Swami Shivapadananda tells us how to internalise the image of our Deity.
In this audio recording, Swamiji says that the outside world is only suggestive and symbolic of the inner world. And as long as that inner world is not awakened, you remain stuck in the outside world.
If you can't meditate on your deity, says Swamiji, look at a photo or other form of them.
He used to dance with his picture of Lord Shiva – leaving his mother (Kossilla ma) thinking, as Swamiji says, 'That I was mad.'
[In this picture, you see Swamiji on the little bridge crossing a stream that runs through the Avoca ashram property. He has a shaved head, after first taking the gerua monastic cloth – Shivarupam – (the garb or form of Lord Shiva as a sannyasi) on Krishna Jayanti 1965.
Swamiji had received initiation into sannyasa from Swami Nischalananda – his beloved Guru – pictured below – some time before, but wore the garb for the first time on this occasion. He is seen going out to beg for bhiksha (food/alms) – which is tradition for a new monk.
In most other pictures, you'll see Swamiji with long hair. The Hindu monastic tradition is that you either shave the head and face completely, or you let it grow out, so that the body isn't receiving vanity-inducing attention.]
Swamiji speaks openly about his deeply loving relationship with his Deity (Lord Shiva). He stressed to us time and time again, that the Ishta Devata or Deity must be living and real.
He often recommended that people start by seeing their Deity blink, as they visualise the holy image in their mind. Over time, the rest of the Deity's form will become active and living, too. As must our relationship with them.
Swamiji says that if at first you can't close your eyes and see the Deity, it's better to open them and look at the picture, murti or whichever form you have of the Deity. In time you'll be able to take them 'inside'. He says, 'Even if it takes a couple of years for this to happen, who cares? So long as you're keeping your mind pure.'
Quoting Sri Ramakrishna, Swamiji says, 'Lukewarm devotion is no good.' The Lord Jesus Christ said the same thing. Swamiji says the Great Ones have offered various means and created numerous channels for us to reach God. Sri Ramakrishna said, 'As many faiths, so many paths.' Yato mat, tato path.
Swamiji says don't ask your Deity for 'things' – ask your Deity for love for her or him. When love is there, all else will fall into place.
This audio clip is packed with anecdotes and experiences from Swamiji's own journey on the spiritual path. Which is wonderful – because it's not someone else's theory. It's a beautiful listen, which ends on the most encouraging note for us, if we're feeling that the journey has become dry or difficult. Or that we've lost the initial energy and excitement about walking it.
To listen to this very helpful set of suggestions, please click on the link below. Jai Sri Ramakrishna!
Duration: 07:01
The original audio recordings of these posts were made by close Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa and Swami Shivapadananda devotee, Mother Radha. The audio editing and noise reduction of the original 1970s tapes has been lovingly crafted, over many years, by her son and our dear gurubhai, Brother Tim. May Sri Ramakrishna and Swamiji bless them both.
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Links to our Guruparampara (spiritual lineage) organisations, which will broaden your knowledge base: Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, Sri Sarada Devi ashram, Durban.