Swami Shivapadananda on Divine Protection & Fasting

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

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

Day 247

Holy Mother, Sri Sarada Devi, said, “I am your real Mother, the Mother
of the virtuous and the sinner.” This is the love the Eternal Mother, Sri Sarada
Devi, had for us.

If you are sick, the karma must be there. One’s karma works though this
body and we are sick and suffering. So some sin was committed somewhere.
Fasting burns this and cleanses you. [pictured: Fasting Buddha].

Ekadasi is the worship of Vishnu’s Shakti [the female Divine power]; she
who assists the devotees. She protects you even if you do not know she is
protecting you. If you fast on Ekadasi, Mother never dies to you. And no one
can affect the body and mind of your child. No black magic can come near you.

She is a living talisman, living in your heart. The Divine Mother gives you
what you need. If you need health, she gives it. If you need work, she gives
it. At least on Ekadasi day you should fast. Even if not for spiritual
progress, you are giving your system a rest.

Jealousy is obstruction and destruction. But in the scriptures when
there was jealousy on God good always came out of it. Christ gave Judas eternal
life [see footnote]. Ravana carried Sita away but Rama sent him to heaven.

What is the absolute and relative goal? To realise dharma. Meditation on
God leads us to God.

Footnote: Swamiji always
said that Judas is in ‘heaven’ with Jesus. He played an essential (if
seemingly unpleasant) role in the fulfillment of Jesus’ divine mission.
Without him, the divine play could not have come to a conclusion. He
was therefore not cursed, or a sinner, but rather a role-player according to his Master’s will.