Sometimes we get caught up in too many areas of work and feel stressed out. Gurudev shows how to handle it.
Work can never kill anyone. I know you have lot of work – college, home, society, Mission. But if your mind is made to rest in Lord Shiva, and body dedicated to Him in action, you shall find yourself gurgling with energy in spite of all your programmes of activities.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
When a devotee felt overcome by inertia and listlessness or frustration, Gurudev would infuse renewed vigour and enthusiasm.
If I were you I will continue striving to fulfil my duty, however risky and joyless it may be, demanding in life only for a chance to strive and do our duty! Just because you heard of Prarabdha you have not understood it. Strive and do Purushartha. Let Prarabdha decide the fruits, but we shall live fully enjoying the sweat and thrill of Purushartha.
And no sacrifice is a waste. Every sacrifice ennobles us – polishes us. Sacrifice and love – actions fulfilling our duties are the strings and bow to tickle the music of “Life” from our frail but song-full body. A fiddle in its box is idle – the ideal is when it is laughing out its contents of peaceful emotions and throbbing melody. Serve – Love – Purify – Meditate.
Be pure – Be pure – Meditate.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Another precious bit of guidance to a lady about how to balance spiritual activities with domestic responsibilities.
It is nothing but extreme love for you which creates a sense of possessiveness and you must congratulate yourself that you have got such a loving husband. Your over enthusiasm in spirituality should not force you to neglect your duties towards your family of husband and children. The time wasted in small talks can be creatively used for spiritual unfoldment.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
The Raman family has been serving Pujya Gurudev and the mission for several decades now. Parvathy Raman was the editor of Tapovan Prasad and is currently the editor of this website. Dr. Akhilam, aunt of Parvathy Raman was the resident doctor for the dispensary in Sidhbari for many years. She is now Swamini Nishthananda and lives in Powai Ashram, Mumbai. Dr. Shankar Raman was in charge of the construction at the Sidhbari Ashram for a couple of years in the mid eighties. This is how Gurudev involved entire families in his work.
Seen here with Pujya Gurudev: Front Row L to R: Parvathy Raman, Dr. Akhilam (who is now Swamini Nishthananda), Pujya Gurudev, Dr. Shankar Raman and Shri Trilokinath a well known academician who was then manager of Sidhbari Ashram.
Smt. Parvathy Sankar,
Sidhabari.
Hari Om! Hari Om!
Salutations!!
I am jealous of you now and your life – so serene, divine, peaceful and steady. Give my love to Bhaskar and Hari.
As you sit facing peak behind my kutia I will be behind you — naturally!
Love to Dr. Akhilam!
Love,
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
While making decisions many of us have doubts whether it is God's will or not. Gurudev indicates a good way to proceed.
Lord has delegated “work” for each of us for our own inner unfoldment. Let us not become wiser than Him. Let us wait and watch…if circumstances are providing us of what we “plan” to do let us have the wisdom to cheerfully decide “Thy WILL be done – not mine.”
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
Decision of Retirement
Whatever the Lord asks of you to do, in the language of circumstances, you do it cheerfully. That is the best for each one of us. Thus, if you are compelled to retire, joyously retire, without any hesitation, because the Lord must have a plan for you.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
When a devotee expressed his displeasure over his transfer orders, Swamiji wrote:
Nobody can transfer you from your own Self. No other transfer is a transfer since no other place is permanent. Nothing is permanent. Learn to enjoy the transfer. You had enough of rest. Rest is rust. An ampler field for expression of your efficiency is the thing provided when we think deep over it. Re-evaluate the situation. Learn to smile at the very thing you are now sighing – Wish you success “in the fresh woods and pastures new”.
Signed
Swami Chinmayananda
