Jnana Yoga: Author: Swami Ramsukhdasji Language: English Pages: 80 Description

Shree Hari
Ram Ram
Jnana Yoga
Author: Swami Ramsukhdasji
Language: English
Pages: 80
Description:
To read online text: see below
To read online images: Art of Living
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Bhakti Yog
All is God
All is God (Vasudevah Sarvam)
Behold Him Everywhere
God - Everything is Only God
Thou and Thou Alone
God - Where Ever I See, I See You
God (Paramatma) in All
Everything is Only God
Extraordinary Grace of God
Attainment of the One Searched (Jin khojaa, Tin Paayiyaa)
God - All Can Realize God
Devotion
Devotion - The Secret
Devotion - The Ease of Devotion
Devotion - Shri Hanumanji's
Devotion, Devotee and God (Bhakti, Bhakt aur Bhagavan)
Devotion and It's Glories (Bhakti aur Uski Mahimaa)
Devotion - God and His Devotion
Love, Lover and Abode of Love (Prem, Premi aur Premaaspad)
God Realization
Realization of the Attained Reality
A Matter of Everyone's Experience
God Realization - All can Realize
God Realization and It's Ease

God Realization without Action
God Realization and It's Obstacles
God Realization is Immediate
God Realization is Spontaneous
God can be Attained Assuredly Today
Attainment of the Ever-Attained
God Realization Instantaneous
God Realization - There is No Delay
God Realization - Easy and Quick Means
How to speedily realize God ?
God - Refuge in God (Sharanagati)

Refuge - Taking Refuge in Bhagavan (Sharanagati)
Refuge - The Secret of Taking Refuge in Bhagavan
Refuge - True Refuge (Sacchaa Aashray)
Refuge - The Extraordinariness of Refuge
Refuge - Exclusive
Refuge - Real Refuge
Spiritual Practice
Two Aphorisms for Spiritual Practices
Spiritual Disciplines and Their Main Obstacles
Spiritual Practices and Being Free from Doubts
Spiritual Practices - on doing, non-doing (and Without Doership
The Best of All Spiritual Practices (Sarva Shrestha Saadhan)
Easy Spiritual Disciple (Sugam Saadhan)
God
God - Only One God, Many Names and Forms
God - The God Essense
God - I am God's
God - Only God is Mine
God - Thou and Thou Alone
God - Feeling of Mine-ness with God
God - Feeling of Oneness (Mine-ness) with God
God - The Feeling of My Very Own with Bhagavan
God - Why Must we Believe in God?
Relationship - True Relationship

God - Only God is Mine
God - Realization of Eternal Union
Undescribable and It's Description
Divine Love (Bhagavad Prem)
Bhagavan (God) is hungry for Love
God's Name and Form

Glory of Name
Method and Ordinance around Name Recitation (Naam Japa ki Vidhi)
Ten Offenses related to Name (Das Naam Aparaadh)
Become Ram's, Recite His Name (Hoyi Ram ko Naam Japo)
Praise of Name of God in Manasa (Ramcharitramanas)
Glories of Name Recitation (Naam-Japa ki Mahimaa)
Worship of Dieties (Murti Puja)
Worship - It's Meaning and Form
Glories of Chanting God's Name
God and His Divine Strength
God
The Feeling of My Very Own with Bhagavan
In reality, no man is an orphan (without a father, a Master, a Lord, widowed,

helpless). All men have a father (Master, Lord). For everything in this life, there
is a master (owner), then is there no master for men - how can that be? He
that is the master of all is also our master. We definitely know Him. In other
words, to see our self as an orphan (helpless) is our grave mistake.
Why does man experience this feeling of being orphaned? When he begins to
consider a particular thing or individual as his own, then its abscence begins to
create a feeling of helplessness. It is a rule that when a man begins to consider
himself as the master of any object (thing) or individual, then he forgets his own
master (father). Just like a child cannot live without his mother; but when he
grows up and begins to consider the wife and children etc. as his own, then he
begins to neglect and often becomes indifferent to the very same mother. Therefore
Bhagwaan (God) in the Gita has called "Ishvar" to those embodied souls who
believe the body to be their own, rather he who considers himself to be the
owner (master)
of this body -
"Shariram yadavaapnotti yacchaapyutkraamteeshvarah." (Gita 15:8).
If besides God, man considers no one else as his own, then the erroneous
understanding of him being an orphan (without a master) will be wiped out, and
he will experience, having a master (a protector, a husband, a Lord)
The truth is that only God is ours at all times, eternally. This world was not ours
at first. It will not remain ours at the end. Even at this present moment it is
leaving us. But God was with us before hand, he will remain with us and at this
present moment is also with us. If He does not ever meet us, then too He is
our, if He meets us all the time, then too He is ours and if He meets us at
times and not other times, then too He is ours. On the other hand, this world
appears to be with us at all times, yet it is not ours. That which does not stay
with us forever, and that which we cannot stay with forever, it simply cannot be
ours. Only that which stays with us at all times, in other words, that which never
parts (separates) from us, is ours.
From "Sahaj Sadhana" in Hindi pg 16 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Nothing is Ours. Only God is our Very Own
It is important to know what is really ours. If we think of what we brought with

us, then we realize that we brought absolutely nothing with us and with that we
come to the realization that nothing is ours. No wealth, no father, no mother, no
son, absolutely nothing. That which is our very own, will always remain with us.
Only God is our very own. He is ever present, always was, is, and ever shall
be. He can never, not be with us. Wherever we are, He is there with us. Even
when we die, He is with us. Therefore only God should be considered our very
own. Even this body was formed in the mother's womb, and when we leave this
body, it will blend with the earth, it will be eaten by insects, etc. This body is
not ours. Therefore nothing is ours. If nothing is ours, then we want nothing.
There is nothing that we want.
One very important point to remember is that there is only God with us at all
times. Even when we go to hell, He will be there with us. Or even if we go to
His abode (Vaikunth), He will be there. Only He is ours. Nothing else is ours or
for us. Objects come and go, actions begin and come to an end. All this is
temporary and therefore not ours or for us. Simply understand this once and for
all.
If we accept that this son is mine, this wife is mine, then we will surely
experience a lot of sorrow. There will be nothing else but sorrow. But if we
accept that God is ours, then there will be nothing but joy all the way.
Besides God and you there is no one else. God is our eternal friend, he has
never left us, he will always remain and no one else has the strength to stay.
But God is eternally with us. Just accept that only God is mine, and no one else
is mine. I am God's only and only God is mine. Accept with firm determination,
even if you are the worst of sinners. Why would a child who has a mother fear?
No one will remain with us, therefore accept "I am only God's" "Mere to
Giridhar Gopal."
From "Sahaj Sadhana" in Hindi pg ? by Swami Ramsukhdasji

Egoism
Egoism and It's Release (Ahankaar aur Uski Nivrutti)
The main reason for the bondage of an Embodied Soul (Jeev) is Egoism
(Ahankaar). Egoism is of two kinds-
1) Of the Inert Nature - (aparaa prakriti) - (Gita 7:4, 13:5). It is egoism of

the primary substance (viz. earth, fire etc.) (Dhaaturoop Ahankaar). It is also
called "I" tendency or collective tendency-based "I-ness".
2) Egoism resulting from consciousness (chetan), believing it has affinity with

inert Nature (apara prakriti) and identifying with it. This is a form of tendency
causing the knot of individual egoism called "chijjadgranthi" (granthiroop vyashthi
ahankaar).
In egoism of the inert nature, in the form of primary substance (viz. earth, fire,
water, air, atmosphere etc.), there is no sin, fault or defect, because this egoism,
just like mind, intellect, senses etc. is only a cause, an instrument. Therefore all
faults, defects lie in identification with the body, in other words, egoism resulting
from the body consciousness - "Dehaabhimaanini sarve doshaah praadurbhavanti."
A liberated, self-realized, lover of God, great soul, is entirely free of all egoism
resulting from body identification; in other words, all the actions performed by their
so called body are happening only from the base (from the qualities of nature).
But believing this inert nature and it's activities of the body as my real nature
(swarup, Self), man out of his ignorance believes himself to be the the doer of
those activities and becomes bonded - "Ahankaar vimoodhaatmaa kartaarhamiti
manyate" (Gita 3:27)!
From the feeling of "I am" due to affinity and identity with nature, an enveloping
feeling takes place. As with this defined feeling, the egoism causes many forms of
separation. Color, class, stage in life, body, state, age, abilities, relationship,
profession, religion, worship etc., these form thousands of differences resulting from
this egoism. Just like from the perspective of caste - "I am a Brahmin", from the
perspective of stage in life - "I
am a student" (Brahmacharya), "I am a householder" (grahastha); from
perspective of body - "I am a man,", "I am a woman," from perspective of age
- I am a child, I am a Youth, from perspective of
religion - I am a Hindu, I am a Muslim, I am a Christian etc., from perspective
of Worship - I worship a particular form of divinity (God), I worship the formless
divinity, etc. All of these differences arise from egoism or sense of "I am", but
not in the essential element. In all of these the "I" takes on many different
forms, but the "AM" in the form of existence (IS), is only one. (to be
continued)
From "Saadhan, Sudhaa, Sindhu" in Hindi pg 87 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Egoism – How to Eliminate it?
In this world, there is one very surprising thing - Whoever we consider our own,
they do not remain, but the assumed affinity and relationship with them remains.
In other words the related person does not remain, but the relationship remains.
Just like a women who became a widow and many years have gone by, but the
moment that she hears her husband's name, her ears perk up. That is, even
though the husband is no more, yet her relationship continues to remain with the
husband. "I am wife of so and so."
Here a doubt may arise, that when the father does not remain, if the son does
not continue the affinity with the father, then how will he conduct the religious rites
(pitru tarpan) that are suggested by scriptures? Here the determination is that,
anything that is done with desire for our own enjoyment and with a selfish motive,
will
lead to bondage. For serving and for reducing debts (of parents), these assumed
relations are not a bondage rather they are working towards discontinuing
(removal) of the relationship.
The point is, that if the things appear to be ours, then they are only for the
purpose of serving others, and they are ours for putting to good use. If a person
appears as ours, then they are ours only for serving them without a selfish motive
and intention. For our own self nothing is ours. To consider objects and individuals
as ours, for our happiness and relaxation, is the main reason for being caught in
the birth and death cycle.
"Kaaranam gunasangosya sadasyoni janmasu." (Gita 13:21)

Therefore, by believing any thing to be ours, we do not get anything at all in this
world. And by not considering any thing to be ours, we get everything ! In other
words, we get Bhagwaan (God).
From "Sahaj Sadhana" in Hindi pg 19 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
God has an eternal union, an eternal relationship with the embodied Soul.
This eternal union is referred as "Yog" in the Gita. In this Yog there is never
any separation. But when this embodied soul believes and accepts an inseparable
and thick relationship with the inert body and nature, then it becomes distant
from this experience of eternal union (nitya yog). It forgets this eternal
union. The relationship that the embodied soul believes it has with the inert
is I-ness and from perspective of a knot or constriction it is referred as "the
egoism knot."
Although this embodied Soul is eternally separate from this body and nature,
inspite of that, on accepting it's oneness with the inert, it perceives a
separation in the eternally united and a union in the eternally separated i.e.
that which is ever attained - Supreme Consciousness, appears to be unattained
and the eternally detached body and this world, appears to be attained. To wipe
out this mistake, God has described the three spiritual disciplines -
Discipline of Action (Karma Yoga), Discipline of Knowledge (Jnana Yoga) and
Discipline of Devotion (Bhakti Yoga).
As long as egoism remains, till that time the spiritual aspirant perceives
differences in the various spiritual practices. The differences perceived in
each of the Yoga (karma, jnana and bhakti) are also due to egoism. When egoism
is wiped out, that is when the spiritual practices are perfected, then all
perceived differences between karma yog, jnana yoga and bhakti yoga are also
wiped out.
Of the three yogas, there has been extensive writings and knowledge sharing of
Bhakti (devotion) and Jnana (knowledge). However little is shared and
communicated about the path of Karma Yog (path of action). God has also said
in the Gita, that due to the passage of time, the path of Action has vanished
and become almost non-existent "Se Kaaleneh mahataa yogo nashth parantap,"
(Gita 4:2). Therefore with respect to relation with Karmayog, it has been
understood that it is not an independent discipline for God Realization. Rather
one who follows the practices of Karma Yog, either eases into either Jnana Yog
or Bhakti Yog, just like -
"Taavat kamaani kurveet ne nirvidhyet yaavate

Matkathaashravanaa dau vaa shraddhaa yaavann jaayate." (srimada: 11:20:9)
"One must continue to do selfless service as long as one does not experience
detachment from enjoyment of pleasures (i.e. become the rightful recepient of
Jnana Yog), or he does not have faith in listening to the stories of His
pastimes (i.e. does not become a rightful recipeint of Bhakti Yog)
From "Saadhan, Sudhaa Sindhu" book in Hindi pg 90 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Experience
Experience of Pain in Separation
In the world there are two things - togetherness and separation. Of these,
separation is primary. We cannot be sure about being together, but we are certain
of separation at some point in time. It is the experience of all that union leads
into separation. The one who accepts that separation is inevitable is wise, and he
will attain knowledge and liberation automatically. So simple is this.
You will be separated from your body, senses, mind, intellect, life and "mine-
ness" (attachments) some day. This union is constantly turning into separation, at
every moment. In reality, there is no union. There is only
separation. Therefore experience the separation at this very moment.
The Soul (Self) has its real relationship with God and this is called "Yoga". In
reality, the Soul cannot be separated from God, but it is only our lack of
inclination towards God that prevents this realization. For example, we are meeting
right now for satsang, but as the time passes on, the meeting is eventually
turning towards separation. There is no doubt about this. Therefore accept
separation as real and true, because it is inevitable. By accepting this, you will be
established in God, as Truth remains established in Truth.
This is called liberation.
You will not suffer pain later on, if you accept the truth and inevitability of
separation. Separation is certain and there is no escape from it. In Gita, Lord
Krishna declares,
"The state which is free from pain is Yoga." (Gita 6:23).
In attachment (mine-ness) there is agitation. By giving up attachment (mine-
ness), these agitations perish and one attains "yoga." In Gita, this equanimity is
also called Yoga. After attaining this state, there remains no
pain, no sorrow, no agitation and no turmoil.
From "Let us know the Truth" by Swami Ramsukhdasji, Page 8
The desire to live, the desire to do and the desire to acquire (obtain) - these
are the three desires. To the extent that these three desires are strong, to that
extent we shall be entangled in worldly things, and we will have difficulty in
understanding the real Truth. If our desires are rooted out, then our work will
become easy.
We have a keen desire to live. But will this desire prolong our life? No. We do
not understand this because of our desire to live. Let us take an example of a
tank full of water. With each passing day, the tank becomes emptier, until one
day it finally dries up completely. One may say on that day when it is completely
empty, that it dried up today, yet the process began a long time ago. Similarly a
person begins to die, the day he is born. And finally when he dies, the process
of death is complete. Similarly the whole universe is perishing or ceasing to exist
every moment.
In the Mahabharata, the genie asks King Yudhisthira - "What is the greatest
wonder in the world?" King Yudhisthira replied,
"The creatures of the world are dying each day, yet those remaining continue to
desire to live forever. What greater wonder can there be than this?"
The seen is merging into unseen, and one day all will be unseen. By accepting
this truth that, the seen is ceasing to exist, we can very soon attain Self
Realization / God Realization.
From "Let us know the Truth" by Swami Ramsukhdasji, Page 32
The Self (I) has no relationship with the body or with the world. The Self (I)
is immortal. Tulasidasji has declared in the Ramcharitramanasa - "The soul (Self)
being a part of God is immortal". From time immemorial, the Self remains the
same, though the body is born and dies again and again. The body is
impermanent; while the Self is permanent. Our detachment from the transient body
is permanent. Therefore if we consider our Self as detached from the body, then
we will realize that we are already established in God.
Sometimes family members get into a fight (argument). The mother tells her son,
not to fight with his sister. She says that the sister's stay in the home is
temporary, as after marriage she will be living with her husband. Similarly, the
existence of the body and worldly things is only transient and will totally cease to
exist one day. Therefore we should accept the truth. Just as we lovingly bring up
our daughter and provide her with food, clothes and other necessities, we should
likewise serve the world to the best of our ability.
The road to God Realization lies in rooting out our desires and detaching our self
from the physical body and worldly things. By detaching ourselves from the
attachment to transient unreality, we shall attain God (Self)
Realization instantly.
From "Let Us Know the Truth" in Hindi pg 33 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

