted by Teachings of Swami Sivananda on January 11, 2012 at 6:00pm

Japa of the Name of the Lord. And a very important point to bear in mind in this
connection is that perfect concentration is not achieved in just a day; you should never despair
and give up your efforts. Be calm. Be patient. Do not worry yourself if the mind wanders. Be
regular in your Japa; stick to the meditation hour. Slowly the mind will automatically turn
Godward. And once it tastes the bliss of the Lord, nothing will be able to shake it.

From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963).

Blog Posts

All Posts (2350)

When I know that this world is not real and I am bound to leave it one day or the other, why should I not renounce it now?...

I am disgusted with the false world. I know fully well that it is no use living in such a world. Everywhere I find misery alone....

Why does God not speak to me? What is the obstacle?

Understanding

Should it not be considered as Himsa when we cut vegetables and fruits?

Guruji's Yoga Quote#3

The mistakes and sins in my life are countless and the limit of my ignorance is infinite. I have not learnt Sanskrit. Kindly let me know if I can tread the path of spirituality.

Is it absolutely necessary to do Nishkama Karma Yoga for Self-realization? If so, how should it be done?

The cycle of time

In your book “Easy Steps to Yoga”, you speak about the importance of Brahmacharya. I get tired after the day’s hard labour; is it a sin to look at my wife who gives me pleasure?...

Thoughts are the seeds that create destiny.

Is it absolutely necessary for a Sannyasin to wear coloured cloth?

In spite of my thorough search, I am not in a position to find out a real Guru. Can you suggest one?

In the last eight years,...

Om Nam: Shivay

I am observing fast on Ekadasi days. I hear that fasting will cut short the life of man. Is it a fact?

It has been said against reincarnation that there are more people now in comparison with the past world population.

To have an attitude of power is to be free from physical pain.

Why do we not remember our past lives?

What is the easiest way for concentration?

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