Swami considers
the Pranva or Omkara as the best
upadesa. The syllable OM is the essence of theology, ‘ philosophy, and mysticism. Swami remarks, ‘ Little children
just learning to toddle about are given a contraption which they push forward
holding the cross bar. The OM is such a vehicle for the Spiritual child.
The three wheels are A, U, and M the three components of the mantra, OM is the
primal sound inherent in the life breath. Every time we breathe, we say SOHAM:
So, when we inhale, and HAM when we exhale meaning –“He—I” instilling into
ourselves the conviction that He who is all this external world is “ I
“ who is all this internal world, the conviction of unity. Meditation on OM is
valuable SOHAM for the spiritual aspirant. Swami compares it to ‘ seven colors of the sun’s rays merging into one colorless brilliance’ ( SSS
vol 5 pp 87-88)
Swami impresses
on all the necessity of guarding one’s corporeal body. For all karma or deeds,
good or bad, the physical frame is absolutely essential. Swami counsels’ “ The body has to be kept trim. Until this is
achieved its purpose too is just this. Keep it light and bright. It is a boat
which can take you across the sea of
illusion, of false multiplicity. Do not add to its weight, by attachment to
things and others; Then it is in danger of sinking during the
voyage.” The outward attraction of the material world has its innate
weaknesses. and falls. On the other hand the spiritual path is
apparently difficult to follow but still it has its plus points. Swami warns
and counsels, “ When the Mind weds
Pravrutti—worldly activity the progeny is bondage; when it weds Nivrutti—spiritual renunciation the progeny
is freedom.” (SSS vol 5 PP 102
Who can call
himself a Hindu? The triple beliefs of
Sanatana Dharma are 1 the inevitability of Karma in life 2 the fact of rebirth and 3 di8vine incarnation.
One who has no faith in all these three
cannot claim to be a Hindu” Referring to the episode of “Kalinga
Mardana” Swami explains, “ The
Kalinga and its hoods are the desires
that dwell deep in the recesses of human heart. The Lord who enters the heart
drives out these poisonous creatures and cleanses and purifies the heart. When Krishna
dances on the hood, the serpents are
tamed and rendered harmless. Without the
extinction of
desire Man cannot become Divine.”
Swami waxes
eloquent on Bhakthi or devotion to God. It does not lie in the
outward manifestation of marks on the forehead or body. What matters is the
inner soul and ‘ bhava.’ Swami
remarks, “Bhakthi or devotion to God is not to be judged or
measured by rosaries or candles, daubing
on the foreheads or matted hair; or
jingles on the ankles; purity of motives and intentions is essential so that Prema which is the one component of Bhakthi does not
leak out of the heart. The outward indications of a soul fired with bhakthi are
faith, humility, and apprehension. Faith in the ultimate victory of
Truth and love; humility before
elders and the wise; apprehension in the presence of evil.”
Swami deplores
the changes in the field of education and the pattern of modern
curriculam. Today there is a craze for
convent type of education. Sanskrit language and literature, the source of the
wisdom of the ancients is neglected. Swami exhorts the educationists and the
students: “ Consider first
things first--- that is the message of the sasthras. The true culture of India
can be experienced only then. Bharat is the only country where the process of
exploiting the mine of ananda lying in the inner consciousness of man has
been systematically explored.” (SSS vol
5 pp121)
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