The Self (I) never dies, and the body never remains. He who does not remain
has no need to fear death; and he who does not die, he too has no need to
fear death. Let us reflect carefully that he who is dying is every moment a
manifestation of death. Then how can death fear death? And he who will never
die, how can he ever fear death? Therefore, there remains no fear of death of
the Self, nor is there fear of death of the Body. We erroneously attach ourselves
with the body that is dying every moment. This is the cause of fear
of death. What is the solution? The remedy is - to accept the separation as fact
(truth). Every moment, separation is going on. There is no Union. This is
realization. This is salvation.
Let us now firmly establish ourselves in this truth that the body and the world are
constantly ceasing to exist. Let us not worry at all. Then if worry comes, it too
will cease to exist. We have no relationship with that which ceases to exist.
All are constantly passing away; we (Self) are the knower (the witness) of this
and are separate from that which is passing away. Let us look at ourselves in
this manner; let us do so 5-6 times for 15 minutes, daily. Then let us stop
doing so. It will remain etched in the memory always.
From "Let Us Know the Truth" in Hindi pg 34 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
A man has to suffer the pains in 8.4 millions forms of lives because of the sins
done in the human body. All four ages – Satya, Tretaa, Dwaapara and Kali are
spent in undergoing sufferings of the world and hell, yet the deadly sins committed
and accumulated in human life are not exhausted. But God being gracious
bestows human life upon us so that we may attain Him. The almighty God,
whose mere thought creates and rears the infinite universes, is prepared to obey
us if we love him from our heart. The cowherdesses (Gopis) say to Lord
Krishna “If you dance a bit and play the flute, we shall give you butter-milk.”
And Lord Krishna starts dancing and playing the flute. Just imagine the
importance and dignity of this human life that makes Lord Krishna dance. But it
is a mistake if in this life we commit sinful actions and thus make preparation to
pave the way to hell for suffering torture. We should take the best possible
advantage of this human life.
You have come to Vrindavana, so it is advisable for you to visit the temples and
behold God and bathe in Jamuna. Find out things that are helpful in God
Realization. This is a place of pilgrimage, so visit temple to behold God, attend
the program of loud chanting, listen to divine stories, as well as, religious
discourses and take full advantage of your visit to this place. What is the use of
wasting your time in visiting movies and dramas here? These things are better
available in big cities like Calcutta and Mumbai. Similarly take advantage of
human life that has been bestowed upon us by God’s grace. Don’t waste it in
worldly pleasures and enjoyments that are available even in the life of a dog, pig,
donkey or crow. We are fortunate enough that we have received this human
body that even gods can’t get.
“Bade bhaag maanushya tanu paawaa; sur durlabh sab granthin gaava.” (Manasa VII: 43:4)
Therefore we should sincerely devote ourselves from our heart to attain God and
should not miss this golden opportunity.
This Kaliyug (Kali-age) is the age in which God-realization can be attained much
more easily than in the other three ages. But how harmful and shameful it is to
waste that time of human body in enjoying worldly pleasures and doing sins and
injustice! The sacred books, our own intellect and the society – all consider
these sinful actions highly unjust and disgraceful. Now the question is what to
do?
There is no use crying over spilt milk. Take a firm determination today that in
future you will neither waste your time, nor commit sins, nor do injustice but try
to find out means to have devotion to God and to realize Him at the earliest.
Listen to what is being said. It is within our power to realize God, because this
human body has been bestowed upon us for this very purpose. Every human
being has total freedom to realize God. Rather no one is dependent on anyone to
realize God. While it is not within our power to become a millionaire or a landlord
or attain great fame or honor. The main purpose of this human body is to attain
that Supreme Consciousness. But a human being does not pay attention to this.
It is said in the Ramcharitramanasa -

"Kabahu kari karunaa ner dehi, Det is binu hetu sanehi." (Manasa 7:43:3)
Pay attention to this verse. It is mentioned here that God, is a well-wisher

without any motive, and simply by His grace He has bestowed this human body
on us, so that we can become free from sorrows and attain Him. The implication
here is that God intends for our betterment, our benediction. So with a little effort
on our part, His intention will come true.
Man does not pay attention to the fact that God by His grace has bestowed this
human body upon us, believing that man will attain Him. But if he does not attain
Him, it means nothing but betrayal towards Him. It is a great loss to commit sins
such as falsehood and fraud etc. in this human life.
Take a firm decision that from today onwards, I will not commit sinful and unjust
actions and attain God Realization. Just as a businessman makes every effort to
find the right goods that will lead to his profitability, in the same way, we too
must try to find the best means to realize God.
If you meet a saint or an exalted Soul, who has attained God, ask him how to
be free of worldly bondage, how to develop devotion and love for God and how
to realize Him. Arouse a true desire within so that you may definitely attain Him,
as is expressed in the Ramcharitramanas
"Jehi ke Jehi, per satya sanehu; So tehi milayi ne kachu sandehu." (Manasa 1:258:3)
From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 1-12
Truth
What is Truth?
Swamiji: Truth is so easy, so wonderful and self-evident. That from which we

have knowledge of untruth (unreal) is Truth (Real).
The perishable cannot be seen without the imperishable. We can see the
perishable and unreal world only when we get established in truth and reality.
Untruth (unreal) appears as untruth only when we are established in Truth. The
Self is established in Truth is self-evident, from knowledge of the ever changing
perishable world.
We should firmly accept the truth (reality) of God as illuminator of the world and
our relationship and union with Him is constant and permanent, while our union
with the world is impermanent. It is He who illuminates all objects of the world.
The moment we accept our detachment from the world, we get established in
Yoga - a state that is free from contact of pain. God is the illuminator and
knower of all conditions - light, dark, action, inaction, wakefulness, sleep. All
conditions, all knowledge is known through Him. We can see all objects with the
eye, but we cannot see the eye itself. Hence by hearing, reading, reflecting
whatever knowledge we gain, that knowledge from which it is gained, is Truth.
In essence, Self is Truth. God is Truth.
Let us remain fixed in this knowledge.
From "Let us know the Truth" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
"Pratham bhagati santanah ker sangaa” (Manasa III:35:4)
“The first devotion mentioned in the Ramacaritramaanasa is the company of saints

and exalted souls.”
"Bhakti sutantra sakal sukh khaani; binu satsang ne paavahin praani” (Manasa VI:45:3)
"Path of devotion is an independent entity with no conditions and prerequisites

attached to it., It is a mine of all comforts, but a man can’t get it without good
company.”
It is also mentioned -
"Satsangat mud mangal moolaa; soyi phal sidhi sab saadhan phoolaa” (Manasa I:3:4)
“Good company (satsang) is the root of joys and blessings and it is the fruit
while all the other means are flowers.”
In a tree, first there is the root and finally there is the fruit. Good company is
the root, as well as, the fruit, while others that come in between, are leaves and
flowers. All the other spiritual disciplines are included in good company.
Therefore there is great significance of good company (satsang)
Sundaradasa says -
"Sant samaagam kariye bhai; jaahi sugandh lage chandanki, chandan hoonte baar ne laayi”
“Have good company because good associations are like sandalwood that gives
good fragrance and removed bad smell. It is a boat by which we can cross the
worldly ocean and it is the philosopher’s stone (paarasa) which turns iron into
gold.”
He further says -
"Aur upaayi nahin tirne kaa, sunder kaadhahi Raam duhaayi”
“And swears that there is no other method for benediction.”
This is an unfailing method to attain the supreme bliss. Where there is a good
discussion, good company, good thinking and good actions, there is affinity with
the real i.e. God.
The man faces distresses and misfortunes because of the company of the
perishable unreal. If he keeps company of the imperishable, he will attain the
supreme bliss because he, being a part of God, is sentient, pure and naturally a
heap of joy.
"Ishvar ansh jeev abinaashi; chetan amal sahaj sukh raasi” (Manasa VII:117:1)
We are a part of God, we are divine, immortal, conscious, untainted and blissful
by nature. (Manasa VII:117:1)
Therefore by good company and by loving the real, the real is attained. Kabira
says -
"Hans milyaa sukh hoyi re hansaa, hans milyaa sukh hoyi.”
“When the soul identifies itself with God, it gets bliss. Therefore, if you get good
company, the company of God (Paramatma), you will attain the supreme bliss.”
Good company means company of the real i.e. God and we can get that good
company by giving up the unreal. We also use the unreal matter (Prakriti) for
good company, for example tongue for good discussion, hands for good action,
mind for good thinking and eyes for reading the scriptures, but heir aim is to
attain the real by renouncing the unreal.
"Sanmukh hoyi jeev mohi jab hi.” (Manasa V:44:1)
As soon as you have disinclination for the unreal, you are associated with the
real.” The unreal evils such as attachment, malice and jealousy etc., are
obstacles to good company. If a man wishes, he may renounce them. But he
finds it difficult so long as he does not have a firm determination. As soon as
he has a firm determination, he is successful in renouncing them. Many of the
brothers and sisters don’t know the fact and those who know don’t pay special
attention to it. Thus they are unable to renounce them because they get pleasure
from them. Therefore if we get good company, by renouncing the unreal, we
attain the supreme bliss because this affinity with the unreal is the main obstacle.
As Kalpa tree fulfills all desires, similarly, good company enables us to attain all
the four objectives - riches (artha), duty (dharma), desire (kaama) and
salvation (moksha) of human life. The question arises whether we can get
riches by good company. The answer is that we get exceptional riches by good
company because while the worldly riches awaken ambition, the good company
roots it out and we have no desire for riches.
"ganga paapam shashi taapam dainyam kalpataruhret;

paapam taapam tathaa dainyum sadhyah saadhusamaagamh”
“bath in the Ganges removes sins, light of the full moon removes heat and Kalpa
tree removes poverty whereas good company removes all the three.”
Good company removes desires and burning sensations of the heart. So it is

said –
"caaha gayi chintaa mitee, manuaa beparavaah;

jinako kachu ne caahiye, so saahun patishaah.”
“The man who has renounced his desires is the king of kings.”
“Whatever is lotted, can’t be blotted. Therefore why should you think of fulfilling
your desire?” Be a yes-man to His will. Good company is an art to cross the
worldly ocean of distresses in the same way as a drowning man catches hold of
a straw. In good company we get good ideas. In the Discipline of knowledge
(Jnanayog) it is mentioned that you yourself are full of real wealth.
"Dhan kis liye hai chaahetaa, tu aap maalaamaal hai;

sikkaa sabhi jisse bane, tu who mahaa taksaal hai.”
“Therefore why do you have desire for worldly wealth? Good association enables
you to behold the real, i.e. God (Paramatma).”
In good company there is spiritual discourses, understanding, thinking and

discussions. We get good company by God’s grace. It is the key to God’s
treasure. As parents give the key of their worldly treasure to their most loving
son, similarly God gives the key of His treasure to saints and exalted souls.
When we get good company, it means that God has a special consideration for
us to enable us to realize Him, otherwise why should He have given us good
company? We should have continued to face birth and death. Good company is
an invitation to us from God for God-Realization. Therefore have good company,
adoration and constant remembrance. If we have good company by accepting the
presence of God everywhere and have the affinity that “He is ours and we are
His,” we may attain the supreme bliss.
Good company is the Kalpa tree to root out the sins of infinite births. As soon
as we start moving towards the real, the unreal perishes. This good company
removes stupidity, purifies intellect and enables us to realize God. Goswami
Tulasidasa writes in the Ramcharitramanasa -
"Majjan phal pekhiye tatkaalaa; kaak hohin pik bakaoo maraalaa.” (Manasa I:3:1)
“By taking bath in the stream of the company of saints one gets instant result,
a crow turns into a cuckoo (Koyala) and a heron truns into a swan.”
Good company does not change the color but it changes the manner and
behavior. The hoarse soud of a crow changes into the sweet cvoice of a cuckoo
and a heron gets knowledge how to separate water from milk. Good company
changes the conduct of a man. If the conduct does not change, it means that
either you don’t have good company or you don’t have interst in it. If you have
both, there is no doubt in attaining the aim of life. The philosopher’s stone
(Parasa) can change iron into gold only if there is a direct contact between the
tw0. But if there is an obstcle in between the tow, it can’t change.
Love God and saints without having any desire. Have a liking for God because
He is ours in the same way as a child thinks its mother as its own and likes
her. If you ask a child, “why do you have a liking for her?” The child will reply,
“I have a liking for her because she is mine.” Good company means to have
affinity with the real i.e. God.
I met a gentleman. He said that people say that there is a great importance of
the pilgrimage to the Ganges, the Jamuna and Prayaagaraaj etc. However, they
don’t pay the fare. If they pay the fare, then and then only they can go there.
But in good company (satsanga), we get an opportunity to listen to excellent
discourses, and also get fare to go to the abode of God. We get knowledge,
love and devotion. Lord Rama in the Ramcaritamanasa says to Sabari -
"Pratham bhagati satsang ker sangaa.”
“The first devotion is the company of saints.”

Sabari lived in the Dandaka forest where many sages and ascetics lived. They
opposed her living there. But there was an old merciful sage named Matanga
who allowed her to live there and assured her that one day she would behold
God there. If you please a rich man, he may give you wealth. But if a saint
is pleased, he may give you the real wealth, God. The saints are really wealthy
because they have possession over the real wealth that is boundless and infinite.
And the specialty of their wealth is that it does not decrease, rather it increases
when it is given to others.
"Daanen vardhate nityam.”
Gentlemen, it is very surprising that in spirte of having a right over such a

boundless treasure that is free to all, people are suffering without any reason.
"Paani mein piyaasi, mohi dekhat aave haansi;

jal bich meen, meen bich jal hai nish din rahat piyaasi.”
It is surprising that a fish that lives in water remains thirsty. Similarly, the world
lives in God and God pervades the world, yet the people of the world suffer.
Why? They suffer because they have discinclination for God. If they have love
for him, all their sufferings may perish. These are the saints and exalted souls
who enable us to have love for God. The saints guide us that He is ours.
You yourself may accept God as yours and alternately you may accept Him as
yours by obeying the saints, they stand surety for you in the court of God
because in His court the saints, not the worldly rich people are respected.
Therefore Goswami Tulasidasa says -
"Satya bachan aadheentaa per tiya maatu samaan

itne pe Hari naa mile toh Tulasidas jamaan.”
“Speak the truth, surrender to Him and regard other women as your mother.
Tulasidasa stands surety that by doing so, you will definitely realize God.”
In this way you can realize God by good company because you get real wealth
from saints without paying any price.
Question: What is the reason that some people do not like good company (satsang) at all?
Swamiji: It is the nature of a sinner that he does not like good company. His
sins are responsible for this dislike.
In Ramcharitramanas, Goswami Tulsidasa confirms -

"Paapvant ker sahaj subhaavu Bhajanu mor tehi bhava ne kaavu."
Tulsidasa says that just as a man suffering from fever does not feel hungry, in
the same way a sinner does not like talks pertaining to God.
If a man does not relish food, it most likely is because he is sick. When a man
suffers from fever, he cannot relish sweets, because it tastes bitter to him. But
does this mean that the flavor of sweet dishes is bitter? Rather, the tongue
cannot relish the sweetness, because of the disease. Similarly, if the person does
not like good company and talks pertaining to God, it means that he is suffering
from an inner disease, an inner filth and impurity. So what is the solution?
It is simply - good company and adoration of God. A patient suffering from bilious
fever finds the taste of sugar candy bitter? No. It means that his tongue can’t
relish the sweetness because of his disease. Similarly if a person does not like
good company and talks pertaining to God, it means that he is suffering from
some horrible disease and his inner sense is very filthy and impure. Now what is
the solution? The solution is good company (satsang) and adoration of God.
A patient suffering from bilious fever finds the taste of sugar candy bitter. So
what to do? He should go on eating sugar candy. It has the power to cure
him of bilious fever. If he continues eating, he will taste it sweet. In the same
way, if a man has no liking for adoration and good company, he should go on
having adoration and good company. By doing so his sins will perish and he will
ultimately relish adoration and good company. I have seen people who had no
interest in good company. But after sometime they started taking special interest.
Question: Why should people have good company (satsang, association with Truth) everyday?
Swamiji: The importance of good company cannot be expressed in words. It is

a medicine to remove the poison of the worldly diseases such as lust, anger
attachment, malice and worry etc. It removes sins, doubts and darkness of the
inner sense and solves the complications of life. Thus like air, water and food, it
is an everyday necessity. Therefore if you get an opportunity to have good
company (satsang), you should think that God has been especially gracious to
you. Lord Sankara demanded two things 1) rare devotion to God and 2) good
company (satsang) forever.
"Pad saroj anapaayani bhagati sadaa satsang” (Manasa VII:14)
From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 22
Question: How does a man, gain from good company (association with Truth) at no cost ?
Swamiji: Good company is more useful than spiritual discipline. The man who
realizes God by spiritual discipline is like a person who becomes rich by earning
money in due course of time. But the man who realizes God by satsang
(association with Truth) is like a person who becomes rich immediately by being
adopted without any labor. He is a pauper today and becomes a millionaire the
next day. He becomes the owner of the money earned by another person without
making any effort. Thus good company is a better means that leads to
benediction. So do have good company (satsang).
Question: What is the reason that good company (association with Truth, Satsang) has greater
importance than constant remembrance of God?
Swamiji: He that gets satsang, can’t remain without remembrance of God. He

will naturally have constant remembrance.
Question: What should we do if we don’t get a chance to have good company (satsang,
association with Truth)?
Swamiji: Pray to God. He is capable to do every piece of work. He will

make arrangement for good company. Besides this, study the sacred books.
Question: What is the best method for spiritual progress? Tell me based on your experience?
Swamiji: Good company (association with Truth, Satsang) has proved more
useful to me than any other spiritual discipline. It is very much advantageous. It
gives us light and knowledge and enables us to attain God. Good company is
very rare. Therefore don’t renounce satsang (association with Truth, good
company).
Question: How do we get enlightened through good company (satsang)?
Swamiji: Good company (association with Truth, Satsang) means light. When
we travel by bus at night, light always remains on the front and guides us.
Similarly, good company (satsang, association with Truth) gives light and guides
us. Whatever we learn by good satsang, should be put into practice, otherwise it
is not very useful. Bright light alone will not help unless we move and cover the
distance. Even if the light is dim and we cover the distance that we see, we
shall be able to see the path ahead and reach our destination. Similarly, if we
put the light (discourse) that we hear from satsang (association with Truth) into
practice, it will be very useful for us. But even if we don’t put it into practice, it
will not go in vain, because truth can’t be concealed. Truth always wins. But if
we give due weightage to Truth, we may be benefited immensely and very
quickly. Therefore teachings from satsang should be put into practice.
3. How to be Free from Evils

