Swamiji says that arthritis and asthma are caused through stress and tension. Talks excerpt number 165.
From Mother Radha’s notes, written at Swamiji’s feet
During sadhana [spiritual practise] relax muscles at a physical level and breathing at an emotional level. Pranayama [yogic breathing] leads to mental relaxation. Doing all of these together leads to peace of mind.
Arthritis and asthma are caused through stress and tension. Yoga removes the root cause of stress and tension. Don’t blame the environment as this leads to anger and harms the body, even more. In deep relaxation we tap hidden energy.
Swami Purushottamananda [our beloved spiritual ‘great-grandfather’ of Vasishtha Guha fame] said: ‘When the eyes are wide open, looking at the world, understanding the emptiness of it – this is real sadhana.’
[Guruji, then Brahmachari Neelakanthan, was initiated into Diksha Mantra by Swami Brahmananda Puri – Sri Ramakrishna’s direct disciple, and ‘Eternal Companion’, and also 1st President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission. He was initiated into sannyasa by Swami Shivananda Mahapurush, the 2nd President of the Ramakrishna Math and Mission]. For a video view of the Vasishtha Guha location, click HERE.
Total surrender is stillness of the mind and the attainment of supreme peace. [A line read from a book].
Mentally prostrate to all. [It will create and build the habit seeing God in everyone]. Increase your love for God – then your love for others increases. I found this was the key to my spiritual life.
All poise and power comes from the divine – the mantra is a direct means of tapping this source.
The life of a spiritual aspirant [sadhaka] must be conscious and alert. There must be less unconscious thinking and activity.
Be the master of your mind. Only think of God and your Self [the higher self].
If you have a problem, bring in the divine current – ventilate the whole atmosphere.
Be straightforward and aloof in the company of the worldly – but not haughty.
The free-to-read, 396 page Flipbook version of Swamiji’s biography is available by clicking HERE.
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.