Philosophy and Teachings of Swami Sivananda
Divine Life
Society Publication: Light, Power and
Wisdom by Swami Sivananda
1. Brahman or the Absolute is
the only reality. It is Sat-Chit-Ananda
2. Brahman or the Absolute
manifests itself as Jiva or the individual soul, Ishvara or the Lord and the
universe. The light of Brahman alone is Jiva and others.
3. The world and the ego are
unreal. This universe is nothing but a diversity of Maya. Mind alone is the
universe. World is nothing but mind manifesting as such only through the
potency of Brahman.
4. Those who are without Atmic
enquiry will see as real this world which is nothing but the nature of
Sankalpa. Sankalpa alone manifests itself as Jiva, Ishvara and the Universe.
This universe as universe ever is not. There is no world in the three periods
of time.
5. All things though appearing
different are no other than Brahmic light, in short, world static means
Brahman. Brahman in motion is world.
6. Individual is no other than
Brahman. The body with its organs, etc., is no other than mind. The mind
manifests itself as the external world in the shape of pains and pleasures,
bondage and liberation, right and wrong. The mind subjectively is this
universe. Time, space and causation are the creations of the mind.
7. Actions of the mind alone
are truly termed as Karma. True liberation results from the disenthralment of
the mind. The play of the mind constitutes this universe.
8. Those who have freed
themselves from the fluctuations of their mind are endowed with the supreme meditation.
9. If the impurities of the
mind are removed it will become calm, steady and blissful. Then the Samsaric
delusion with its births and deaths, pain and pleasure will be destroyed.
10. The conception of the
reality of the world will increase on the contemplation on the non-Atma or
worldly objects.
11. Through the grace of
Ishvara also the higher spiritual state will be attained.
12. Atma can be realized by
controlling Maya. All ideas of the world will vanish if Maya is controlled.
13. Manifold pains will arise
in the mind in the absence of Samadhi which leads to the attainment of Brahmic
bliss.
14. Nothing can create
differentiation and disturbance in the mind if you do not long for the fruits
of actions. The Jnana vision alone will enable one to realize Atman personally.
15. All will be Brahman
through Sushupti Mauna. The same result can be obtained through the giving up
of Sanga or desires. The path to the higher goal will be rendered smooth by the
preceptor who is able to make his disciple progress through various means as
well as by renunciation, though many obstacles may intervene.
16. The Neophyte on the path
of Vedanta or Jnana Yoga should possess the fourfold qualification, viz.,
Viveka (discrimination between the real and the unreal), Vairagya (dispassion),
Shad Sampat (sixfold virtues) and Mumukshutva (intense longing for
emancipation).
17. Cultivate pure Vasanas,
Shanti (peace), Santosh (contentment). Practice Brahma Vichara. Take recourse
to Satsanga or association with the wise. You will soon attain self-realization.
18. The renunciation of
Ahamkara or egoism leads to the attainment of Atma Jnana.
19. Through the performance in
the world of Nishkama Karma even sensual pleasures are transmuted into
spiritual or Brahmic Bliss.
20. The Supreme Immortal Bliss
of Atman can be attained through Samadhi consequent upon Atmic enquiry.
21. The result of quiescence
of mind etc., which is developed through Samadhi can also be attained through
Atma Vichara or Atmic enquiry.
22. Mental abnegation and
control of Prana are the two requisites for the control of the mind which leads
us to quiescence.
23. Abandon the attraction
towards sensual objects and you will get quiescence of the mind. Nirvanic Bliss
where all are Brahman only will result through Jnana or Yoga.
24. Renunciation of egoism
alone constitutes the renunciation of all. Doership or enjoyership arises
through the idea of ‘I’.
25. SERVE, LOVE, GIVE,
MEDITATE. This is Sadhana in a nutshell. Be good, Do good. Be humble. Be noble.
This is the highest Sadhana. Enquire ‘Who am I’? and know thy Self. Find the
knower, find the seer. This is Sadhana in essence.
26. A Jivanmukta is a
liberated sage. He is emancipated while living. He has cut off all bonds. He
has destroyed his mind. He is in a state of mindlessness. He is absolutely
free. He has identified himself with Brahman or the Absolute Consciousness. He
has no identification with the body. He is free from egoism, lust, anger,
greed, selfishness, pride, likes, dislikes, exhilaration or depression
(Harsha-soka). He is balanced in pleasure and pain, censures and praises,
honour and dishonour, respect and disrespect. He has equal, vision. He has
supreme knowledge of Brahman. He is a Brahmajnani. He is a Brahmavid or Knower
of Brahman. He can clear all your doubts. You will feel extreme elevation and
inspiration in his presence. He radiates joy and peace everywhere.
27. He may be absorbed in
Samadhi or he may work like an ordinary man of the world. Internally he has the
Bhava or mental attitude “I am a witness” (Sakshi) “I am non-doer” (Akarta) “I
am non-enjoyer” (Abhokta) because he has no egoism or individuality. So he is
not bound by Karma.
28. He is a Gunatita. He is
beyond the reach of the three Gunas or qualities, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. He
has Trikalajnana or the knowledge of the three periods of time. He has
omniscience. He enjoys the sense-objects offered by others like a child. He
beholds this world like one seen in dreams.
Continue to read:
Light, Power and
Wisdom by Swami Sivananda
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