Please pay full attention to what I say. A man perpetrates a sin when he has
pride of his own and a desire for sensual pleasures. In the Gita Arjuna asks
Lord Krishna -
Why does a man commit a sin even though he does not want to do so?
Lord Krishna replies that a man commits a sin because he has a desire for
sensual pleasures and accumulation of wealth. So long as this desire continues,
he will go on committing a sin. In spite of being careful he will commit a
mistake.
Question: What is the method to root out evil?
The real method is penance from one’s heart. The penance should be more than
the pleasure enjoyed by committing the sin. The man who has committed the sin
should first take an oath never to commit such a mistake again and secondly stick
to it. Thus the sin is rooted out. But if the man goes on committing sins even
after taking an oath, he degrades himself. But if he sticks to the decision once
taken, his inner being will be purified. These two steps are very valuable to
purify the inner being and to root out sins.
It should be kept in mind that man, being a part of god, is not a sinner himself,
but becomes a sinner by having affinity with sensual pleasures. Pride and desire
are the tow factors responsible for degradation. They are not useful at all. This
fact is always to be kept in mind. But brothers don’t seem to pay attention to
this. To enjoy the sensual pleasures, they engage in covetousness. There can’t
be anything more deceiving than this emotion of covetousness. It is man’s
greatest enemy, which leads to nothing but loss. But it appears to be pleasurable
to men.
"Karahi moha bas nar agh naanaa’ swaarth rut parlok nasaanaa” (Manasa VII:41:2)
“Being engrossed in selfishness and being driven by stupidity men commit different
kinds of sins which spoil their life in the next world.”
Because of his stupidity he thinks that he is doing something just, but actually he
is degrading and killing himself.
Gentlemen, kindly give up doing injustice and sins. If you want to get peace and
comfort, don’t think of having claim on other’s things, otherwise you will have to
suffer a lot for it, because you have caught not only the sins but the creator of
sins.
There is a story. There was a learned man who taught the people and held
religious discourses with them. One day the learned man’s wife asked him,
“What is the creator of sins?” The learned man could not reply. So he felt
very sad and in repentance, decided not to take a meal at home without gaining
the answer to the pressing question. The learned man’s wife requested him to
have his meal, but he refused. She felt sad, but kept quiet, so that he can
quickly find the answer. The man started towards Kasi, the abode of learning.
On the way there was the house of a prostitute. She knew the leaned man.
She asked him why he was so perturbed and where was he going? The
learned man said he was headed towards Kasi to study and gain more knowledge
so he could answer the question asked by his uneducated wife. The prostitute
wanted to know the question. The man told her it was “What is the creator of
sins?” She said that she would answer the question. He need not go to Kasi.
The learned man thought that this would save him a trip to Kasi, thus saving him
time and money, so he stayed there. The prostitute presented Rs. 100 to him
and requested him to take food at her house. She told him that he could cook
the food by himself, if he so chooses. She cleaned the kitchen and kept all the
supplies for him to cook his meals. He said OK. She again presented Rs. 100
and requested him to oblige her by eating the food cooked by her. He agreed
thinking that there was no harm in doing so. She prepared very delicious dishes,
put before him and requested him to eat. In the meantime, she again presented
Rs. 100 and requested to have a morsel fed by her hands. He agreed. But as
soon as he opened his mouth to have a morsel of food, she slapped him on his
face and said – “Have you not yet come to your senses? Be aware! Don’t eat
a grain from my house. I do not want to demoralize you. You wanted to know
the creator of sins. Have you not read in the scriptures that the food of a
prostitute is forbidden? Then the learned man said – Yes. Then the prostitute
said, “Then why were you prepared to eat it? Have you not had the answer
to your question? Covetousness is the creator of sins. A man loses his senses
because of covetousness.
In the Gita, Shri Krishna has declared two kinds of attachments – worldly
pleasures and accumulation of things for personal possession. Each of them
blinds a man. If both of them are combined, they make the man totally blind.
A man commits deadly sins because of them. He is prepared to eat and drink
anything in the name of medicine, and do any action in the name of business.
The orthodox believers supplied even meat for the military in the name of
business. How degrading and unfortunate it is! If we think over it, it makes our
hair stand on end. We do such injustice. But how long will this money stay
with you? How long will you live? The deadly sins committed by you will bear
fruits. The saints give us a warning to be fearful of committing sins.
“Bhogaishvarya prasaktaanaam” (Gita 2:44)
"Paap karma se dar re mere manvaa re."

Mind! be fearful of sinful actions and their related consequences.
We enjoy worldly pleasures by doing forbidden actions and having claim on other's
things. We quietly engage in prohibited actions for enjoyment. Just think a little bit.
This human body has been bestowed upon us. We have been given the
opportunity to listen and say wonderful things. In spite of that we engage in sinful
things? Brothers, divine Souls! Understand that the world can receive deliverance,
but such men cannot be relieved of worldly distresses, and discharged from their
debts. Such men who commit sin often ask - "Why does dispassion not remain
for long in us?" How can dispassion remain when we are full to the brim with
attachment and desire for worldly pleasures? How can detachment remain?
Detachment can never remain here.
They are contradictory propensities. They can't stay simultaneously. Being helplessly
overpowered by attachments, a man cannot even escape and save himself from
forbidden actions. Brothers, if we want to save ourselves from misfortunes,
miseries, hell and cycle of 8.4 million different forms of species, have a firm
determination from today, at this very moment! Not to have claim on other's
things. In whatever way something has been taken from another, pay the amount
back now! With interest. Forever remove from within any intention of taking what
belongs to someone else. Gentlemen, Let us purify our life. Then we will begin to
understand these spiritual teachings and these teachings will be instilled in our
lives. But so long as our intent is not straight and motives are bad, we will be
unable to understand these teachings. We may rote memorize them, even advise
others to follow them, but as long as we have sin in our heart, nothing good is
going to happen. Therefore first have a firm determination neither to enjoy worldly
pleasures, nor unjustly accumulate things.
In the book “God Realization through Renunciation” the first step is the
renunciation of forbidden actions such as falsehood, fraud, forgery, dishonesty and
forbidden food etc. The seven forbidden steps mentioned in that book should
never be practices with either the mind or the body. They are a blot to the
spiritual discipline. Therefore can’t you renounce even the blot? Give it up from
the heart. Renunciation from one’s heart is important. In spite of this if a sin is
committed by error, it will create disquietude and burning sensation. That burning
sensation has a power that will enable you not to commit a sin again. Have a
firm determination of your own and pray to God to give you power not to do any
action against His will. In that case God, Dharma, the scriptures and saints all will
help you. If a person has true desire to attain God Realization, the entire world,
including the sinners, become kind and willing to help.
I met a blind saint who said that because of dispassion he lived in a forest. In
the winter season a votary gave him a blanket that was his only fine possession.
At night he heard the sound of thieves, and his immediate thought was that they
might take away his blanket. He started talking to them. The thieves came to
know that he was a saint, so they spoke the truth and told him that they were
not thieves by profession, but they were going to commit a robbery because they
as honest citizens could not pay the exorbitant taxes levied by the government.
The saint said that it was not proper on their part to commit a robbery. They
said that they agreed with him but didn’t take his blanket. Thus a man commits
such a sin out of covetousness when he is in a miserable condition. But if a
man commits such a crime without facing any financial hardship, how sinful and
unjust it is!
I want to tell you something uncommon, that a man in spite of being poor should
be prepared to live a life of adversity rather than commit sins and injustice.
The kings Sibi, Dadhici and Hariscandra suffered immense pains for righteousness
(Dharma). But they did not give up righteousness and duty. Patience,
righteousness, friend and wife are tested in the face of adversity as mentioned by
Goswami Tulasidasa
“Dhiraj dharma mitra aru naari

aapad kaal parikhi ahin chaari” (Manasa III:5:4)
Therefore it is essential for a man not to lose patience. When a thunderstorm

blows sometimes, the big trees are rooted out. But if a tree remains safe in that
wind, there is no danger to it. In the same way, if you have patience in lust,
anger and greed etc., their momentum comes to an end and everything is set
right. You may face the worst of adversity, even die of starvation but have a
firm determination not to do forbidden actions, injustice and sins. If you have
nothing to eat, the severest punishment you may get is to die of starvation. But
if you commit sins it will pave the way to 8.4 million forms of lives and hell and
there is no more severe punishment than hell. But if you are once determined
not to commit a sin, no power can force you to do so.
In the sacred books there is the description of the weapons of the three principal
divinities of the Hindu scriptures. The weapon of Brahmadeva (the creator) is
Brahma weapon, the weapon of Vishnu (the preserver) is Narayan weapon and
the weapon of Mahesh (the destroyer) is Pasupata weapon.
These weapons are used by incantation. Tall the three weapons are very
destructive. The method to control the Brahma weapon is to withdraw it by
incantation. To check the destruction that may be caused by the name Narayana
weapon is to surrender your self to it. But as far as the Pasupata weapon is
concerned, if once it is used, it will cause destruction even though you may
surrender to it or adopt any other means. Only a few men possess it. In the
war of Mahabharata, the war between Pandavas and Kauravas, Arjuna had this
weapon that was given to him by Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva told him, that it would
not be needed to be used, its very presence would make them victorious. He
advised him not to use it otherwise it would cause devastation in the world.
Similarly gentlemen, I tell you about a Pasupata weapon. If you kindly listen to
what I say and hold it, I’ll be very grateful to you. The Pasupata weapon is to
have a firm determination not to do injustice and sin, even though you may die.
To use it means to die of starvation. You will not have to use it i.e. you will
not have to die without food. Its’ very presence will make you victorious. If you
have a firm determination not to commit sins even though you may have to face
the worst of calamity such as death, no one can force you to do sins and
injustice. Besides this, have faith in God, remember Him and say to Him, “O
Lord! This determination is mine, but I shall be able to stick to it only with your
power.”
In Gita, Lord Krishna tells Arjuna, to become merely an instrument.
"Nimit maatram bhav savyasaachin." (Gita 11:33)
I may become merely an instrument, but performing this work properly, is beyond
my power. O Lord ! Bare with me. The Lord keeps the honor and promise
of such a devotee.
"Us sewak ki laaj, pratigyaa raakhe saayi."
Whatever God does, He only does what is good for us. Whatever happens
through God is good and good only. Through Him there is protection, there is
help and aid, there is gains, there is never any loss.
"Bhoondi banai sou aapki" Evil is your very own doing. Man himself does evil.
If he is not willing to do so, no one can force him. Man makes all kinds of
excuses and nothing else - The law did so and so, people did such and such,
bad company was responsible for this, the environment and circumstances were
such, it was our misfortune, we did not meet a proper spiritual guide etc. But
all these are merely excuses and nothing else. No one can do anything to harm
you, not in the least bit, until you are prepared to harm yourself. If you have a
firm determination and dependence on only God, no one can degrade you. If you
call from within - Oh Lord, without your grace, I will be unable to do this.
When there is faith in such grace, then our downfall will never be possible. By
taking refuge at the Lotus feet of the Lord alone, Bhagavan (God) says
"I shall liberate you from all sins, worry not."

"Sarva dharmanparityajya maamekum sharanam vraj
Aham tvaa sarva paapebhyo mokshayishyaami maasuchah." (Gita 18:66)
"Mamekum sharanam vraj" The condition is that if you seek refuge in wealth, in
lies and falsehood, in fraud and in dishonesty, then brother, it is not in my
hands. What does man do? He takes the support of lies, dishonesty,
falsehood, and fraud. It is beyond God’s power to help you.
When it is said, do not commit sins, the people say, "Maharaj! In present times
that will not be possible. Your advice is outdated and old fashioned. In present
times, this will not do. If we do so, we shall die of starvation. Rather we
cannot live. How can we live only by truthfulness? Almost 50% of our earnings
go into some form of taxation. Nowadays man is not able to sustain by being
honest and truthful. How can we earn our livelihood, with your advice?" My
sincere response is - earn less and live within your income and means. With
that no one will be able to make you commit sins. Then people say they need
money to marry their daughters and maintain a certain standard of living in
society. To maintain a high standard is called civilized in modern times.
Therefore what is one to do? Kindly sever all connections with this sort of
civilization and don't maintain it. Don't be afraid of being insulted or dishonored
by doing just and righteous actions. If people criticize even after you follow the
righteous path, then let them criticize.
“Triple is the gate of hell, destructive of the self.”

“Trividham naraksyedam dwaaram naashnamaatmanah.” (Gita 16:21)
Passion, anger and greed are the triple gates that lead to hell. If a man
remembers God and makes a firm determination never to commit a sin, his full
penance will be done and by God’s frace he will get power, righteousness and
become a saint. Outwardly the person may be a brother or a sister or a
householder or anything else, but inwardly he should have pure feelings. God
observes the feelings of the heart.
“Bhaavagraahi janaardanah”
Whose inner sentiments are purified, becomes pure. It takes time to become pure
and good outwardly, but on having the firm resolve not to commit sins, we are
very quickly purified.
To those who are firm in their mind, there is but one decision. The firm in mind
takes the decision to follow the spiritual discipline, no matter what happens. Even
if the man has the most sinful conduct, he should be considered a saint, because
he has rightly resolved. (Gita 9:30)
"Api chetsuduraachaaro, bhajate maam ananya bhaak

Saadhureva sa mantavyah samyagvyavasitohi saha" (Gita 9:30)
With a firm determination he is purified. God does not keep in mind the sins
committed by a person but remembers the goodness of his heart a hundred times.
“Rahit ne Prabhu chit chuk kiye ki; karat surati sai baar hiye ki” (Manasa I:29:3)
Gentlemen, why are you afraid in the presence of such a merciful Lord?
Renounce the sins from our heart. Being driven by covetousness, you commit
sins. But have you thought over the consequences? The money earned by foul
means will be left here after death, but the sin committed to earn the money will
go with you and you will be punished severely. Therefore a sensible person
should be cautious immediately and have a firm determination never to commit a
sinful and unjust act.
Naaraayanaa! Naaraayanaa! Naaraayanaa!
From "Art of Living" in English pg 33-36 "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi pg 30-32 by Swami
Ramsukhdasji.
4. Art of Living in the World

