For Spiritual Aspirants-5: "Sadhana" by Swami Vivekananda

Tremendous determination to struggle, a hundredfold more determination than that which you put forth to gain anything which belongs to this life, is the first great preparation.

And then along with it, there must be meditation. Meditation is the one thing. Meditate! The greatest thing is meditation. It is nearest approach to spiritual life – the mind meditating. It is the one moment in our daily life that we are not at all material – the Soul thinking of itself, free from all matter – this marevellous touch of the Soul! – Swami Vivekananda

Courtesy: “Prabuddha Bharata” or “Awakened India”, November 2008.
Grateful thanks to Prabuddha Bharata.

For Spiritual Aspirants-4: "Working in God’s Garden"

Kemmons Wilson, founder of an international motel chain, quoted some advice for planting a “garden” that would enhance our work skills:

* Five rows of “peas” – prayer, preparedness, promptness, perseverance, politeness

* Three rows of “squash” – squash gossip, criticism, and indifference

* Five rows of “lettuce” – let us love one another, let us be faithful, let us be loyal, let us be unselfish, let us be truthful

* Three rows of “turnips” – turn up for church, turn up with a new idea, turn up with the determination to do a better job today than you did yesterday.

Today let us evaluate our attitude toward our work. Do we see it as a necessary evil that deserves the least possible effort? As an unfortunate prerequisite to retirement? Or do we see it as an opportunity to serve God?

“Whatever you do,” wrote Paul, “do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that frm the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for your serve the Lord Christ” (Col.3:23-24). With that attitude, we can work enthusiastically and wholeheartedly, not just for a paycheck but for glory of God – David C.McCasland.

Courtesy: “Our Daily Bread”, July-December 1999.

Grateful thanks to Mr.David C.McCasland and “Our Daily Bread”.

For Spiritual Aspirants-3: "Sattva is the Last Step"

A man endowed with sattva is quiet and peaceful. So far as dress is concerned anything will do. He earns only enough money to give his stomach the simplest food. He never flatters man to get money. He does not hanker for name and fame. His worship, charity and meditation are done in secret; people do not known about them at all.

Sattva is the last step of the stairs; next is the roof. As soon as sattva is acquired, there is no further delay in attaining God. One step forward and God is realized!

Source: Not available

For Spiritual Aspirants-2: "SPIRITUAL PROGRESS"

There is benefit for you in every situation. If, that is, you know how to look for it.

The idea behind steady spiritual progress is to see every circumstance and situation (particularly those that challenge you) as a tailor-made lesson in your personal plan for self-development.

 

For example, in a situation where hurtful or angry words were exchanged, why not see it as the chance either to perceive things about your own character which need changing or to rehearse some virtue or quality that you need to put into practice more often? Actually, we should be grateful for the opportunity to evaluate ourselves.

In this way, you can transform anything into a constructive lesson. Never think that you have learned enough and now can stop. You should love it when people try to correct you or give you advice. It keeps you alert and gives you plenty of opportunity to put your truth into practice. It is a sign of great danger to be unable to accept criticism and instead use your understanding to criticise others. Realise deeply the significance of every moment, and your spiritual progress will be assured.

Courtesy: “Companion of God: The Wisdom and Words of Dadi Janki” – Published by the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University, London.

Grateful thanks to the Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University.

 

Useful Instructions for Spiritual Aspirants

1. Get up at 4.00 a.m. daily. Do Japa(repetition of the divine name) and Meditation.

2. Take Sattwic Ahara (congenial food). Do not overload the stomach.

3. Sit on Padma or Siddha Asana (Lotus posture or Accomplished posture) for Japa and Dhyana(Meditation).

4. Have a separate meditation room under lock and key.

5. Give in charity one-tenth of income.

6. Study systematically one chapter of Bhagavad Gita.

7. Preserve Veerya (the vital force). Sleep separately.

8. Give up smoking, intoxicating drinks and Rajasic food (food that will make one restless).

9. Fast on Ekadasi days(11th day of the New Moon and Full Moon) or live on milk on fruits only.

10. Observe Mouna (Silence) for two hours daily and during meals also.

11. Speak Truth at any cost. Speak little and sweetly.

12. Reduce your wants. Lead a happy contented life.

13. Never hurt the feelings of others. Be kind to all.

14. Think of the mistakes you have committed (Self-analysis) and resolve never to repeat them again.

15. Do not depend upon servants.

16. Think of God as soon as you get up and when you go to bed.

17. Have always a Japa Mala (Holy Beads) around your neck or in your pocket.

18. Have the motto: “Simple Living and High Thinking”

19. Serve the Sadhus, Sannyasins and poor and sick persons.

20. Keep a daily spiritual diary. Stick to your routine.

(From a Free Pamphlet published by Sivananda Satsang Bhavan, Madurai, Tamil Nadu, India)