Swami Shivapadananda on Perspective

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

Taken from Mother Radha's notes, written at Swamiji's feet.

Day 387

In the scriptures we read [about]: 'Blue lotus feet.' This represents omnipresence, being above the world [the lotus grows with its roots in the mud, but flowers on or above the surface of the water]. The lotus only opens to perfection, to God, to the sun and so on.

If you cannot give it [worldly possessions] all away, be the caretaker. If there is a job to do – like feeding people – give the money. Okay. But how will you feel when it is all gone? Do not be attached.

Coming to live in the ashram [monastery, religious retreat] is like going for a swim. You get three things from it. Firstly: exercise. The mind wants talks, books and satsang [spiritual service or company]. Secondly: It cools you. You may be boiling with something and you come here and get it into perspective. Thirdly: Swimming leads to health. The ashram leads to health. You get relief from the disease of the body and mind.

If your lover is a man [human] you doubt him, you think he will let you down, betray you. But your lover really is God, and you know He is God, and you know He will not let you down or betray you. Though thousands let Him down, He never let anyone down. Trust Him absolutely. Similarly you must have absolute faith in the guru.

The guru says: I can touch many but only carry a few. Those that are pure I carry because I know they will not kill me.

The swami is nothing, knows nothing. But It knows everything because It is One.

See God in every little thing in nature.

Repeat God's [mantra] name all the time. You can do that. I do not know why you are wasting all this time.

When you have a spiritual experience, do not think it is real [i.e. it is impermanent, transitory].

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