Swami Shivapadananda on changing habit
SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA
DAILY READINGS
Taken from Mother Radha's notes, written at Swamiji's feet.
Day 411
By changing our actions, habits can be changed. Habits are not an essential part of our nature. By steady practice the worst habits can be changed. Do not be depressed if bad habits persist even after repeated attempts to change them.
If we keep alert and watchful over the working of our conscious mind, and stick to a strict regimen of spiritual discipline, all the wrong habits soon disappear. But there must be patience and perseverance.
Do not cultivate new bad habits. Be on your guard. Protect yourself from evil influences. Strengthen your weak points through self analysis, prayer and meditation.
All accidents on the spiritual path are due to carelessness, so be on your guard. Never leave the mind unwatched for even one moment. This general rule is for all aspirants.
Dig the well and let it be ready. If your house is on fire, don't then go and start digging the well.
So have satsang [holy company or religious prayer service] now, join good people. Learn it. One day you will be inspired, sooner or later.
Now let us meditate for a few seconds.
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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.
Reference websites: Ramakrishna Math & Mission, Ramakrishna Centre of Southern Africa, Sri Ramakrishna Dham