Swami Shivapadananda Puri says excessive strain and spiritual practice do not belong together.

Pictured: Sri Swami Ramdas

Swamiji telling a story about Swami Ramdas:

“Two devotees of Ram Naam [repeating the name of Lord Rama as their mantra] had been repeating Ram Naam continuously for several years. They had taken a vow to repeat it at all times. They both developed a severe headache. They were suffering intense pain and approached Swami Ramdas for a remedy. 

Ramdas found that they were chanting Ram Naam continuously with great strain in order to keep their vow. Although they attained stillness of mind, they continued the practice – hence the strain and headache. Ramdas asked them to stop the practice. They did so.

When they came to Ramdas after a week he found they were quite happy and free from the headache. Unless it gives you joy, it is not sadhana [spiritual practice]. When you feel any strain, you should stop it. Pranayama [yoga breathing], meditation or any spiritual practice will do serious harm if you tire yourself out in the process. You see, this is why one of Master’s [Sri Ramakrishna’s] children [monastic disciples] said ‘rather than doing that [sadhana] take a little walk, sing some songs.’