In fact it is difficult to give up self-conceit and attachment. But if brothers and
sisters pay attention to what I say and put it into practice, they can give up self-
conceit and attachment very easily. There are two factors that are responsible for
domestic quarrels. Everyone wants others to do the work and bear expenses, while
he himself wants material comfort, respect, and praise. If we reverse the order
by giving comfort, respect and praise etc., to others and do the work and bear
expenses ourselves, good-will will develop,
It is the nature of a human being to get his desire fulfilled. And by fulfilling it,
he is pleased. Out of all other desires for money, honor, praise and life etc.,
this is the main one. This is not something good. If the man instead of
fulfilling his desires starts fulfilling the desires of others, he may attain the supreme
bliss. Regarding this, two factors which are to be kept in mind are – 1) first
their desire should be just and secondly it should be within our power to do. To
do so there is an easy method that we should determine not to take anything
from the world but to give things to the world. Why to give? We have to give,
because we have received from the world.
Now I am going to tell you something very vital. Listen to it. The purpose of
this human body is to attain God Realization and He can be attained very easily
if we adopt the right method to live in the world. There is an art to do a piece
of work. If the work is done in accordance with it, it is completed very easily.
Similarly there is an art to live in this world. The art is to do our duty, without
having any desire or lust. We have to take nothing from others. This human
body has not been bestowed upon us for sensual pleasures.
“Yahin tana kar phala bishaya e bhaayi” (manasa VII:44:1)
The aim of this human body is to serve others. Prove yourself the best son for
parents. Serve them to the best is human body has not been bestowed upon us
for sensual pleasures. If you are a son, be a good son. Serve your mother. Do
not want anything from her. Only ask for her blessings to be able to serve her.
One can never become debt free, from serving their mother and father. Whatever
we may have done for them, we can never pay back our debts to our parents.
We can never be free of what we owe them. There is no way out of this debt.
We are totally indebted to our parents. So then what? We can only serve them
and make them happy. By making them happy, all our debts are excused. The
amount of difficulty a mother has born for her child, the child can never serve to
that extent for his mother.
However educated and intelligent we may be, in childhood we did not know how
to sit, but our mother taught us to sit. She taught us to walk, by holding on to
her fingers. We did not know how to eat, but mother made us sit and spoon-fed
us and gradually taught us to eat. Our brothers and sisters too were in the same
helpless boat as we were. Even in this state, after bearing a lot of difficulties our
mother managed to take care of us. While we were between games and sports,
breaking things and scraping knees by climbing trees. Other antics such as,
grabbing hold off scorpions (bitchuu) and putting hands in fire etc. Mother always
protected us.
Sometimes men taken over by their arrogance casually say to me, so what is the
big deal? I say to them - try to keep a child for two days on your lap and see
for yourself. It is because of mother's motherly strength (matru shakti) that we
have all been taken care off. Therefore however we can, whatever way we are
capable, we must serve our parents. Those who don't understand, pray that they
understand to respect their elders. God will not respect, those who don't respect
their parents. No one will trust them, because the one who could not be there for
his parent's, who could he avail himself for? God is happy when one serves his
parents. By following orders, certain Siddhi is attained. Rather God realization is
attained. Therefore, Brothers and Sisters, we must obey our parents.
Serving others with our possessions, will remove our attachment, making us free
from attachment and egotism. "Nirmamoha, Nirahankarah," Let us serve also our
peers and those junior to us. Elevating the youth by teaching them about virtuous
conduct is also a service, as it will give them the appropriate training and tools to
be happy through out their lives. Let us provide good training to all youth, so that
they may become good and virtuous.
Mothers if they desire can lead the world to blessedness. The children are initially
placed on their laps, fed by them etc. Therefore the mother's nature affects her
children. By giving the children good training in childhood,
mothers can make them very responsible individuals and good citizens of the
world, and in turn improve the country and world at large. The influence and
training provided in childhood, lasts forever. Unlike men, women have selfless
maternal power bestowed by God. If they make the right use of this power, they
can be very easily free of all attachment.
Also, let us be generous and benevolent in the use of things. Let us serve the
poor, the sick and the distressed that suffer from shortages, as their heart is the
abode of God. Therefore, by serving them, we are serving God. Let us not have
the feeling of hatred, malice and jealousy for them. Let individual excellence, not
become the reason for pride and feeling of superiority. We have become excellent,
due to people inferior to us. Therefore the rich should make the best possible use
of their money, by helping the poor. It is only because
of the poor, that the rich have received the privilege of being called rich. It is the
poor that have given this honor and happy feeling to the rich. Therefore it is the
duty of the rich to serve them.
Similarly, respect and obey the elders and respectable people, as they have
brought us up, protected us from harm, given us education, knowledge and
wisdom. Doing this one will become free from their debt, free from conceit and
learn the art of living in the world. In this way by loving and serving others, all
will like you.
A human being whether a male or a female, a saint or a householder should

prove his or her utility. If he does so, he will lead a very happy life in the
world. Now the question arises how to prove this utility. The answer is that you
should make proper use of your time in the best pursuit. There is nothing as
precious as time because if you have time, you can become learned, rich, famous
and a good householder. Time can get you all these things, but you can’t get
time by giving all these things.
Time is very precious so don't waste it on trifles. People keep money in safe
deposit boxes, but time cannot be saved in this manner. Time can be saved and
utilized only by remaining alert. Otherwise it will be wasted away. Those that
utilize their time effectively, by having a disinclination for worldly pleasures and an
inclination to know the Supreme Essence, become saints and exalted souls.
Time that is devoted to good company, the company of saints and devotion of
God is the most precious time. Therefore devote your time to the best pursuits
such as the study of sacred books, constant remembrance of God, chanting of
God's names and service to others.
Avoid wasting time on worldly pleasures, joking, smoking, tobacco chewing, movies,
theater, playing cards etc. By smoking you set fire on your time, money, freedom,
and health along with polluting the environment. Someone asked a saint whether
he smoked. The saint replied that he didn't smoke but the people made him
smoke by blowing a puff of smoke at his face. Thus smokers give trouble to
others who don't smoke.
It is said in the Ramacharitramanas - "There is no duty like the welfare of others

and there is no meanness like giving trouble to others."
"Par hit saris dharma nahi bhaayi. Par peeda sam nahi adhamaayi." (VII.40.1)
How pitiable it is to give trouble to others and to disturb their freedom by devoting
your time to such useless activity as smoking and drinking alcohol! Is this
precious time to be wasted in useless pursuits such as playing cards etc.?
No, if one had spent the time in studies, service and doing good to others, that
would have been the right use of their time. But instead precious time is wasted
for no reason.
By devoting time properly, one can attain God. To a devotee of God, God
declares - "I am a servant of my devotees and they are the jewels on my
crown."
"Mein hu bhagatan ko daas, bhagata nere mukutamani."
Thus people who devote their time to devotion become the jewels of His crown.
From: "Art of Living" in English pg. 43 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Let me share with you a very important point, please listen very carefully. This
human birth has been given to us for God Realization. There is a way to
successfully live this life. If we adopt the techniques for living in this
world God realization will come very quickly and easily. For doing any work, there
is a certain know how. If we work according to that know how, the work will be
successfully completed. Similarly to live in this world, also there is certain know
how. So we must understand that know how. If we put to use that knowledge
than very easily we will be able to live in this world and get beyond this worldly
existence.
So what is that knowledge? Whatever relation one has accepted with another
individual, then accordingly efficiently fulfill your duties towards them. Have no
expectation from them in return. Want nothing from them, and have no passionate
feeling towards them. There is nothing to gain and nothing to give.
Understand that this is a body, and it has not been given to us for taking
pleasures from the world.
Point number three in the Art of Living in this world is to spend less money for
your self. Do more charity and good deeds, care for the elderly, care of the
poor. Serve others, but make do with simple clothes, food, place to live for your
self.
Brothers and sisters, for each and every one of you, this is a very useful point.
He that is extravagant in his spending, becomes dependent on others. Reducing
your spending is entirely up to you, but earning more is not. Nowadays, people
are spending more, and for earning more they are depending on lying and
cheating, abusing trust, being dishonest and more. By doing all of these things
how much more is one able to earn? Earning more is not up to us, and that
which is entirely in our control, that we are not doing. We continue
to be unhappy our entire life.
Understand this my brothers that one can make do with little for their own
essential needs. Whether you eat a seven-course meal or you eat roti (bread)
and daal (lentils), your body's needs are met. If the body is sick, then take the
medicine. If you are doing something for the maintenance of the body, it
is OK, but when you do it for taste or from the perspective of pleasure in
shopping, then it is not OK. It is a big mistake. To be saved from this trap, to
be able to live an independent life, spend less money.
From "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi pg 44 by Swami Ramsukhdasji
Whatever things you have must be utilized properly. Children must be taken care
of properly, they must be taught good lessons and things. They must develop
good inner feelings and sentiments. They must have good characteristics and
qualities and have good behavior. You have time to earn money, but what are
the children doing? How are they being raised? What are they learning? On
these things you are totally oblivious and not paying any attention. Oh Brothers!
They are the real treasures. They can become great souls and that will be such
a great thing. As many great souls that existed, their mothers were very divine
and such divine mother's children turn out great. They have become saints and
great souls. Mother's nature comes in the children. Therefore mothers must want
their children to learn good lessons and things in life. But on the contrary, the
lessons she gives are just the opposite. She teaches the girls to keep their
money in their own possession, so that when there is a separation that money
comes to you, and with such teachings she sends her daughter to the in-law's
home. She teaches things like why do you do all the work, let the sister-in-law
and others do the work. Don't do so much work. Now there is confrontation
with the husband's family. Now just think, with such teachings by all mothers, one
day you too will have a daughter-in-law and she too will behave the same way.
She too will not work and you will complaint that my daughter-in-law does no
work. If you do good than things will be good for you. Brothers! If you do
evil, then things will be bad for you.
"Kaliyug hai is haath de, us haath le, kyaa khoob saudaa nagad hai."
Have great respect for your mother and father, your in-laws and elders, serve
them, give them respect, then these impressions will be imprinted on the children.
In old age they too will serve you. But if you do not do this, if you do not
serve the elders, then the children too have the same impressions in their mind
and their nature too will become the same. We cannot remain the same at all
times and there will be a time when this body too will become old and incapable
of doing a lot. At that time, your children will not come to help out. Then you
will complaint that they do not help, they do not listen. Well! How much have
you served your elders? Now why must you expect anything from your children?
Therefore make your conduct and behavior good .
From "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi pg 44 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

5. Five Golden Principles
Listen carefully to what I say. You reside in a house, but to you consider it as
your own house has no significance. It is exclusively significant if you regard it as
God’s. Actually the house is God’s. It was in the past, it will be His in the
future and at present also it is His. But you have regarded it as yours. If it Is
yours, will it go with you when you die? Therefore accept from today that you
live in God’s house. When you got to Haridwar, you say that these are the
staris of Lord. When you go to Vrindavan, you say that you are in the land of
Lord’s divine play (Lilashtal). When you go to Ayodhyaa you say that you are
in the land of Lord Rama. So if you accept your house as Gods it will become
Vrindavan or Ayodhyaa. Thereofre accept the house as His because really
speaking it was His and it will be His. Then how can it be yours in between
the two? You have merely made a night raid. This is the first principle.
Brothers and Sisters - Listen to these five points carefully. They are very simple,
yet very powerful, and if you live by these words, realization will happen naturally.
Here are the five golden principles for living in this World
(Panchaamrit)
1) We are only God's (We are a part of Him, a ray of His Supreme
Consciousness);
2) Wherever we reside, it is only God's home (kingdom) that we are residing
in;
3) Whatever good work we do, it is only God's work that we are doing;
4) Whatever good and pure we receive, it is only God's gift (prasad) that we
are receiving;
5) With the gifts (prasad) received from God, it is only God's family that we
are serving.
So what it the main essence? It is simple and straightforward, yet very powerful.
- I am God's and I am no one else's; (i.e. I am part of His Supreme

Consciousness) and
- Everything is God's (belongs to Him alone).
So when everything is God's, what do we do? Simply enjoy! There is no more
work remaining to be done for us. Only God's work is to be done, as all work is
His work. Even reciting His name, contemplating on His Form, hearing about His
pastimes etc.; everything is His work.
Does any work remain of ours? Think about it! Stop right now and think! What
do you need to do for yourself? Only work remaining is God's work, since He is
the Master of this entire Universe. Then, why is it so
difficult to offer at the Lotus Feet of our Master what already belongs to Him? We
claim these things are ours. But for how long will they remain ours? At the end
they will be only God's. Therefore while living itself, with a true heart, entrust
everything back to God. Thereafter we will live in perfect joy.
The second Golden Principle is that whatever work you do, do it regarding it as
God's work. Any work in this world, whether farming, business, housework,
eating, bathing, laundry, adoration of God, are all His work. The entire world,
which includes the body, they all belong to God. Therefore do His work. Rising,
sitting, eating, drinking, sleeping, constant remembrance of God and repetition of
holy name of God (Japa), loud chanting (kirtana), spiritual discourses and any
activity you do, is all an adoration to God. When all work and all things are
offered to God, they become divine.
The Third principle is that 3) You belong to God, therefore surrender yourself to
His will.
The Fourth golden principle is that the members of the family are God’s darling
members. As a mother is pleases if you serve her children, similarly God, the
mother of all the worldly children is pleased if you serve her children. This
service to the children thinking they are God’s is the fourth principle.
All the things you use are God’s, You should eat food by thinking it as His
offered food (prasada).
I have heard this from saints, that he who has nothing that he can consider his
own, neither the mind is his, nor the intellect, nor the body, nor the life force,
nor the sense organs, nor the house, nor the wealth etc., he lives in bliss. When
everything is surrendered to God, then wherever he lives, there is
joy. Everything has been surrendered to God, therefore he lives in bliss at all
times.
Saints are amazing! One such saint, when he used to go to the market, he saw
many wonderful things, including delicious sweets, fruits etc. Whenever he saw
wonderful things (barfi, or ladoo or jalebi), he stopped and right there and then
mentally offered that thing (bhog lagaayi) to the Lord. Simply standing in a very
joyful state, he made an offering of these wonderful things to the Lord.
He said, "Lord, please accept this as an offering". You too can do the same to
the Lord, and all those things will become offering unto Him. Now tell me how
difficult is this? You too can do the same. There is no one stopping you.
Wherever you see great and wonderful things, make them an offering to God.
Everything is God's. Then what can we do? Simply become joyful. Now there is
no work that is remaining to be done. All work is simply God's work, His name,
His contemplation, listening to His stories and messages etc.. What other work
remains for you? You are doing the Lord's work. God is the master of this entire
Universe. Now tell me, what is the difficulty in offering at the Lotus Feet of the
Master, his own things? You say that these things are mine, but for how long?
For how many years can you say they are yours? For how many more years will
you consider them to be yours? In the end it will remain God's only. Therefore
while living, offer it to the Lord with your whole heart, than you will be in joy.
So very simple and yet so incredibly powerful is this point!
From "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi pg 60, "The Art of Living" in English pg 39 by Swami
Ramsukhdasji
Similarly clothes and ornaments before being used, must be first offered to God -
“Tumhi nibedit bhojan karahin; Prabhu prasaad pat bhushan dharahin.” (Manasa II:129:1)
When the things are first offered to God, they become divine. Use those things
for you. This is the fifth principle. For a grain of offered food (prasada), a
millionaire will spread his hand and will feel pleased after getting it. Has he any
shortage of sweets? No. he wants to take it because, it has become divine by
being offered to God. But if you want to give him large quantity of sweets not
previously offered to god, he will be displeased with you and will not accept it.
Thus the importance of the sweets is that it has been offered to God. Therefore
I tell you a very useful point. Put Tulsi leaves on all the wealth, clothes,
ornaments, cattles, sons, daughters, house and property to offer them all to God
and then accept them as God’s.
Now I tell you a marvelous point. If your son is arrogant and disobedient,
remove your attachment sincerely and offer him to God, you will find very much
improvement in him, because the things offered to God, become pure and divine.
Make an experiment and see the results. The condition is that you should have
no attachment at all. You should have so much detachment from hin that even if
he dies, his death should not have any affect on you, because he is not yours,
he is God’s, And God’s son never dies, because if he dies here, he will take
birth elsewhere, as there is no place outside God’s kingdom. So why should you
lament? The boy will become good without any doubt because this attachment or
mines is filth. If you remove this attachment.
What an easy and excellent method! If you accept this principle with your heart
just now, immediately you will attain supreme bliss.
The main point here is, accept that you are exclusively God's. That is it. You are
no one elses. For serving you are every ones. But when it comes to Self
(swayam) you are no one elses except God's. If you accept that you are only
God's, then everything will automatically become His, your home (kingdom), your
family, your wealth, your work, whatever compensation you receive for your work,
all will become God's. This is the absolute truth.
I am sharing with you my own experience. The mother who believes a child to be
her own, that child when he runs and climbs on her mother's lap, the mother is
pleased. On seeing her son's every action - running, playing, laughing, she is
pleased. Why? Because she has the feeling that the son is hers. Similarly when
you accept that you are God's, and you perform actions being His, it will please
Him. All your actions will become His worship (bhajan). Whatever work you do
for Him, God will be happy, because you are His child. My child is playing. So
joyful!
Also, whether you accept it or not, the truth is, you did not have a choice in the
family you were born. You do not have a choice in letting the body not get old,
nor do you have a choice in not falling sick at your own will. You also don't
have a choice in preventing your body from dying. It is vain and merely a
mistake to consider this body as yours. This means that you are God's and are
under His control and guided by His will.
Valmiki Ramayana says that Hanuman crossed the entire sea to reach Lanka and
even thousand of Ravanas could not harm him, because He was God's. Accept
you are God's, surrender yourself to Him and attain supreme bliss.
Whatever you have received, consider it as prasada (offerings from God), than it
will become purified. Even when you partake in whatever you have received, such
as food, consider it as gift from God. When a thing is considered an offering
from God, the thing becomes divine and pure. How very magnificent!
I want to share with you something magical. You must follow this with your heart,
then it will work wonders. Let us say that your child is spoilt and stubborn and
he does not listen to you. With a sincere heart, get rid of your attachment by
thinking that the boy is not yours, and that he belongs to God. He is prasada
(offerings from God). With this simple act, you will find that the boy will
definitely improve. Just as food offered to God becomes purified, similarly with a
simple straightforward heart, when you consider the boy as
prasada (present) from God and consider him to be God’s, and you get rid of
your attachment towards the boy, he will improve. He will become purified and
divine. Attachment is the root cause of adulteration. Try this and see the results.
The key is that you must get rid of your attachment completely, just as if he is
someone else’s, a complete stranger’s child. By doing so, the boy will become
divine. This is true.
Therefore what ever you have received consider it God’s prasada (offerings).
The fifth golden principle – Whatever is received as offering (prasada) from God,
use it to serve His children.
With whatever is received as prasada (offering) from God, serve His children.
Utilize whatever you have received to serve the family members in your household
and the world at large, considering them to be God’s loving children. Think of it
as - I am feeding God’s dear ones and serving them. Just like when you show
affection to a child, wouldn’t the child’s mother be pleased? Similarly if you serve
God’s children, He is pleased. How wonderful is that!
Whether the family members listen to us or not, whether they serve in return or
not, we have to take care of God’s family. Even if the family members don’t
work, even if they do nothing at all and cause pain, then too serve them. It is
double profit for us. Because, one it is giving us an opportunity to serve, and the
second part is that on receiving pain our sins are washed away. Tell me now.
Can sorrow touch us? There is no place left for sorrow. All doors are closed,
and right here is universal bliss. Have you understood this clearly? If you
are still becoming happy and sad with the happenings of this world, you have not
understood yet.
So understand this once and for all. We are sitting in and ever-joyful state. We
don’t have the slightest bit of sorrow. When God is caretaker of everyone, then a
devotee of God is never unhappy. They are at all times in a blissful state. They
are so blissful, that just by their association we feel equally blissful.
Therefore accept the fifth golden principle – Whatever is received as offering

