Spiritual Instructions
by Swami Jyotirmayananda
Just as seeds grow with the aid of sunshine and rain, in the same way, the seeds of spiritual aspiration grow in the atmosphere of dedication and Divine Love.
Learn to relax in the body and in the mind. The understanding that the world is a Divine Plan, that every development has the Divine Hand behind it, enables you to develop mental repose in all conditions. Develop Divine Love and adore the Supreme Self in the shrine of your heart through devout meditation.
All forms of human love are refractions of the deep rooted need of Divine Love. Human sentiments of love are fulfilled when the Divinity is recognized behind the mask of human personality. It is this Divinity who is loved through different passing forms. Love of God should become the underlying basis of all spiritual movements.
Just as vessels of food are cleaned daily with detergent, so too the body must be regularly purified by the Hatha yoga practices of asanas and pranayamas, by an intelligent system of diet, and by observation of the laws of health. The secrets of physical health and vitality also lie within the mind. Therefore while one attends to the body, the mind should not be ignored. You should not wait for the body to become perfect before you adopt the mental practices of meditation and reflection.
Proceed with your mind in spite of the limitations of the body and its conditions. As inner fulfillment is progressively acquired, and creative horizons of the soul are encompassed, the physical body will begin to vibrate with an increased supply of prana (vital force). The maladies that were acute and chronic will now fade from your view as if they did not exist.
In the same way, do not wait to perfect your mental personality. Continue to move on the path of spiritual movement without lingering on the psychological problems of the mind. The vices that seem so strong and deep rooted will drop out of your existence as you continue to assert your inner Divine nature, and express it through your thoughts, words, and actions.
No matter how limited your devotion to God may be, no matter how defective the meditation on the truth, every effort that you put forth towards the recognition of the Divinity within will enable you to overcome great miseries of the future. You will be mysteriously led to a deeper understanding of the secrets of life and will become victorious in the battle of life.
Learn the art of abhyasa (repeated effort) in yoga. Whatever aspect of yoga you have adopted, be regular, persistent, devoted and constant, until success is achieved.
May the Lord bless you!
