Swami Shivapadananda on Mantra meaning

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

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

Day 400

 
 

The mantra [sacred word, sound syllable or God's names] should not be automatic, mechanical. If the habit of japa [repetition of the mantra] grows from within, unfolds from within, it blossoms from within like a lotus [flower]. Only then is there intelligent, meaningful living.

Gurudev [Swamiji's Guru, Swami Nischalananda Puri] said to me, 'Repeat the mantra.' Later he asked me, 'How is it going?' I said, 'Okay, Swamiji.' 'And how is the concentration?' 'Okay, Swamiji.' A few weeks later, Gurudev asked me the same question and I gave the same answer. One day I looked at the meaning of the mantra and suddenly thought, 'Ah.' Next day Gurudev asked me the same question again and I just smiled at him. Gurudev smiled too and turned away.

Yoga [from the Sanskrit root word 'Yuk' – to unite] is when one's whole life is one. But our life is in bits. One part is yoga and one part is money, business etc.

When you see anger arising try to hold it back. Then you have control of the senses.

God wants your love. He does not want your flowers, your garlands, your Prasad [sacramental food offerings], He wants your love. If you give God the cheapest [items, but with love], He will give you the same, ten times over.

Never lie to the guru otherwise he will feel he cannot trust you ever again.

When you are really yearning you will go inside, you will stop looking outside.

The100 CDs of Swamiji speaking have been converted to mp3
format. This means they can be played on your computer, an iPod,
certain mobile phones or any other mp3 player. Price is just R100 for
both DVDs inclusive of postage in the RSA.

Contact Tim Hoare on timhoare@webmail.co.za