The First Sadhana “Kalakshapo na kartavyah – Time should not be wasted.” Time is precious. We have not come here to spend our time doing anything other that the practice of spiritual life – the practice of viveka, vairagya and bhatritva (brotherhood), the practice of tolerance, mutual goodwill and paropakara (doing good to others), the practice of yoga, bhakti, to study Vedanta, Gita jnanopadesha and Upanishad udbodhana (awakening by the Upanishads). We should begin by stopping all activities of thought, word and deed that are not good. “Veda niityamadhiyatam – Read Vedas daily”, and “taduditam karma svanushthiyatam – engage in action that have been laid down or declared in the Vedas as actions that are to be engaged in.” It means we must not act contrary to the injunctions of the Vedas. Speak the truth also implies do not speak falsehood. “Daivi sampad vimokshaya – Divine, godly qualities lead you towards Liberation (Gita 16.5).” And if the highest goal of life is Moksha, then we must not only practise daivi sampada, but we must also give up asuri sampada, because the asuri sampada leads to greater bondage. We must not only cultivate daivi sampada, but must also avoid the contrary with an alert vigilance. In his book ‘Satsanga Lectures’ Gurudev said: “Today I will tell you of a simple path to God-realisation, three simple sadhanas that will grant you Liberation. The first sadhana is to eradicate negative, unspiritual qualities, and cultivate positive spiritual qualities. Secondly, constantly remember God in the midst of all vyavaharic activities. And thirdly, dedicate all your activities at the feet of God.” So the very first sadhana is to eradicate negative, undivine qualities and cultivate positive divine qualities. What qualities to eradicate? The g1reat Holy Mother Saradamani Devi, the divine consort of Bhagavan Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa Dev said: “My dear child, take away doshadrishti (looking at the faults of others), take away this negative habit of picking upon the faults of others. Life is too short; there is not enough time to remove our own faults.” Better be mindful of your own supreme spiritual welfare, for which a human birth has been bestowed upon you.. It is too important to be neglected by thinking of other things. Do not divert your mind here and there in petty things. You become that which you focus upon. If you think upon silly negative qualities of others instead of improving yourself, you draw upon your negative qualities. Therefore, you pray: “O Lord, I will not allow my mind to be diverted away from the central purpose of my human existence. O Lord, help me in this task.” May the Lord help you and remove all obstacles in your way! swami chidananda
Posted on: Thu, 01 Jan 2015 16:02:01 +0000
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