(prasada) from God, use it to serve His children.
Five Golden Principles for living in this world (Panchaamrt)
1) We are only God's
2) Wherever we reside, it is only God's home (kingdom) that we are staying in
3) Whatever good work we do, it is only God's work that we are doing
4) Whatever good and pure we receive, it is only God's gift (prasad) that we
are receiving
5) With the gifts (prasad) received from God, it is only God's family that we
are serving.
So what it the main essence? It is small, simple but yet very powerful. I am
God's and I am no one else's. And everything is God's. So when everything is
God's, what do we do? Simply enjoy! There is no more work remaining to be
done for us. Only God's work is to be done, and reciting His name, contemplation
on Him, hearing about His pastimes etc.
Does any work remain of yours? Think about it. Only work remaining is God's
work, since He is the master of this entire Universe. Why is it so difficult to offer
at the lotus feet of our Master what already belongs to Him? You claim these
things are yours. But for how long will they remain yours? At the end they will
be only God's. Therefore while living itself, with a true heart, entrust everything
back to God then you will live in joy.
These five golden principles are real and genuine. From today let us take hold of
these principles. "Sarva bhavena maam bhajati" and with complete feelings and
inner expressions (bhava), with our entire being worship only God. With all
intentions, purpose and feelings, if we are doing only God's work, it will become
unswerving
devotion (avyabhichaari bhakti).
So simple and yet so very deep is this message.
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 48 ; in Hindi, "Jivan Upyogi
Pravachan" pg 75
Question: How can one have unswerving devotion for God at all times?
Swamiji: One way to have unswerving devotion (avyabhichaari bhakti) that is

there at all times, is if we entrust everything to God.
When one follows these five golden principles (panchaamrit), devotion becomes
very simple. These five principles show the Art of Living in this world. They are -
1) We are only God's
2) Residing, in His kingdom only
3) Doing His (good and auspicious) work only
4) Receiving only His offerings
5) With the offerings (prasad) received from God, serving only His family.
So what it the main essence ? It is small, simple but yet very powerful. I am
God's and I am no one else's. And everything is God's. So when everything is
God's, what do we do? Simply enjoy! There is no more work remaining to be
done
for us. Only God's work is to be done, and reciting His name, contemplation on
Him, hearing about His pastimes etc.
From: "Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji
"Tvadiyam vastu Govind tubhyameva samarpaye."
All work, from devotional (constant name recitation of the Lord, loud chanting,
listening to spiritual discourses) to mundane work, such as waking up, sitting,
eating, drinking, sleeping etc is all worship and adoration of God.
What a simple, easy and outstanding method. If you accept this point from your
heart right now, you will attain supreme bliss.
I have heard saints saying that spiritual aspirant who have surrendered their body,
mind, senses, intellect, life house, and property to God, live a blissful life. A saint
whenever he went to the market, and whenever he saw a delicious fruit, he would
mentally make an offering to God - "This is for you my Lord." Now what is
there to loose, in doing a mental offering? So start doing so and see the results.
You will be immensely benefited.
The question arises that after surrendering everything to God, what is to be done?
Do His work to the best of your ability, because He is the Master, the owner of
this entire world. What is to be done after dedicating of
everything to Him, is that nothing needs to be done for our selves. Engage in
constant remembrance of Him, contemplating on Him, listening to spiritual
discourses etc. This type of worship, surrendering is vital and the secret of all
teachings
Saints have said the following -
"Ram naam ke sampadaa do anter tak dhoon;
Yaa toh gupati baat hai, kaho bataave koon."
Who will share such a great point! And yet so very simple! Also a point that
holds such a high status! The message about worrilessness, fearlessness and
joyfulness! There is no worry, nor fear, no aim, no desire to live, nor desire to
die. There is no desire of our own. My wishes are blended with that
of God's. (Thy will be done). Now however God wishes, He may keep me.
"Jaahi vidhi raakhe Ram. taahi vidhee rahiye

Sita Ram Sita Ram Sita Ram kahiye."
There is no want of our own, no desire. With this our difficulties will be wiped
out and God will be pleased. By thinking something to be mine there are worries.
This is my room. Some things are lying inside. My clothes are drying there.
Someone will take them. Such worries will arise. When you offer all of this to
God, then how wonderful it will be. If it remains then it is the Lord's, and if it
disappears, then too, it is the Lord's.
Narayana! Narayana! Narayana!
6. Complete Surrender to God

In the Gita, God declares the discipline of devotion (Bhakti Yoga) as the best
spiritual discipline, that is, complete surrender (sharanagati) to Him. Lord's
teachings begin with Arjun taking refuge in God and the teaching end with God
saying - "Surrendering all duties to Me, seek refuge in Me alone. I shall
liberate you from all sins, grieve not." (Gita 18:66).
"Sarva dharmaan parityajya maamekum sharanam vraj.

Aham tvaa sarva paapebhyo mokshashishyaami maa suchaha." (Gita 18:66)
In the Gita, God spoke about secret (guhya), more secret (guhyatara), most
secret (guhyatama) and finally in Gita 18:64, He revealed the supreme or
profoundest secret (sarva guhyatama). The supreme secret that God revealed is
"Seek refuge in Me alone." Earlier Arjun was unable to reach a decision on
whether to fight in the war or not. Arjuna had said to Lord Krishna, "My
understanding is confused as to my duty. So I plead to you to guide me."
Lord Krishna says to Arjuna, that you should not fall pray to this dilemma. If you
are confused in taking the right decision, simply leave all and take refuge in Me.
I will liberate you from all sins. You need not worry.
One must therefore renounce all other forms of dependencies. One must not
depend on anyone. Give up dependency and reliance on all else. Simply surrender
exclusively and entirely to God. Accept Him as the both means (saadhan) and
the end (saadhya). This exclusive surrendering to God is the most confidential
and ultimate secret shared by Lord Krishna.
There is a very serious secret in it and that is, “I shall liberate you from all
sins, grieve not/” This is something very uncommon. It does not mean that
Arjuna was tempted to surrender so that God might liberate him from sins. But it
means that he should surrender exclusively to Him. A man who does his duty
without any desire for fruit, has no adverse effect and there is no loss of effort.
“Nehaabhikram naashosti pratyavaayo ne vidhyate” (Gita 2:40)
“You need not worry after surrendering yourself to Me.”
By this Lord Krishna means that after surrendering yourself to Him, you may have
worry, adverse feeling, attachment or malice to the worldly things, you may not
concentrate on God, and you may feel that you don’t have promptness and faith
and have such other defects as well, then too, you need not worry at all. You
should become fearless and doubtless. Do not bother whether you will get fame
or defame, praise or reproach, profit or loss, regard or disregard and what will
happen in this world and in the next world. Give up dependence on all the
worldly things and seek refuge in Him alone. Don’t have fear, gloom and doubt.
We are gloomy over the missing things and doubtful when we think over the
present and future. Give up any doubt and any dejection, and don’t worry in the
least bit.
Seek refuge in Him alone in the same way as a girl after being married thinks
that her relation with her husband is perfect and permanent. After accepting this
relationship whether her husband lives or dies, respects her or insults her, shows
any kind of behavior and even becomes a hermit in hers. This is the character
of an Indian woman. The same principle has been mentioned by saints in the
following words -
As a faithful wife always lives with her husband, in the same way a devotee
always lives with his Lord -
“Pativrataa rahe patike paasaa; yu sahib ke dhig rahe daasaa.”
A devotee is always pleased in serving and pleasing His Lord. In the

Ramcaritamanasa it has been mentioned in the following words -
“For a faithful wife, there is only one duty, one promise, one principle and that is to have
devotion to the feet of her husband with body, words and mind.”
“Ekayi dharma, ek vrat nemaa; kaaye bachan man pati pad premaa” (Manasa III:5:5)
In the same way, surrender yourself to God. Accept that you are His, you have
to obey Him and follow His will. “You are exclusively His” means that you
have no desire at all to receive anything from others. As a faithful wife serves
all the members of the family of her husband, is hospitable, give alms to hermits
and does every kind of duty but her relationship is exclusively with her husband.
All other relationship depends on that relationship. Similarly, have relationship with
God, adore Him and surrender to Him alone.
It is not a sin to serve, help and comfort others, but it is a sin to desire
anything from others. By surrendering yourself to God, don’t have the least
desire.
In Ramcaritamanasa it is mentioned -
“If any person being called a devotee of Mine, expects anything from others,
should he be trusted?”
“Mor daas kahaayi nar aasaa. Karayi tau kahahu kahaa biswaasaa” (Manasa. VII:46:2)
How can anyone who expects anything from others be a devotee to God? He is
a slave of the thing wished for. One who desires to get wealth and property
etc., from God is not a devotee to God but a slave of wealth and property
because He is ony means for him to achieve an end. Therefore a devotee
without having any hope, trust, strength, relationship and desire should seek refuge
in Him alone and thus be free from grief and worries. Sometimes if there is any
spontaneous worry, don’t bother about it. It will go away by itself. If you are
determined, it cant’ stay. You are worried as long as you are proud of your
power. How? There is a subtle point in it. Suppose you are worried because
you have no money. It means that you have confidence in your power that you
can earn money. This means dependence on your power and also egoism. On
the other hand, if you have a shortage of money, you will experience it but will
not worry for it. Similarly, you will no worry about your diseases. Therefore
don’t depend on your power, skill, intelligence, ability and authority etc., Depend
on Him alone, as Lord Rama is the power of the powerless.
“Sune ri mein ne Nirbal ke Bal Ram”
You are worried because you depend on your power that you can do and will do
something yourself with your power.
After surrendering yourself to Him, you feel the lacuna that you could not behold
Him, could not hae the supreme devotion of His feet, but you are not worried
because this is something beyond your power. You have no will of your own.
You leave everything to His will. A potter makes use of clay in anyway he likes
to make a pot. He carries it on his head, turns it into mud by mixing water,
rubs it thoroughly, revolves it on the potter’s wheel and makes different kinds of
pots such as jars, pitchers and cups etc. Clay has no will of its own. Similarly
you should surrender yourself exclusively to Him. Leave to Him whether He
comes into view or enables you to have love and devotion. Prostrate on His feet
and leave everything to Him. The more worried you are, the less grace you
experience because your worry hinders His perfect, permanent and exceptional
grace. He thinks that you are worried yourself, so you will set things right. The
criterion for surrender is to be free from worry, fear, dejection, doubt and dilemma.
Then you have no burden, no responsibility.
According to the Gita, a devotee should not renounce his duties and actions, and
instead offer them to God. There is no need for him to take any decision about
his duty when he has surrendered his duty and actions to God.
No other quality can be compared with the relationship that "You are God's and
God is yours." This relationship is the essence of all spiritual disciplines. God
just looks at the relationship and he is unable to look at the defects of His
devotees. Therefore the devotee who has surrendered himself to God, without
looking at his inclinations should look at this relationship. The devotee, who
surrendering himself to God, worries, commits a crime against God because he
has his own pride that is a blot on surrender. It is because of his pride that he
worries about his defects and wants to root them out with his power. Therefore
give up your pride. If your conduct, inclinations and feelings are not purified,
sometimes ill feelings sprout forth and even sins are committed, you need not
worry. It is He who will worry about them.
By surrendering yourself to God never put it to a test that you have not
possessed the charateristics of a surrendered devotee, so actually you have not
surrendered. Similarly don't have a doubt and a contrary feeling about it.
When a devotee surrenders himself to God, he is not afraid of others,

situations, circumstances, event and other obsticals etc. No one can harm him
anyway.
In summary:
1) Do your duty and actions offering them to God. Leave all decisions to God
2) Focus on the Relationship, it is key "You are God's and God is yours."
3) Give up your pride and leave all worries about correcting your defects to
God. It is He who will worry about them.
4) Never put your surrendering to test. Have no doubt about being surrendered
to God.
5) Be fearless - no one can harm you anyway.
Complete Surrender to God (sharanagati) the Ultimate Secret
Question: What sort of life does a devotee lead after surrendering himself to God?
Swamiji: According to the Gita, a devotee should not renounce his duties and
actions. He should offer all his duties and actions, all his religious and social
obligations to God. When entirely all actions are dedicated and
surrendered to God and refuge has been taken in God, then for ourselves there
remains no need to take any decision about our duties and our actions.
"I am God's and God is mine" - like this feeling of kinship, afffinity and
intimacy, there is no other ability, fitting quality or characteristic, or proprietary
feeling. It is the essence of all spiritual disciplines. Therefore, the devotee who
has surrendered himself to God, without looking at his inclinations, should look at
the relationship. A devotee who on surrendering himself worries, then due to his
pride, he is committing a crime against God
which is a blot on his surrender. It is because of his pride that he worries about
his defects and wants to root them out with his own power. Therefore give up
your pride. If your conduct, feelings and inclinations are not purified, if sometimes
ill feelings sprout forth and sometimes even if sins are committed, you need not
worry. It is He who will worry about them.
Every law of God has been made for the benediction of all creatures of the
world. If a devotee that has surrendered himself to God, pays attention to this
law, nothing remains to be done for him. By surrendering himself to God, his
feelings of surrender become firm spontaneously. God just looks at the relationship,
He is unable to look at the defects of His devotees. By doing so his worry, fear,
gloom and doubt are rooted out because all the defects are due to disinclination
for God.
After surrendering yourself to God, never put it to a test that you do not possess
the characteristics of a surrendered devotee, so actually you have not surrendered.
Similarly don’t have a doubt and a contrary feeling about it. If you are free from
these three things, it means you have accepted your true relationship with God.
In a surrendered devotee, these things are wiped out from the very beginning.
When a devotee surrenders himself to God, he is not afraid of creatures and
other obstacles etc., No one can harm him in anyway.
A person can attain God Realization by the grace of God. The spiritual discipline
is merely a means. Thus establishing a relationship with God leads to God
Realization. Those who have not connected themselves with Him and have
remained indifferent, have been deprived of God Realization.
God possesses boundless prosperity, sweetness, beauty and divine manifestations.

