Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

The Adverbial Guides

Eat sparingly; breathe deeply; talk kindly; Work energetically; think usefully; persevere resolutely; act rightly; behave properly; speak politely; pray wholeheartedly; mediate seriously; Realise quickly

The Wise Aspirant

Vigilant among the careless; awake among the sleepers; reflective among the thoughtless; restrained among the indulgent, the wise aspirant boldly marches forward, reaches the goal now and here and attains Immortality and Eternal Bliss. Meditate earnestly now. Aspire. Be vigilant.

Faith and Reason

Do not argue about matters that are transcendental. Reason is finite and frail, and has its own limitations. It cannot cross the borders of the transcendental world, unable to realise the presence of the Lord. What is wanted is Faith. Faith can take you to realms where reason cannot enter. Have unshakeable faith and meditate. You will soon attain God-realisation.

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Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

                                                  Selfless Service

Karma Yoga prepares the mind for the reception of Light and Knowledge. It is also an effective instrument for the attainment of purity of the mind and the heart. It removes all obstacles in the way of oneness and unity. Therefore do selfless service constantly and lovingly.

Saintliness

Self-Examination

A man in his ego-centric attitude sits in judgement on others conduct and ways, while, in himself are innumerable defects and frailties which need to be scrutinised and eradicated. We have a habit of ignoring our own weaknesses but see the same in others magnified as through a microscope. Let that same criticism aimed at others be directed towards ourselves. Let the pride with which one is obsessed, be laid in the dust.

Non-violence

There is no penance like the practice of “Ahimsa” or Non-violence; there is no vow like the vow of speaking the Truth; there is no discipline like that of controlling the senses. Mental renunciation is the first and most essential condition for the practice of non-violence. He who renounced desire for wealth, name and fame can practise non-violence.

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Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

Be Vigilant

Even to the very last, one should be vigilant against egoism. It raises its head in various ways and forms. Man is often deceived and side-tracked. Every aspirant should welcome insults and injuries. Everyone should learn to adapt, be humble and learn to introspect himself constantly and thus evolve quickly.

Sacrifice Pleasure to Secure Bliss

Spiritual pursuits and practices are really sweet but appear to be bitter. Sensual pursuits are really bitter though they appear to be sweet. This is due to perversion of the intellect caused by ignorance. Select some songs that you like from your scriptures and continue to sing and hum their tunes daily. In this way, you would have continuity of thoughts about God. May you always shine with Divine splendour and have inexhaustible wealth of the Lord, which is the common property of all mankind.

God-Vision is Thy Birth-right

Renunciation is the watchword. Self-realisation is the goal. Righteousness is the prop. The Bliss of Divinity is your birth-right. Knowledge of God is the only requisite for liberation from the cycle of birth and death. Knowledge should become a living experience and not a mere belief. May the Lord bless you; May you all become sages.

Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

Service

Serve; Serve; Serve

This must be your motto. Never miss an opportunity to serve selflessly as it benefits those in need. We should always be aware that the Divine Spark is in each one of us. Ultimately, you serve God. Worship God in the poor and the sick and serve with intense love. Give your hands to the work and the mind to God. You will attain supreme Peace, Bliss and Immortality.

Truth

There is no religion, virtue, or treasure higher than Truth. God is Truth. Truth is God. The Truth speaks inwardly without noise of words, the language of silence. It is the subtle voice of God. A clear conscience gives joy and peace.

No Faith, No Knowledge

The goal of life is God-realisation. Life is faith and illumination. No faith, no devotion and no knowledge of God. Bad company, lust, greed, infatuated love for family, money and unwholesome food are enemies of faith. Meditate. Realise intuitively now and enjoy bliss of God.
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Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

                                                                  The Soul

Control the Tongue

The tongue is a double-edged sword and is the most turbulent and powerful of all the senses. Words possess tremendous power: by words you can encourage, cheer, displease or ruin others. So, use sweet words always and conquer the hearts of others. Be careful in its selection and never use harsh words to hurt the feelings of people. Speak the truth at any cost and practise austerity of speech if you really want quick progress in meditation.

Introspect

Watch your mind and thoughts and practise self-analysis. Be humble and simple and avoid evil company. Remove arrogance, self-conceit and laziness. Be sincere and serve all with love. Respect your parents and elders. Have perfect trust in God and Divine Grace will descend upon you.

Health

Wholesome food (vegetarian), pure air and water, physical exercise and outdoor activities contribute to the maintenance of good health, strength, vigour and vitality. Regular practise of Yogic exercises will give you abundant energy, nerve-power and longevity.  Brain, muscles, organs and tissues are toned and energised. Good health is a requisite for a balanced mind and sound body.

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Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

                                                                   The Soul

Be Self-controlled

Spiritual life is actually living in God. It is a life of fullness and perfection; a transcendental experience of unalloyed Bliss. Be self-controlled, be just, noble and impartial. Cultivate peace in the garden of your heart by removing the weeds of lust, hatred, greed, selfishness and jealousy. Know that you are one with God.

Divine Awakeners

Trials and tribulations do not make a sincere devotee lose his faith in God. Love is imperishable and the ultimate Truth. Love is the greatest power in this planet and the basis of life. It is the essence of religion. Build your life on the great ideals of selfless service and all other ideals will manifest in life through these. Keep the mind fully occupied and aim at perfection. Fear not, grieve not, worry not – be cautious, vigilant, reflect and meditate. A sincere prayer gives tremendous strength and removes all evil thoughts.

Anger

Anger begets eight kinds of vices and all evil qualities proceed from anger. If you eradicate anger, all bad qualities will die by themselves. It is anger that brings destruction to a man. An aspirant should have perfect control over his temper. Watch the mind carefully; divert the mind immediately and keep it fully occupied whenever agitation sets in and your temper flares. You may fail several times, but gradually you will gain strength and anger will disappear.

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Sermonettes of Swami Sivananda

                                                                      The Soul

Have Confidence in Yourself

Understand clearly the aim of your life and do work that is congenial to your aim. Work hard to live up to and realise your ideal. Remove a careless and forgetful attitude – have confidence in your own powers and faculties. Keep up your mental poise amidst all changes that may affect you, without consideration of its results. Have the mind rooted in God throughout your daily activities and with intense concentration kindle the fire of devotion.

Be Self-controlled

Spiritual life is actually living in God. It is a life of fullness and perfection; a transcendental experience of unalloyed Bliss. Be self-controlled, be just, noble and impartial. Cultivate peace in the garden of your heart by removing the weeds of lust, hatred, greed, selfishness and jealousy. Know that you are one with God.

                                                                                       to be continued