Frankness and Truthfulness
[2nd President and Spiritual Head: the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa]
DAILY READINGS
From Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji
722
[Swamiji's Commentary on a Reading]
. . . to be absolutely frank and open in one's dealings is real truthfulness.
Pandit Nehru's [pictured above, first Indian Prime Minister on Independence in 1947] advice to his daughter on her marriage was, 'No matter what you do, do not keep a secret from your husband. There is to be no secret between you two.' Thus he gave a key to observe her fidelity.
. . . it is very difficult to remove oneself from it [untruth and falsehood].
A lot of people come to me and say, 'Oh, but it's difficult.' I know it's difficult. That is why you are a king of creation; that is why I am giving it to you to do. It is difficult. Why should I give you all the easy things to do?
Reading: [To a devotee who wished to leave the city] . . .if you go now it will be setting a bad example.
Master's [Sri Ramakrishna's] children were very conscious that they set a good example. When I went to Belur Math [the international headquarters of the Ramakrishna movement] in 1985 I asked Swami Satprakashananda, 'Please give me some instructions or advice on how to lead a spiritual life.' Do you know what he said? 'Do not worry, Thakur [the Master, Sri Ramakrishna] will do everything. Only you must become a good example, set an example of a perfect sadhu [holy man, monk, renunciate].' That was his advice.
. . . look to the Atman [universal soul], not to the body. Practise fixing the mind on the Atman.
[Swamiji] Practise this while walking, talking, crossing the road, sitting. Try all the time to bring your mind on to the Chosen Ideal, the Atman, the Absolute.
1) Care should be taken by the reader to understand and take Swamiji's words in these postings, in context. Every teaching or instruction that he gave was specific to the people who were with Swamiji at the time. 2) Mouse-over the words highlighted in red in the posting for further explanation or links.
There are currently available, over 100 different CDs or DVDs with mp3 files, of Swamiji speaking. Please email timhoare@webmail.co.za to order. Click HERE for the second website on Swamiji's life and teachings.
Sri Ramakrishna Sri Sarada Devi Swami Vivekananda
Swami Nischalananda Swami Shivapadananda
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna - read online
Reference websites – please mouse over the name and click to connect:
Ramakrishna Math and Mission Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa Ramakrishna Dham