But the surrendered devotees, does not pay heed to His attributes and
magnanimity. He only feels that he has surrendered himself to God and He is
his.
The extent to which a person gives up his dependence on the worldly things, his
dependence on God enhances and he experiences the grace of God. When he
completely depends on God, he attains God’s full grace.
In Gita 18:57, Lord Krishna says to Arjuna – “Mentally resigning all deeds to Me,
have Me as your highest goal and resorting to even-mindedness fix your mind
always on Me.”
“Chetasaa sarvekarmaani mayi sanyasya matparah

Budhiyog mupaashritya macchitah satatam bhava.”
In this verse, Lord Krishna has said four points

1) Mentally resign all deeds to Me
2) Offer yourself to Me’
3) Detach yourself fron the world by being even-minded
4) Have permanent relationship with Me. These are the important ingredients
of surrender.
In the process of spiritual discipline, a devotee has to face the problem of earning
a livilihood and suffering from diseases etc., but by depending on the grace of
God, he does not lose heart and patience, rather experiences an exceptional grace
of God in facing those problems.
Narayana ! Narayana! Narayana!
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 63-67; in Hindi, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in
Hindi pg 75
7. Ways to Control the Instability of the Mind

Question: How can the agitations of the mind go away?
Man believes that it is very essential to keep his mind under control. If mind is
not engaged than nothing can happen. What is the point in reciting God's name,
what is the benefit of it? Mind is simply not engaged. If only the mind would be
engaged then all would be OK - this is the understanding. But the engagement of
the mind, or not, is not that important. It is the attachment, the attractions, the
affinity and fondness that we have for the world, that is the main cause. Even if
the mind is engaged, we may attain certain level of understanding, but as long
as, there is attraction for the world, salvation or spiritual betterment will not take
place. When attachment and aversion is removed, then the cycle of birth and
death will leave us. There will not be any sorrow; because it is attachment and
aversion alone that is the cause of all our sorrows.
The attachment that we have to objects, enjoyments, individuals, things, situations,

the pull of the mind towards them, the fondness that is experienced, that is the
main flaw. The agitations of the mind themselves are not that much of a problem.
They too contribute to the problem, but people have considered the mind and it's
agitations alone to be the main cause. But in reality, the culprit is attachment,
attraction and fondness. For a spiritual aspirant it is essential to understand this,
that it is only this deep fondness that is the cause of birth and death cycle. It is
the association with gunas (qualities). Our attention is simply not on the attraction
and fondness that we experience, but rather it is on the agitations of the mind.
The main point to keep in mind is that in reality it is the fondness and attraction
that we are experiencing that will lead to bondage, not the agitations of the mind.
The agitations are wiped out when we feel sleepy, however, the attachment to the
objects remain and one goes to sleep carrying with him his attachments and
attractions.
The reason for birth in upper or lower life - forms is affinity with gunas
(qualities). We are not attentive to the attachment, attraction, fond-ness,
infatuation that are happening, but are more drawn towards the agitations.
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 46 ; in Hindi, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi
pg 72
Question: Regarding getting rid off the agitations of the mind you have said "to disassociate
yourself from the mind, and simply do not become happy or unhappy." Can you elaborate on - do
not become happy or unhappy when situations arise?
A very important aim regarding this matter is -
"Indriyasye indriyasyaarthe raag dveshau vyavasthitou." (Gita 3:34)
Attachment inhabits in five places - Self, intellect, mind, senses and objects.
Even in these five places, if we think more deeply and seriously then we will
come to the understanding that this attachment is situated in the "Self", and that
itself remains in all four. If the attachment in the "Self" is wiped out, then we
will attain supreme bliss. Even if the mind is volatile, but if we replace
attachment to the world by devotion and love of God, then the business of
“attachment,” will go out of business. Attraction for God will put it to an end.
There is great uncommon glory and importance of devotion and love of God. If
we say that it's glories are greater than that of Knowledge (Jnana) or Moksha
(release from rebirth in this world), then it will not be an exaggeration. No
essence can excel it. This love and devotion has immense transcendental greatness
and ranks extremely high. There is nothing greater than this essential element.
Love is even greater than knowledge. Nothing else compares and nothing else
comes close to it. The love and devotion towards God will set everything right.
Question: Now how to develop this love and devotion for God?
Devotion can come by removing attachment from the world.
pg 75
Question: How to remove (put aside) attachment from this world?

By having love and devotion for God.
pg 75
Question: What should we do first?

On having love for God both things happen. Continually driving away of
attachment and continually increasing love of God.
First increase love for God. Just as when one is reciting the Ramayana paath, if
mind is engaged with understanding the meaning of the paath, then the mind is
greatly purified. Passion goes away. On listening to God Divine stories with love,
the passion withing is wiped out on it own and love is awakened. Within is is
filled with juicy and extraordinary relish. In the beginning, man can become bored
but when one starts tasting and relishing the nectar, there man does not get tired
or bored. It is filled with this astonishing and extraordinary pleasure - Love. Try
reading the Ramayana paath and see for yourself. Engage your mind in it. Read
the stories of devotees. There is tremendous benefit in reading devotee's stories,
because it penetrates the devotee's heart. When love penetrates the devotee's
heart, then attachment vanishes, desires also vanish. When attachment is gone,
we will be greatly benefited. This can happen even through the process of inquiry
(right thinking, contemplation), but more useful than inquiry is love and devotion.
There is a tremendous need to purify the mind. It is very essential to wipe out
the agitations and the impurities of the mind. If the mind is purified, then it
becomes quite easy for the agitations to go away. A mind without any impurities,
can be placed anywhere.
Crookedness, deceit, insincerity, hypocrisy, fraud, cunningness, all of these God

does not like. But you simply do not fear these at all. From lying, being
deceitful, being cunning, cheating etc. you refuse to refrain from these. These
you do knowingly and knowing full well. Then how will your mind be engaged in
God?
I am very astonished as to why people do not leave attachments! You love

money! For name and fame, you are willing to spend several thousand rupees,
but the attachment that you have for the money cannot be spent away. How has
money wronged you? The attraction and attachment that you have for money
needs
to be removed. People's attention is not on this point. Therefore please be
attentive to this point. This is attachment. The importance of this has been
established and rooted within. In spite of doing satsang for years, engaging in
self-inquiry, even these men they do not realize the reason behind their useless
activities. In dealing with people, in spiritual matters, in food and drinks, in giving
and taking, in all situations, attachment is a major obstacle. If this goes away
then your relating with people and the world at large will become very easy and
simple.
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 70-71 in English, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in
Hindi pg 75
Question: How can my mind become Still and remain engaged in God?
How can the mind be engaged in God - The issues is that God does not like
one who is a liar, cheater, crooked in his dealings, rather who is not simple and
straightforward. But we do not seem to fear this at all. We do not seem to take
any steps without a little lying, cheating, or being devious. Rather we intentionally
do these things. Then how will our mind engage in God? We are increasing our
mental illness (agitations, fickleness, chattering, chaos) by our own Self. The
attachment and the joy that comes from lying, cheating, hoarding things etc. can
be very dangerous. Let us think about this and see for our selves. We have
become deeply steeped in this attachment. In our hearts we have given so much
importance to material things, this will become a great obstacle in our progress.
To remove these we must have association with Truth (satsang) and read the
scriptures that reveal the Truth. The benefits from satsang and scripture reading
are immense and astonishing.
Well to go back to the question, how does one's mind become still? To still the
mind there is one very simple method that is being shared. Silent (in the mind)
recitation of the Lord's Name and at the same time silently keeping a count of the
number of times His name is being recited. E.g. Ram Ram Ram when you recite,
say one Ram, two Ram, three Ram (in your mind). Neither do counting with
hands, nor with beads, nor recite aloud. Silently practice this in the mind itself.
Repeat God's name e.g. one Ram, two Ram, silently. Try this and see for
yourself. Without the mind being engaged, you will be unable to do this. And if
you are able to do this, then undoubtedly your mind will be engaged in God.
This is a very simple technique - to recite in the mind and count in the mind. In
addition you can see (visualize) the letters written - "R A M" in bright, shiny
and shimmering lettering. By doing so your mind will not wander anywhere, and if
it does wander, then you will not be able to follow through with this practice. Try
it for yourself and there is no doubt that your mind will very easily remain
engaged in God. Try to see with the eyes of the mind, hear with the ears of the
mind and speak with the tongue of the mind. With this practice your mind will
become still and remain engaged in God.
The second solution is that with your speech, recite one name, and with your
mind, recite another. Just like with mouth, say "Hare Ram Hare Ram Ram Ram
Hare Hare; Hare Krishna, Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna Hare Hare."
Keep doing this. Within recite "Ram Ram Ram" and keep mind engaged. Not
see if your mind remains engaged or not! This is possible! Therefore I am
sharing. The reason this is difficult, is because the mind is not under your
control. By engaging the mind, mind will be engaged.
The third solution. If one wants to engage the mind, then with the mind do
chanting of God's devotional songs. In the mind itself, sing the tune. Then the
mind will get engaged.
First getting rid of the attachment is essential, and this attachment is wiped out by
doing service. One must have the sentiments that let someone be served in any
which way through these perishable things. In path of spirituality, in the
imperishable, eternal divine stories of God, if one develops attachment to these,
then love and devotion will happen automatically. If attraction is there in God's
name, qualities, divine plays, then it will be tremendous gains. By giving up
(sacrificing) our pride and selfishness
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 71-72 English, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi
pg __
Question: How to develop love and devotion for God?

"Jo sant, ishvar bhakt, jivan mukta ho gaye
Unki kathaayen gaa sadaa mana koh shudh karane ke liye."
As said yesterday, those saints and devotees of god that have attained God
Realization or liberation, listen and recite their divine life stories which is the
greatest purifier of the mind.
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page __ ; in Hindi, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi
pg __
8. How to Concentrate on God

Whatever relationship you accept with Bhagwaan, God too is prepared and willing
to accept the same relationship. Whatever sentiments easily and simply come to
you, those sentiments itself you should accept. o choose any relationship with
Him with a simple heart. In the Vinaya Partikaa (letter of courtesy), Tulasidasji
says -
Tu dayaalu deen haun, Tu daani mein bhikaari

Haun prasiddh paatikee, Tu paap - punjahaari
Naath Tu anaath ko, anaath kaun moso
Mo samaan aarat nahin, aaratihar toso"
"O Lord,
If You are merciful, I am forlorn; if You are charitable, I am a beggar;
If You are destroyer of the heaps of sins, I am a great sinner;
If You are the Father of orphans, I am an orphan and
If You are the remover of distress, I am distress."
Tulsidasji says -
Tohin mohi naate anek, maaniye jo bhaavai
Jyon-jyon Tulasi kripaalu ! charan-saran paavai.
"O gracious, accept any relationship which you like. Change your sentiments
towards Bhagwaan (God). Consider Bhagwaan to be Bhagwaan, or if you like
accept Him as your beloved. What ever sentiments appear to be sweet, accept
the same sentiments with him.
"Hamey kyaa kaam duniyaa se, hamey Sri Krsna pyaare hai
Yashodaa nand ke nandan mere aankhon ke taare hai."
Then without caring for the worldly relationship, Lord Krsna will become the apple
of your eye. You will develop the feeling "Only God is mine, and I am only
His."
Listen to His life stories (past times) and virtuous qualities. Read the lives of
His devotees in solitude. When you feel engrossed, and at times become
overwhelmed by feeling of divine love and sentimental, at that time leave the
book. Begin to practice constant remembrance (japa) and loud chanting
(Kirtana) and pray to "O Lord, how may I concentrate my mind on You? When
shall I behold you> When shall I have devotion for you? Read - Dailogue with
God in Meditation, Gita Press. Converse with God as is given in that book and
you will be immensely benefited. Start conversation with Him when you are
walking or going here and there. Put forth a question to Him in you mind, and
the inspiration you will get will be the answer provided by Him. Similarly read
verses from "Vinayak Patrika. Experiment and see the results. If there is an
obstacle, you may discuss it with me. But I find these methods reasonable and
useful.
If your mind becomes volatile, practice constant remembrance with your tongue and mind
simultaneously.
pg 73
Question: Can I accept God as my mother, because I like that relationship?
Answer: Yes, you can call Paramatma, mother. There is no distinction of male
or female in Paramatma. In Prabodha-Sudhaakara, Sri Sankaracaryaji Maharaja,
the annotator of Vedanta has called Lord Krsna as mother. So call Paramatma
mother, if that invokes a special sentiment and love. If your mind remains
engaged then call Bhagwaan mother, or father, or brother, whatever name appears
sweet, whatever relationship appears sweet.
Your mind may be diverted so long as you have not accepted your relationship
with Him. But once you fix the aim, your mind will not be diverted from Him.
For example when you talk about the selection of a husband for your daughter,
she listens to the conversation regarding various boys, but once it is decided who
is her life partner, once the relationship is fixed, she will only pay close attention,
when the conversation is about her future husband, not about the other boys.
Similarly if you decide your relationship with God and have your only aim to attain
Him, you will develop a great liking for Him, and then your mind will not be
diverted.
Answer: Yes, you can call Paramatma, mother. There is no distinction of male
or female in Paramatma. In Prabodha-Sudhaakara, Sri Sankaracaryaji Maharaja,
the annotator of Vedanta has called Lord Krsna as mother. So call Paramatma
mother, if that invokes a special sentiment and love. If your mind remains
engaged then call Bhagwaan mother, or father, or brother, whatever name appears
sweet, whatever relationship appears sweet.
When you accept a particular relationship with God, God too accepts the same
relationship with you. Whatever feeling, inner expressions come easily from within,
settle on that same inner feeling and relationship.
Similarly accept the relationship that is pleasing. Change that inner feeling for God.
Accept God as either God, or accept Him as your beloved, or whatever inner
expression appears sweet and lovable, accept the same with God. After having
given discourses for many years, one gentleman asked me a question – I find my
mother's name sweet. Many feel the same that their mother is very lovable and
likable. She is the caregiver. Even when one becomes very old, then too one
remembers their mother. Mother has deep fondness and love and this has greater
impact and influence on us. So this gentleman has asked whether God can be
recognized as and called a mother?
In God there is no difference between a man and a woman. If you call God as
mother, God will come to you in the form of a mother. Shri Shankaryacharyaji
Maharaj has written "Maat Krishnaabhidhaanaa". He used to recognize and call out
to Lord Krishna as Mother. Similarly you too may call out to God as a Mother. If
by calling God as mother if more loving feelings are awakened within, then call
God as Mother. Whatever relation your mind engages in, whether it be father,
mother, brother, wife, lover, etc. consider God that.
Whatever name appears sweet, whatever relationship appears sweet, consider God
that name, that relationship. If you do not believe in these relationships, then you
can make Radhaji your mother, or consider Lord Krishna your mother. But simple
believe and accept.
pg 78
9. Constant Remembrance of God

Question: Constant Remembrance of God - How?
Swamiji: God in the Gita says to Arjuna -
"Tasmat sarveshu kaaleshu maamanusmara yudhya che." (Gita 8:7)
Therefore Arjuna, remember Me at all times and fight. Here fight stands for doing
one's duty. We can remember God at all times but we can't fight at all times.
Arjuna's duty was to fight, just like we have to perform our daily duties. Domestic
duties can't be performed at all times. The spiritual aspirant have three options
before them -
1) To do the work while remembering God,

2) To remember God while doing the work, and
3) To do the work considering it God's work.
In the first option, remembrance of God is primary, while the work is secondary.
In the second option the work is primary, while remembrance of God is secondary.
In the third option there is undivided devotion for God.
Generally people forget God while working. There are two reasons for it. The
important reason is one's negligence. The second reason is lack of attachment
(feeling of mine-ness) with God. If there is attachment for anyone, he is
reminded spontaneously of that one. People have attachment to their domestic
affairs, not to God. They are therefore likely to forget God. As long as we accept
and see the house, the work, and Self as our own, we are likely to forget God.
Therefore we should be determined that we have to do only God's work, not our
own work. What is the use of work that makes one forget God? Therefore a
spiritual aspirant should accept that his house, his work and he himself belong to
God. They are not his own. He should feel that he is doing God's work, with His
power in order to please Him. this firm determination will develop a strong
bonding (a feeling of mine-ness) with God and in-turn spontaneous and constant
remembrance of Him.
From "Art of Living" in English pg 48 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

10. A Warning for Mortal Life
In the Gita Lord Krishna has laid special emphasis on the following two factors –
1. Spiritual discipline (sadhana)
2. 2. The time of death.
The man’s life should be spiritual and he should remember God at the timeof
death. He has not described and explained any other topic in so many verses
as He has described these tow topics. At last He declares -
“maamekum sharanam vraj;

