Many youngsters looked up to Pujya Gurudev for guidance when it came to academics. His prompt replies were not only reassuring but also made the recipient think about the bigger picture.

He encouraged originality and a creative approach, along with discipline and hard work. Here is his instruction to a young woman named Lakshmi Reddy, who became a staunch devotee later.

Lakshmi Reddy 8.10.1963

Prepare with study and meditation. Luck is not a mysterious something that descends upon us from nowhere – when preparation meets opportunity, there comes to manifest luck. And so ever be prepared to meet the demands. Soon the world will demand of you a great lead, and you must be ready for it.

Don’t merely read and try to understand others ideas only. Do your own research. Seek to discover new meanings new ideas. Research is to see what everybody has seen, but to think what nobody else has ever thought. Be original; it alone pays in joys. All studies and reflections together but form the platform for your original plunge.

Swami Chinmayananda

Pujya Gurudev with Lakshmi Reddy

L to R: BR Gautam, Swami Chinmayananda, BS Shorey, Lakshmi Reddy, Padmani Devi

Just a couple of months before Gurudev attained mahasamadhi, he reassured Shefali that study and work in this world do not contradict the spiritual aspirations of a person in any way.

Shefali Saran 14.6.1993

Life must be fully lived. Take to one or another education course. This cannot contradict your spiritual life. Gather more and more knowledge of the world to stand you in good ease while living among others.

Jai Jai Jagadeeswara!
Love
Swami Chinmayananda

Poignant advice on how to handle examinations.

Balan 1.9.1988

When you have fixed your goal, to get distinction in your final exam, you must be also heroic enough to put forth the required energy sincerely and continuously to climb up to your goal and snatch away your victory. Pray daily: surrender your fears and idleness at His Feet, and draw courage and a firm faith in yourself from His Altar.

Signed
Swami Chinmayananda

Pujya Gurudev explains what it takes for a spectacular achievement in life.

Rabindranath 29.6.1966

To pass an examination is no doubt, an art, but successfully to meet the challenges of life is a greater game. Consistency of purpose, spirit of industry, tireless self-application, inspired enthusiasm and undying sense of duty are the secrets without which no great man has ever succeeded anywhere. Added to these if there is a cheerful attitude and an uncompromising nobility of character with a ready anxiety to serve all others always you have in you all the features necessary to gain a spectacular achievement in life.”

Signed
Swami Chinmayananda

Pujya Gurudev with Anjali Singh

Gurudev could be quite playful with youngsters and communicate at their own wavelength. He teases the young Anjali Singh:

Anjali Singh, 7.7.1964

Anyway please write to me that you got your admission somewhere. Will there not be some college where they will accept you? Are you so bad? You will get admission – and thus the world will be safe for the next two years. This news will comfort me supremely.

Signed
Swami Chinmayananda

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Youth Life Skills

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