There is a simple way of finding out how far away you are from God. Take a pencil and paper, and start writing down all the things that you call “mine.” However long the list is, that’s how far away you are from God. Reduce the list, and you are coming closer to God. If…
I always recommend speaking with measured words—not going to the extremes of either complete silence or constant talking. Speak only when there is a need, and even then measure your words. Talking takes a lot of energy; and unnecessary speaking creates a lot of problems. You often make enemies by talking too much. Occasionally observing…
The parents should make the children forget their worries by telling them some nice, soothing stories—something with which they can go to sleep, something that will help them have peaceful dreams. That’s what bedtime stories are for, so that the children won’t have anything disturbing in their minds. The stories should be something like this:…
Get up at 4 a.m. Japo Ram Ram, Get up at 4 a.m. do Brahma Viciir. Get up at 4 a.m. Enquire, ‘Who am I?’ Get up at 4 a.m. practise Yogabhyās. Observe Mouna daily for two. Fast on Ekadesi, take milk and fruits, Study daily one chapter of Gita. Do regular charity, one-tenth income,…
All that we encounter in life are just temporary phases, different stages, various scenes in the drama of life. They come and go. Don’t let your mind get affected by these things. Samatvam yoga ucyate: Equanimity of mind is Yoga. You can always maintain that. This what you call purity of heart. “Blessed are the…
Nature never discriminates. It has made the same knowledge equally available to everyone. When the mind is calm and clean it can get all the ideas. Nothing is impossible for the mind. If it is completely free from any selfishness, it is always clean and calm, always serene. In such a mind knowledge dawns by…
All actions are done by the gunas (qualities of nature) only. He whose mind is deluded by egoism thinks: “I am the doer”. This is the cause of bondage. The ignorant man identifies the self through the force of avidya (ignorance) with his body, mind and senses which are the products or effects of the…
If you make a vow, no matter what it is, stick to it. Sticking to it is a very difficult thing to do. You will have to face a lot of tests, but be persistent. The ability to persevere will prove that you are the master of your own mind.
A karma yogi should adapt, adjust, accommodate, in relation to all and under all circumstances. He should share what he has with others. He should be absolutely unselfish. He should keep his senses under control. He should always be truthful and cheerful. He should be social and amiable. He should be simple, noble, humble and…
Why do people do bad things if they already know what is right and what is wrong? Because of lack of will. We know what is wrong but we don’t have the will power to stay away from that. How can one develop the will? By discipline and by regular practice. You develop that will…
Half-hearted service is no service at all. Give your whole heart, mind and soul when you serve. This is very important when you practice karma yoga. Some people have their body in one place, mind in another place, and soul in another place. That is the reason why they do not make any substantial progress…
Give the mind to God and then you will be liberated. You will be free from birth and death. You will get the highest bliss. There is no doubt of this. Worship God in the poor and the sick. Service of the poor and sick is worship of God. Destroy ghṛṇā (disgust and loathing) when…