Aham tvaa sarva paapebhyo mokshayishyaami maasuchah." (Gita 18:66)
“Seek refuge in Me alone, I shall liberate you from all sins, grieve not.” (Gita
18:66)
Now gentlemen, listen to what I say. This world that seems to be yours, can’t
live with you. You will have to leave it.
“They bade-bade Maharajje; Jinke baje raat-din baaje; Weh bhi bane kaal ke khaaje.”
Even the great kings and emperors that once were at the climax of their glory
have been devoured by death. Therefore don’t waste your valuable human life
that has been bestowed upon you by God’s grace. You desire to get money and
comfort from the world. Frist you can’t fulfill your desires and secondly the
material things can’t stay with you, because they are perishable. So you will get
nothing but deception. Can you quote even a single person who has been entirely
happy? No. Why? The reason is that the worldly things by which you want
to be happy are perishable. All the worldly things including the body are
perishable, while God is imperishable. So we should have an aim of our life.
Without an aim our life is like a person who starts a journey without knowing
where he has to go. If such a person asks another gentleman to tell him the
way and the gentlman asks him about the place where he wants to go, and he
replies “Any place”. Will he not be regarded as mad? Similarly, the journey of
our life started from the time when we were born and our life is passing quickly
but we don’t know what we have to do, where we have to go and what the aim
of our life is. I have asked this question to several brothers and sisters, but they
have no aim for their lives. Sometimes they want one worldly thing, then another
and another and so on. But all the worldly things are perishable. Therefore
remember God, That is imperishable and That lives eternally.
Gentlemen, be warned. Don’t try to gain anything by deceiving others. You are
living in the world that is mortal. All the men have to die and you don’t know
the time of your death. It is quite uncertain. The messengers of the god of
death may come anytime. Therefore don’t remain careless, be warned, and do
the work that you should do. If you don’t do it now, then when will you do it?
The children think that they will do such work when they grow up. Similarly, we
too think that we shall do it in the future. But what will you do when your body
grows old and you hair turns gray? At that time you will do nothing, except
dying. The time is passing and the body is decaying every moment. Is there
any doubt about it? You rejoice on your birth meIf Now gentlemen, listen to
what I say. This world that seems to be yours, can’t live with you. You will
have to leave it
Gentlemen! Become Alert! By defrauding others, even if we attain something, then

too we will run into a difficultly, because nothing will be gained. Everything will
remain right here. That day can arrive any time. One does not quite know when
that day will arrive? But there is no doubt that the day will definitely arrive. You,
me, and all of us will face that day. Who knows what our current position is?
Hw much time we have left? and when that scheduled date arrives. But there is
only one certainty and that is, no one will be staying indefinitely over here on this
earth. All are just awaiting death and death alone. Under these circumstances, how
can you sit around being so carefree? Whatever work is pending complete it. If it
isn't done now then when will you act on it? Little young children, think that
when they grow-up they will do this and that. Similarly, we too think that when
we grow up we will do such and such. Now our hair are turning gray, so why
the waiting? When will we change our ways? This body will die. In fact it is
leaving us every moment. There is not the least bit of doubt about this. Strangely,
we celebrate our birthday. Rather it is a time for grief, as one
year has passed by but in that timeframe, what did we really do? Twelve months
have gone by, just like that and nothing done. It is truly something to think
about. So much time has been wasted so far, now it is time to become ALERT
and now onwards, no more time should be wasted.
"Untahu tohi tajenge paamer, Tu ne tajai ab hi te."
Everything is leaving us. In the end only You (Bhagwaan, God) will remain. My
dear friends, only God is our very own. No one else is ours. Therefore call out
to Him – Oh Lord, Oh Lord, Let me never forget you. If He exists all the time,
He is also now; if He exists everywhere, He is also here; if He belongs to all,
He is also ours; and if He exists in all, He is also in us. He Himself declares
in the Gita – “I am the disinterested friend of all beings.”
Thus why should we suffer in the presence of such a disinterested friend? What
is the reason for our suffering and distress? The reason is our disinclination for
Him and inclination for the perishable worldly things such as pleasures and respect
etc. You can’t continue enjoying them because they can’t stay and go with you.
But if your nature is good, beneficial and helpful, it will help you everywhere. It is
your real wealth. If after leaving your house you have to go somewhere, you
make every arrangement for transportation and place to stay etc. But you should
think whether you have made any arrangements for when you leave the world,
because you will have to leave this world certainly and when you have to leave,
it is not known. You may die any moment by heart failure. Are you made of
steel? Therefore make your nature pure and remember God. “Practice constant
remembrance of Him “ Ram, Ram Ram, Ram, “ while doing your work and
activities. Without constant remembrance of God, our life is a void.
From “Art of Living” in English pg. 84 & "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in
Hindi, Page 90
"Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah, Sarve Santu Niraamayaa.
Sarve Bhadraani Pashyantu, Maa kascchid Dukh bhaagyebhevet"
Always have the feeling that all should be happy and healthy and no one should
suffer in the least.
God declares in the Gita (12:4)
"Te pranuvanti maameva sarve bhutahite rataah" (Gita 12:4)
"Those who are engrossed in the welfare of all beings attain Me." (Gita 12:4)
Therefore have the feeling of well-being, comfort and benediction of all. Serve as
much as you can, but more importantly have the best of feelings for the welfare
of others. That feeling will lead to renunciation. First a man has feelings and then
the feelings are put into practice. Therefore have the feelings first, for the welfare
of all. It was this feeling of welfare of others which made a few persons exalted
souls.
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 88, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi pg __
"Umaa sant kayi ihayi badaayi; mand karat jo karyi bhalaayi" (Manasa V:41:4)
The exalted souls return good for evil. Therefore by thinking of the good, welfare
and benediction of others you will attain God. What is the reason that the sight
and company of the exalted souls leads to benediction? The reason is that they,
even in solitude, thin of the benediction of others. Therefore their mere sight or
air touching them leads the people to attain benediction.
Therefore neither give trouble to anyone with your body, nor think evil of others
with your mind, nor use harsh words with your tongue. Thus if you give comfort
to others and are engaged in the welfare of all beings, god's infinite and limitless
power will be with you and you will achieve the aim of human life, that is, you
will attain God.
In addition to it there is one more vital point. Like God, if a person wishes for
the welfare of all, the person's power is identified with the power of God and
spontaneously the good of all is done by him with that great power.
Therefore, have a keen desire from your heart for the welfare and benediction of
all. Mothers and sisters should serve others at home, but should not expect any
service from others. Similarly, the brothers should do their job selflessly. This
body is transient. Therefore use it for the service of others. This service is
such a thing that it can captivate even God.
The reason for quarrels in families is that every member wants to take the thing
him self or herself, and wants others to do the work. But if the process is
reversed, there will be no quarrels, and love for one another will develop. The
other method to develop the feeling of love is to bow to the elders, to obey and
serve them. Thus they will be pleased and there will be an atmosphere of love
and bliss. The whole family, saints, exalted souls and even God will be pleased.
On the other hand if you follow the wrong path, you displease them all. We
have to live in the world only for a short time in the same way as we have
come to Gita Bhawan for satsang, for a short time. We shall have to depart
from the world suddenly and we don’t know the time when we may have to leave
it. Therefore a wise man is he who is engaged in adoration of God.
"Tulasi soyi nar chatura hai jo Ram bhajan lavleen;
Per dhan per mana haran ko vaishyaa bhi parveen"
The man who is engaged in adoration of God is fortunate and blessed. His life
is successful and he get regard in Bhagavan’s domain. God has bestowed upon
us this human body very graciously so that we may attain God. return good for
evil. Therefore by thinking of the good, welfare and benediction of others you will
attain God. What is the reason that the sight and company of the exalted souls
leads to benediction? The reason is that they, even in solitude, thin of the
benediction of others. Therefore their mere sight or air touching them leads the
people to attain benediction.
Therefore neither give trouble to anyone with your body, nor think evil of others
will attain God.
In addition to it there is one more vital point. Like God, if a person wishes for
the welfare of all, the person's power is identified with the power of God and
spontaneously the good of all is done by him with that great power.
Therefore, have a keen desire from your heart for the welfare and benediction of
all. Mothers and sisters should serve others at home, but should not expect any
service from others. Similarly, the brothers should do their job selflessly. This
body is transient. Therefore use it for the service of others. This service is
such a thing that it can captivate even God.
The reason for quarrels in families is that every member wants to take the thing
him self or herself, and wants others to do the work. But if the process is
reversed, there will be no quarrels, and love for one another will develop. The
other method to develop the feeling of love is to bow to the elders, to obey and
serve them. Thus they will be pleased and there will be an atmosphere of love
and bliss. The whole family, saints, exalted souls and even God will be pleased.
On the other hand if you follow the wrong path, you displease them all. We
have to live in the world only for a short time in the same way as we have
come to Gita Bhawan for satsang, for a short time. We shall have to depart
from the world suddenly and we don’t know the time when we may have to leave
it. Therefore a wise man is he who is engaged in adoration of God.
"Tana ker mana ker vachana ker deyt ne kaahu dukh
Tulasi paatak jhadat hai deykhat uske mukh"
"The sights of the person who does not give trouble to others with body, mind
and words, frees others from sins."
Therefore do not give trouble to any one with the body, nor think evil of others
will attain God.
"kaliyug sam jug aan nahin jou nar kar biswaasa;

gaayi Ram gun gan bimal bhav ter binahin grayaas"
We have received this golden opportunity. Therefore accept that you are His and
only He is yours. By accepting this fact, remember Him and surrender yourself to
His feet. Besides this serve all with justice as is approved by the sacred books.
In Udyoga Prava (a section in the epic Mahabharata), there is a story that

Dhrtarastra call Viduraji and ask him the reason for his sleeplessness. To this
Viduraji replies, that the person who has enmity with true persons and troubles
them cannot sleep and will remain restless. So by having bad and dishonest
dealings with Pandavas he cannot get sleep and peace. The person who thinks
of attaining his aim through selfish means is actually not successful in achieving it.
Selfishness degrades and ruins a man. Therefore only the man who attains the
goal of human life i.e. God Realization is wise. For attaining Him, serve others,
practice constant remembrance, loud changing and be engaged in adoring God
without having a desire to get comforts from your heat. By doing so if you die,
you are relived of the world distresses and attain God, If you live, you will
accumulate the treasure of spiritualism and adoration which can neither be stolen
by thieves, nor divided by brothers, nor taxed by the government, but will go with
you and by which you can attain even God. On the other hand, if you desire to
get comforts from others, you will no be able to get them, but waster your time.
And even if you are bale to get them, you will have to go by leaving this world
because everyone whether he is rich or poor, an emperor or a beggar, a scholar
or a fool, a male or a female has to go from here.
There is a story of a king. In a country a man was appointed king for three
years. During that time period, everything was done according to his ruling and
command, and therefore he was very happy. But after three years he was sent
to a wild forest. At time of departure, he was very sad. The next ruler was a
wise man. He provided all the amenities and facilities in the forest, including
construction of roads, buildings and water system etc. After three years when he
had to depart to the forest, he was not sad. Rather he was happy. The
people questioned why he was happy. He replied that he had diverted a lot of
funds for creating suitable facilities in the forest. Others too should have done the
same, but were foolish.
Similarly we should also think of the golden opportunity of this human birth for a
few years. We have the freedom to do evil or virtuous actions. Therefore practice
constant remembrance, adore Him and do virtuous actions. If we die by serving
others, we will die a happy death. But if we waste our time in enjoying worldly
pleasures and doing evil actions, we will die unhappy, repenting for all the evil
deeds. Therefore be careful now. You have wasted a lot of time already. The
day of death whose thought terrifies you is sure to approach, but when is
unknown. It may approach any hour, any minute and any second, because there
is no holiday for death. But you are sitting carefree. So what to do? Adore
Him, practice constant remebrance “Ram, Ram” and serve others. By doing so,
you will be relieved of the worldly distresses forever.
From "The Art of Living" by Swami Ramsukhdasji in page 92-93, "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in Hindi pg __
11. God through Relationships and Conduct

There is a method or an art to do a piece of work. Similarly, how to live in a
family is an art. Have the best dealings with the members of your family for
their welfare by giving up your selfishness and pride. Prove yourself an excellent
and ideal brother, father, husband, son, wife, daughter etc. By doing so, the
family atmosphere will be peaceful and cordial. You may say that there will be
good atmosphere only if all the members of the family have good dealings. You
are right. But I tell you that your best dealings will be an example for others
and they will also start to have good dealings. Thus peace will prevail in the
family.
In this connection, there is another point that is to be kept in mind that you
should return good for evil. The other members may trouble you, insult you,
harm you, and disgrace you, but you should comfort, respect, console, and praise
them. In Ramacaritamanas Lord Siva says to Parvati –
“umaa sant kayi ihayi badaayi; mand karat jo karhi bhalaayi” (Manasa V.41.4)
“There is great need of returning good for evil in these days.” In the Gita, God
exhorts Arjuna –
“karmanye vaadhikaaraste maa phaleshu kadaachan,” (Gita 2:47)

“Seek to perform your duty; but never lay claim to its fruit.” (Gita 2:47)
Perform your duty to your family. The root cause of quarrels in a family is that
every man demands his right but does not do his duty honestly keeping in mind
that the other members of the family have claim on you. But don’t set up a
claim on them. Ask them to do a piece of work in a loving and cordial manner.
If they obey you, you will be bound. But if they don’t obey you, you will be
free from bondage. Your get pleased, if the other members do as you desire,
but actually it is bondage for you, like the sweet poison which kills us. Go on
doing good to them, even though they may be self-willed and return evil for your
good through out your life.
There was a gentleman who said to another gentleman, “you may try your best
but I will not be angry, you may test me.” The other gentlemen replied, “ it is
good that you don’t get angry, but why should I do something wrong to try to
make you angry and change my nature?” At all times have a good nature and
perform duties efficiently and sincerely. Thus by being devoted to your duty you
will attain the heist perfection in the form of God Realization.
In the Gita, God declares –
“Swey swey Karmanyabhiratah sansidhim labhyate narah.” (Gita 18:45)

Thus by doing good to others and performing our duty weel, our life will be
good and happy in this world, as well as, the next. God declares in the Gita -
“Naayam lokostyayagyasya kutonyah.” (Gita 4:31)

“To the man who does not offer sacrifice, even this world is not happy, how then
can the other world by happy?”
In this verse, “Yagna” stands for duty. Bhagavan declares that the man who
does not perform his duty is not happy either in this world or in the next.
Therefore the man who dos the work with selfishness and pride to get comfort
does not get either worldly respect or spiritual progress.
On the other hand, the man who does the work for the good and welfare of
others by giving up his selfishness and pride get respect in this world, as well as,
progress in spiritualism. Thus he is happy in this world as well as the next.
From “Art of Living" in English, pg 94-95. From Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in HINDI, by Swami
Ramsukhdasji
Some individuals are of the belief that if they gain spiritual knowledge, then their
dealings in relationships in the world will suffer and not be proper, and when their
relationships in the world are good, then God will not be realized. Holding on to
such beliefs is not correct thinking. In Gita, both these paths –
1) spiritual and 2) living in the world, are connected. If your dealings in the
world are good, then both worldly and spiritual matters will improve. Both
relationships in the world will also be satisfactory and spiritual pursuits will
also be satisfactory. In relationships itself, learn the highest truths, the spiritual
knowledge, leading to salvation.
Unlike the case of a compassionate judge that is unable to do complete justice.

Whereas, if he is completely and entirely focused on justice, then he will be
unable to be compassionate. If he is compassionate, then he might have to
become partial, become more lenient or reduce the sentence. Therefore he is
unable to practice justice entirely. And if he is entirely practicing justice, then how
will there be compassion?
But when it comes to God, God is both compassionate and just. In case of God,
there is no controversy, because the laws and principles laid out by God are such
that in those laws itself there is compassion. Just like God has said - "In the
end stage of life, that which a man contemplates on, accordingly will
be his future."
"yum yum vaapi smaran bhavam tyajattyante kalevaram

Tam tamevaiti kaunteya sadaa tadbhaavabhaavitah." (Gita 8:6)
The law has been established such that whatever the feelings, inner expressions
that are contemplated on when a man leaves this body at the time of death, he
in the future manifests himself in his new life, according to the same inner
expressions. According to the things thought about at the end stage, the next life
is determined. "Unt mati, so gati." This is God's justice. He clearly states that at
the end stage, if you remember to Me, then you will attain Me.
In this message from God, there is so much compassion. For the same price and
effort that a man can buy a dog's life, he can buy God Realization. What have
you to loose, tell me? If you are remembering a dog at the time of death, then
you will attain a dog's life, while if you are remembering God at the time of
death, then you will attain God. And since these are the established laws, anyone
can follow or practice. The contemplation that can lead to 8.4 million species of
life forms, that same contemplation can also lead to God. Once and for all the
birth and death cycle can be entirely wiped out. This is the law. It is both law
and compassion.
Similarly, by improving our relationships in the world, the spiritual life is also
improved. Through conducting proper relations and serving the world, the spiritual
life is not hampered. However if you engage in lies, falsehood, cheating, being
devious, then spiritual life will also suffer. People see gain in all these actions,
but there is no gain whatsoever.
Through falsehood, fraud and dishonesty, we may cheat a person once and gain a
profit, but in the future, we will not be able to cheat him any more. As the
saying goes – “you can’t cook anything the second time in a pot of wood.” It
means that deception can trick a person only once. Thus have fair dealings with
others for their welfare by giving up your selfishness and ego. Be straightforward
and simple and see how peace and bliss prevails.
The Gita teaches us the lesson on attaining Paramatma, bu doing our duty in this
world. Therefore study the Gita, think over it’s contents and put them into
practice. The fact is that salvation or God Realization is Self-evident.
Paramatma (God, supreme Soul) and the soul (Atma, self) are pure, flawless,
but only man has become corrupt and depraved in his dealings. If he becomes
pure and pious in his dealings, he will set things right.
From "Art of Living" in English pg 97-98 by Swami Ramsukhdasji and From "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in
HINDI, by Swami Ramsukhdasji pg 104
12. How to Overcome Anger

