Swamiji advises on purity of mind. Talks excerpt 192.

From Mother Radha’s notes, written at Swamiji’s feet.

Sri Ramakrishna says that he who forbears survives and becomes great. Tell yourself, ‘O mind, be happy, float in bliss. In Brahman there is no disease, no death.’

In severe illness be cheerful and die in the lap of God.’

Question from devotee: Each of Master’s [Sri Ramakrishna’s] disciples answered differently when asked about his illness. One said he was testing them, another said it was the touch of impure people. One said that he was so great and was in Nirvikalpa Samadhi all the time, and another said that it was all his lilas [divine play/sport]. Which is right, Swamiji? Swamiji: All are correct, depending on the different disciples. This applies to other things too. Yes, God is One and all are seeing God.

Question: How is it they are all correct? Swamiji: God is only One, all are seeing different aspects of the same Divine being.

Many people symbolise the Deity [Ishta Devata]. Like in the Ramayana we read that Ravana took Sita away. But really it is the impure mind that takes us away from the pure mind. And to have a pure mind you need three things:

1. Do not be deceitful. Perform as much spiritual practice as you can manage.

2. Keep good company.

3. Read holy books.

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These recordings were made from the 1970s onward, by Mother Radha, a close devotee of Swamiji’s and edited for uploading here by our gurubhai and her son, Brother Tim. Please be mindful that what Swamiji was saying may have been specific to an individual or a group of people with him, at the time.