Words of Wisdom


His Holiness Swami Tapovanam 

All will admit that joy is to be found in peace and not in the agitations of the mind. But some look upon that goal of human life as the cessation of all sorrow, some take it as the realization of Self through the distinction between the real and the unreal, some others consider it as sheer non-existence (shunya), and yet others conceive of it as the height of happiness reached in the enjoyment of worldly pleasures.

The unique state of serene peace can be attained only in a non-dual state. So long as man recognizes an entity outside himself—in other words, so long as a world and a God exist apart from him, he cannot have complete detachment or absolute peace. Nothingness (shunya), because it is nothing, cannot be Peace, for the existent and the non-existent cannot be placed on the same footing.By mistake, people find in comparative peace unlimited peace and liberation, fulfillment of life’s purpose. Absolute peace can exist in nothing except Brahman, which is the negation of duality. 

Source: Wandering in the Himalayas 

His Holiness Swami Chinmayananda 

Our self-unfoldment, inner growth, personality, and charm can burst forth in all their fragrance and joy only when we plan for, and bring about, an actual translation of our idealism into our day-to-day life. We must live what we believe in. We must act upon our cherished ideas. We must strive to live our accepted philosophy of life. As seekers and sincere aspirants to a higher cultural life, you all must learn to translate your ideal picture of yourself in your work life. This is only possible through regular self-examination and long, careful introspection. Each day, see the drama of your own daily life thrown upon the screen of your own mind. Watch. Edit the play; take new decisions; discover the faults; avoid them in your next 24 hours of life. Thus, one by one, weed out your weaknesses in your physical contacts and dealings, in your mental feelings and emotions, and in your intellectual estimation of things and beings.

Source: Chinmaya Udghosh, May 2005 

His Holiness Swami Tejomayananda 

Mauna, or “silence,” is observed at many levels. The grosser is at the level of speech. For beginners, this helps prevent unnecessary wastage of energy due to worldly gossip.

A reflective mind is also said to be in mauna. When a deeply contemplative mind discusses or investigates within about one’s roots, it is true Self-inquiry. With subtle discrimination, we distinguish that which we are, from that which we are not. I am not the body, senses, or mind. I am witnessing Consciousness. These thoughts should not be the repetition of learned words, but the realization of a fact.

For example, under the influence of alcohol, I thought I was a beggar. When I am sober, I realize I am not. Such an assertive flow of thoughts, regarding my true nature, removed the wrong notion and habits of the mind, which is used to living as a limited entity. With continuous practice, these thoughts lead us to an egoless state of being.

Source: Sat Darshan 

Reference: Chinmaya Mission West Bimonthly Newsletter - March 2009, No. 128

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