One can solve a problem or question easily by knowing the formula. There is a
formula for solving every question. If you know the formula for that question, you
can get the answer very easily.
Now the question is how to overcome anger? First think of how anger sprouts?
According to the Gita, anger sprouts forth from desire. Men generally think that
desire means the wish to gain money, property, material wealth etc. This is also
desire, but the real desire is things should be favorable to us. If things are not
favorable to our will, we get angry.
There is no gain in having a desire because others such as your wife, sons, co-
workers, friends, etc, cannot always fulfill your desire, as they to have certain
ideas, conceptions, beliefs and desires that are different from yours. If you want
them to fulfill your desires, you should also fulfill their desires, otherwise what right
have you to get your desire satisfied by them? Therefore do not insist on getting
your desires satisfied. The reason for
wanting to get your desires fulfilled is your pride, a feeling of superiority.
If you truly want peace, root out your pride because it is at the root of all
demoniac traits. All the other demoniac traits of Kaliyuga such as anger, greed,
infatuation, jealousy, fraud and hypocrisy etc. depend on pride. Pride is where all
of these malicious traits originate. So if you do not renounce pride, how can anger
be overcome?
So, what is the method to root out your pride? Simply speaking, those who
disobey you and don't do as you wish are helping you in rooting out your pride.
While those who do as you wish, strengthen your pride. So earnestly, those that
disobey you are actually your allies. Therefore, if you want your welfare, it is
beneficial for you that others do not do exactly as you wish. These individuals are
helpful allies in removing your pride.
Though intentionally they are not removing your pride and doing you good, yet
indirectly their disobedience is weakening and removing your pride. Do you want
your welfare and benediction? Or do you want a downfall or boost in your evil
tendencies?
Gita says -
"Dambho darpobhmaanacsh krodha." (Gita 16:4).
"Pretentious pride, conceit, arrogance, anger, harshness and ignorance arise in one
born of demoniac
nature." (Gita 16:4).
Therefore those who disobey you are bringing forth divine virtues in you. When
pride subsides, anger will automatically subside.
Now the question arises that people will become rude and impertinent if they don't
obey you. There are two view points - if they disobey you, they become
impertinent, but if they obey you, you become proud. Think over both these
situations.
If you don't behave with pride and authority, and instead behave politely with
them, they will be influenced by your good behavior, and at the same time they
will not be pertinent. Therefore we should advice them politely. But if they don't
accept your advice, do not lose your temper and patience, because if they
become impertinent, they themselves suffer and their suffering will warn them and
then their impertinence will go away. But if you behave with pride and authority,
your influence on them may be momentary only. Therefore the method to remove
their impertinence is to do away with your pride.
You have to live with the members of the family. Therefore learn the art of living
in the family. The art is that you should perform your duty to your wife, parents,
sons, brothers, and other relatives. You should not expect them to perform their
duty, because as soon as, you see their defects and their duty, it means that
you have forgotten your duty.
In the sacred books there is no mention that you should find fault with others, but
it is mentioned that this world is full of virtues and defects and it is imprudent to
see those virtues and defects -
"Sunahu taat maaya krt guna aru dosh anek;
Guna yeh ubhay ne dekhiahin dekhi so abibek." (Manasa VII.41).
You may see the virtues of others, but don’t see their defects at all, because by
seeing the defects of others the defects spring up in you and if you try to save
others from impertinence, you get angry. Therefore without seeing the defects and
duties of others, perform your duty. It is your duty to give good advice to your
children, but it is not your duty to coerce them to do so. If they obey and agree,
it is fine, because it will be useful for them, but if they don’t obey, it is also
fine because it will free you from responsibility and later on they will realize their
error and remove their defects.
“Rajjab ros ne kijiye koyi kahe kyon hi;

hansker utter dijiye haa baabaaji yun hi.”
Don’t accept injustice and sins. Do your duty by advising them politely because
in the Gita, God declares –
“karmanye vaadhikaaraste maa phaleshu kadaachan,” (Gita 2:47) “Seek to perform your
duty; but never lay claim to its fruit.” (Gita 2:47) But when you think that they
should obey you, it is the fruit that you are claiming, therefore don’t lay claim to
its fruit.
Therefore you should perform your duty by advising them for their welfare. Then
it is their duty to obey. If they perform their duty by obeying you, it will lead
you to benediction. But if they disobey you, they will suffer, however, you will
not be at a loss, because you have done your duty by advising them for their
welfare. This is something that is very valuable.
Question: How to Control Anger?
Where does the anger come from? The Bhagavad Gita says the reason for anger
is desire - “kamat krodho ‘bhijayate” (Gita 2-62). But what is desire, we
generally understand "Desire" to be simply a "Want" to acquire wealth, power,
prosperity and fame etc. Yes, this is desire but truly desire is “this should happen
or
this should not happen”.
Let us say, we take up the idea “this should happen”, if it does not happen, we
get angry, or we take up “that should not happen”, and some one does that
very thing or does opposite to what we do not want, then we get angry.
There is no particular benefit in insisting on the desire “this should happen” or

“that should not happen” because the world is not necessarily waiting to follow
our orders. For example, we want our wife or husband, son or daughter or
servant to listen to us and expect them to do what we ask for, don’t they have
a mind of their own? In fact, they have a similar desire too, “this should
happen” or “that should not happen”. So how do we expect them to do what we
want? Supposing they do exactly what we asked them to do, is it not the case
that we should listen to them too? But if we are not ready to listen to them,
why should they listen to us? We do not have the right to expect them to do
our bidding since we are not ready to do their bidding. In fact “this should
happen” and “that should not happen” only helps us to increase our pride. It is
only the pride that turns into anger when they do not listen to us.
If we want peace of mind then it is a must that we should give up our pride
because pride leads to other devilish tendencies (Asuric Sampati) such as anger,
greed, delusion, jealousy, hypocrisy, arrogance etc., all these are born from pride
because the pride is the commander in chief of the Asuric Sampati. As long as
we are not ready to let go the pride we cannot get rid of the anger. Therefore,
the pride has to be rooted out first. When someone does what we ask, it gives a
boost to our pride and when others do not do what we insist on, it gives a blow
to our ego. When others do not do what we ask them to do, they help us to
reduce our ego. They are in fact doing us a favor.
There is a dilemma, if our children do not listen to us they may get spoiled, but
if they listen to us, it boosts our pride. Supposing you are not around and they
do as they please, then they may get spoiled. On the other hand, them may
learn well their own experience, which they are likely to value much more.
While living in a family setting, we have to be a living example. We have to

pleasantly perform our duty to the best of our ability. Whether anyone in the
family listens to us or not, we must give the right advice without insisting that
others should follow. Others will have to deal with the consequences of what they
do.
Our duty is not to find faults and not to order them around but instead to help
them to improve in a constructive and positive manner. When we start seeing the
fault in others, those faults are likely to come in us.
From "Jivan Upyogi Parbachan" in Hindi pg 107; From "Art of Living " in English by Swami
Ramsukhdasji - pg 12
13. Bliss through Detachment

At the very core, we do not desire to give up attachment. This is where the
mistake lies. It is not that we are unable to give up attachment; rather we do not
desire to leave it. Now the main question is, how do I create the desire to leave
this attachment? Listen to this very carefully and with a calm and cool heart
contemplate on those (persons, objects etc) that you are attached to. First think
about the ones that you are most attached to physically (attachment to their
body). After that think about the family members, wealth and possessions, etc.
The people and things that you are attached to, will they remain with you
forever? Ponder on this.
Just like you were in some other body previously, and at that time that body,
family etc appeared as your very own, but today you do not even remember them
at all. Isn't it? Then those that you are attached to today, after death of this
body, you won't remember them the least bit either, because these things will
leave you. All these people and things will leave you, but your attraction, your
attachment towards them will remain and will go with you, even after the body
goes away. Therefore this attachment is of no benefit. This attachment, the cause
of birth and death cycle and sorrow, cannot be of any benefit at all.
The objects will depart, the one that you are attached to, that thing will go away,
but the attachment that is within, will continue to remain. And going forward, that
attachment, that weakness due to the sentiments and that desire that will be
manifested within will become binding all the way. It will lead to nothing but
bondage.
If we have to leave attachment of that which is going to depart anyway, then

where is the difficulty? Leaving the attachment for that which will definitely going
away, will lead to nothing but benefits. You will become free from bondage. You
will attain salvation.
You may say how will I rear my family without attachment to them. I want to
tell you that you will rear your family in a btter way by having detachment.
Think with a cool head whether a saint or spiritual guide can do good to you by
having attachment or by having detachment? If a saint accepts you as a disciple,
he has attachment with you and can’t do so much good as a saint who has not
accepted you as a disciple and has no attachment with you. Will a selfish or
unselfish man give right advice? Which advice will be more useful? Now you
can understand it well that attachment is only harmful and disadvantageous, while
detachment is useful and advantageous.
From "Art of Living" in English pg 104-105 by Swami Ramsukhdasji; From "Jivan Upyogi Pravachan" in
Hindi, on page 113
14. Be Free from Fears and Desires

Swamiji: Please listen to what I have to say carefully. Who is affected by the
world? Think this over seriously. The world is affected by the world, but the Self
(Soul) is unaffected, the Self remains unchanged. Moreover the effect is short
lived and transitory. But who is the one that knows this? It is the Self, the
onlooker who has this knowledge. Sometimes the question arises that during
discourses we are convinced with this fact, but afterwards we seem to forget and
ignorance veils us. So what is to be done? If you are convinced during a
discourse, but the effect does not last, don’t worry. It is an error on your part
that you want to be unaffected at all times. There will be affect of the world i.e.
you will have inclinations and tendencies because you cannot have dealings in your
practical life without them. How will you eat, speak, walk without them? But
sometimes you may be free from them in solitude. But there is the knower or the
onlooker of these inclinations. If you understand this point, you will attain eternal
joy.
There are two states – one is of action while you have dealings with the world,
and the other is of inaction, while you have no dealings with the world. But both
action and inaction are inclinations because they have affinity with the mind and
intellect. But the light by which you become a witness to these inclinations is free
of any inclinations. You can witness this light in solitude, but you cannot see it
clearly while in activity. Even though not seen in activity, it does not mean that
the light (consciousness) does not exist. If it did not exist, how could you
observe your inclinations and disinclinations? Therefore believe in this light, be
fixed in that light
without caring for the inclinations and disinclinations. Be established in the Self. Do
not wish to see the inclinations becoming uniform, i.e. don't wish for a state of
repose, because both the states of inclination and disinclination are unreal and
transitory, while the light by which they are seen is real. So remain ever
established in that light. i.e the Self. If you understand this point, you will attain
Supreme bliss. I advise you to remain ever established in that Self, in which you
are already established and not to think about the effect of the transitory states,
because those effects are not on you (Self). Therefore it is of no use to worry
about it.
Sometimes there is inclination and other times there is disinclination in the entire
world. You work while you are wake, but you do not work while you are asleep.
Either ways, it makes no difference on the Self. The inclinations of the world and
the body are made of the same matter (i.e. prakriti). Therefore why are you
worried and concerned about them? You say - when you are affected by
happenings in the world you become uneasy and dissatisfied. The reason is, you
want to see your inner state remaining calm, unaltered, and uniform. I urge you
to not wish to see it uniform. It cannot remain uniform, because alteration and
transformation is the nature of this material world (Prakriti). Therefore accept this,
and remain established in the light (Self, Truth).
Question: You ask us to not desire to see the uniformity within. But by not doing so, we feel like
we have a fear of our downfall. What should we do?
Swamiji: You have fear. Therefore do as I say. I ask you not to be afraid.
Therefore don’t be afraid. So long as you continue to see your inner being
uniform, you can’t make spiritual progress. This is a real obstacle. That light is
the same, there is no difference in it in inclination, as well as, disinclination. But
you want your inner being to be unaltered or uniform. It is not possible. IF it
had been so, God in the Gita while mentioning the qualities of the great persons
who have risen above the three attributes (gunas) would not have declared -
“Prakaashum cha pravrittim che mohameva che Pandava;

ne drshti sampravrrittaani, ne nivruttaani kankshati.” (Gita 14:22)
Such a person feels no aversion to light (which is born of sattva), or activity

(which is born of Rajas) or stupor (which is born of Tamasa), when they are
present and does not long for them when they are absent.
Question: This has been told about those exalted persons who have attained God Realization.
What about us?
Swamiji: all of us are those exalted persons. Thoses exalted persons are not
different from us. One who has this light is an exalted personage. There is no
difference in the light between us, and the exalted souls. Don’t be afraid and
don’t expect any singularity in you. Fear and expectation for singularity are the
two main obstacles in spiritual progress. Sometimes you have a desire to do
some forbidden activity. It will be renounced if you have a desire to renounce it.
But if you have fear in renouncing it, it means that you have given importance to
it and if you want to renounce it by giving importance to it, you can’t be free
from it. Therefore be indifferent to it. There are three things – to do an
activity, to not do it and to be indifferent to it. Do the activities which are
approved by the sacred books. Don’t do the activities that are forbidden by the
scriptures, but be indifferent to both the sactioned and forbidden activities from your
heart, because the light by which both sanctioned and forbidden activities are seen
has no affinity with them. Therefore be indifferent to sanction, inhibition, as well
as, fear and expectation. When you think of doing the sanctioned and forbidden
activities, you have temptation to do the sanctioned activities, but have fear while
doing the forbidden activities. So long as you have temptation and fear, you
can’t be established in the Self. Therefore be indifferent to them. By being
indifferent you will get rid of them. I am giving this discourse to you because
you are a sadahk who can understand the fact whicle a laymany may
misunderstand me and take the meaning contrary to what I mean. But you can’t
take the contrary meaning because you know that I don’t cheat you. You know
that the sanctioned and forbidden activities, feelings and thoughts are transitory, but
the self is permanent. Therefore the transitory has no effect on the permanent ,
the permanent is the same. So how can the transitory world have any effect on
the self which is permanent? God in the Gita declares –
“Udaaseen vadaaseena gunairvo ne vichaalyate

gunaa vartante ityeva yovatishthati nengate.” (Gita 14:23)
“He sits like a man who is unconcerned, is not moved by the attributes (gunas)
and knowing that only the Gunas operate, remains firmly established in God and is
never shaken from that state.”
He is never shaken. “gunaa vartante ityeva yovatishthati nengate.” Means he

remains the same. So renounce fear and expectation. If you renounce them,
there is no bondage of the world for you. In that state keep quiet as long as
you can. If you can’t get rid of fear and expectation for singularity, surrender to
God and pray to Him. “O Lord, I am unable to get rid of them.”
Your surrender with prayer has a great power. By being quiet you will get power
and by surrendering yourself to Him, you will be successful in achieving your aim.
You might have experienced that by keeping quiet you regain energy to work,
while by being active, you lose energy and by doing activity for worldly pleasures,
you get tired. That tiredness is removed by sleeping and again you gain the
energy. Thus by being quiet and surrendering yourself to Him, you will get
success undoubtedly. This is the real panacea. Be indifferent to activity or
inactivity. Thus you will become a great soul possession metaphysical knowledge
and be free from bondage of worldly life without having any effect of the world.
Ram! Ram! Ram!

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Shree Hari

To read online text: see below

To read online images: Art of Living

God Realization and It's Ease

God - Refuge in God (Sharanagati)

Relationship - True Relationship

God's Name and Form

In reality, no man is an orphan (without a father, a Master, a Lord, widowed,

"Shariram yadavaapnotti yacchaapyutkraamteeshvarah." (Gita 15:8).

From "Sahaj Sadhana" in Hindi pg 16 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

Nothing is Ours. Only God is our Very Own

It is important to know what is really ours. If we think of what we brought with

From "Sahaj Sadhana" in Hindi pg ? by Swami Ramsukhdasji

1) Of the Inert Nature - (aparaa prakriti) - (Gita 7:4, 13:5). It is egoism of

2) Egoism resulting from consciousness (chetan), believing it has affinity with

From "Saadhan, Sudhaa, Sindhu" in Hindi pg 87 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

Egoism – How to Eliminate it?

"Kaaranam gunasangosya sadasyoni janmasu." (Gita 13:21)

From "Sahaj Sadhana" in Hindi pg 19 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

"Taavat kamaani kurveet ne nirvidhyet yaavate

From "Saadhan, Sudhaa Sindhu" book in Hindi pg 90 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

From "Let us know the Truth" by Swami Ramsukhdasji, Page 8

From "Let us know the Truth" by Swami Ramsukhdasji, Page 32

From "Let Us Know the Truth" in Hindi pg 33 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

From "Let Us Know the Truth" in Hindi pg 34 by Swami Ramsukhdasji

It is said in the Ramcharitramanasa -

Pay attention to this verse. It is mentioned here that God, is a well-wisher

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 1-12

Swamiji: Truth is so easy, so wonderful and self-evident. That from which we

In essence, Self is Truth. God is Truth.

Let us remain fixed in this knowledge.

From "Let us know the Truth" by Swami Ramsukhdasji

"Pratham bhagati santanah ker sangaa” (Manasa III:35:4)

“The first devotion mentioned in the Ramacaritramaanasa is the company of saints

"Path of devotion is an independent entity with no conditions and prerequisites

"Hans milyaa sukh hoyi re hansaa, hans milyaa sukh hoyi.”

"Sanmukh hoyi jeev mohi jab hi.” (Manasa V:44:1)

"ganga paapam shashi taapam dainyam kalpataruhret;

Good company removes desires and burning sensations of the heart. So it is

"caaha gayi chintaa mitee, manuaa beparavaah;

"Dhan kis liye hai chaahetaa, tu aap maalaamaal hai;

In good company there is spiritual discourses, understanding, thinking and

"Pratham bhagati satsang ker sangaa.”

“The first devotion is the company of saints.”

"Daanen vardhate nityam.”

Gentlemen, it is very surprising that in spirte of having a right over such a

"Paani mein piyaasi, mohi dekhat aave haansi;

"Satya bachan aadheentaa per tiya maatu samaan

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 13-20

In Ramcharitramanas, Goswami Tulsidasa confirms -

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 20-22

Swamiji: The importance of good company cannot be expressed in words. It is

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 22

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 22

Swamiji: He that gets satsang, can’t remain without remembrance of God. He

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 23

Swamiji: Pray to God. He is capable to do every piece of work. He will

From "Art of Living " in English by Swami Ramsukhdasji - pg 23