SOME THOUGHTS ON ATMA--78

June 8, 2007

Dear Brothers and sisters,

Loving SAI RAMs. A member has requested for elaboration of the term Sadhana. Spiritual Sadhana involves conscious efforts to be put forth in conquering lower impulses and animal passions arising in us, through a diligent policing of the mind, and a devoted surrender unto the Lord. Consistent and diligent practise of self-control in mastering the mind is an unavoidable necessity for a seeker. Without proper effort no achievement is ever possible in life. Mental peace and consistent tranquility in life, can never be achieved, without first removing, by conscious and wilful effort, the baser

vasanas in us. Self-effort alone can help us in achieving a mastery over our own mind`s storms and passions. Without a quieter mind , experience of the Self is impossible. As Swamy Vivekanada puts it, " An emptied mind, rendered silent and peaceful, is the reception hall within our bosom where the infinte rises up, in all Its Immaculate Splendour Divine, to self-cognition and self-experience. " One who wants to gain the Absolute State of Perfection without putting forth the right effort, either through Yoga or Karma, is asking for the impossible. Only a fool will expect to have cooked rice on his plate without first gathering fuel, rice and water. These are the means( Sadhana) without which the end

(sadhya), " cooked rice " , can not be achieved.

Bhagavan Sri Satya Sai Baba says the following about Sadhana:-

" Sadhana refers to an activity undertaken for achieving one`s goal or purpose in life. The sadhak has to decide what he wants to achieve, what his purpose is. The

Sadhana has to be carried on until one achieves his goal. If one undertakes Sadhana without knowing these aspects one will falter, face obstacles and problems. Then one may lose faith in the Guru, which could result in a total fall and destruction of oneself. So one should be very careful in doing Sadhana. "

(to be continued)

G.Balasubramanian