Swami Sivananda Vani

[Guest guest]

MEDITATION IN THE CAVE: On the 23rd March, 1947, the Master went into

the Kaivalya Guha (an underground chamber), for meditation. A stone

mason working on the construction of the Yajnashala now came with his

chisel and hammer and began breaking the stones just beside the wall

of the Kaivalya Guha and right on its terrace. It was producing a

thunderous sound all around.

 

A disciple watching the scene and knowing that the Master was in the

cave, began to wonder how he could meditate calmly with such a din

just on the top floor of the room in which he was sitting.

 

When the Master reappeared after half an hour, the assembled

disciples went forward and offered their salutations. He was in his

usual smiling mood and began to converse and cut jokes. One of the

disciples drew the Master's attention to the stone-cutter and

the noise that he produced, asking how it was possible to meditate in

such a condition.

 

" When did the stone-cutter begin his work? " asked the Master. " I did

not see him when I went into the Guha. I did not hear him there. "

 

All were surprised to note the intensity of the Master's

concentration.

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" The moon is the ornament of the night, the sun of the day; the

ornament of a servant of God is devotion; the beauty of devotion is

consciousness of non-duality. The ornament of knowledge is

meditation; the decoration of meditation is renunciation, and

renunciation is distinguished by Shanti, pure and unfathomable. " -

Swami Sivananda