Paramahamsa Satyananda's Views on Sannyas
"O Bhiku"
Keep on Moving
With compassion and love
For the happiness of many
For the well-being of many"
Let people come forward for sannyas and karma sannyas. Respect all systems, all philosophies and all religions; that is the only way for growth in spiritual life. You should see no difference in the different paths, and that is how you go ahead in spiritual life.
For a sannyasin, all the funeral ceremonies are done at the time of initiation, because when you take sannyas you are supposed to die and get reborn immediately in the same body.
Sannyas is not only for those who have exhausted their desires. It is the key to a fuller life, it is the universal path on which we are able to fulfil our basic need to expand our experience and awareness of life by working in the world for the evolution of all beings.
When a sannyasin realises that his body, his mind, his intellect and his resources are for one particular purpose, then everything is solved. He begins to feel, "This body is net mine and everything I have is not mine", and then he becomes a sannyasin.
Sannyas is not for perfect people. It Is for those who want to make their life spiritually dynamic.
Whenever you want to take sannyas you are ready.
Whatever my sannyasins are they are dearest to me, and those who have worn this geru dress even for one night, I consider be blessed.
Once you have taken sannyas everything is booked. You can not, you should not, use any of yourself for your own pleasure. Therefore a sannyasin is one who has created an endowment, a trust, of all his physical, mental, emotional, social end economic, resources, and all those resources are directed for one purpose. That purpose is the Guru's order. Whatever your Guru decides far you, you are to do it.
Sannyas is the ultimate point of evolution. It is there that you dedicate yourself to the path of enlightenment, wholly and completely.
Even if you only live the life of a sannyasin for fifteen days, it will enrich you with very deep and abiding experiences, it will create a new type of mind, personality and man.
The lives of sannyasins are a moving panorama of success through struggle, harmony through conflict, of noble attainment through selfless service. Their lives act as printers and are an assurance to all seekers, no matter what their nationality, religion or creed, as in their lives is seen what all men of all nations, of all countries call great. Their lives offer a message to strife-ridden humanity, a message of love and service, of hope and courage and burning optimism, a message for now!
A sannyasin tries to flow with the river of life, to let things happen in the way that they must.
A sannyasin tries to accept whatever is; he takes whatever comes and responds accordingly.
The Sannyasin should see all things equally.
A sannyasin should be realistic.
A sannyasin's life should be based on experience and not on blind belief. A sannyasin should not accept blindly other people's words. He should listen and try to find out the truth behind the words for himself.
A sannyasin must be like a phoenix and arise to a renewed life.
The sannyasi alone lives for the world. The world looks to its own happiness, whereas the Sannyasi looks to the happiness of the world.
Remember that the status of a sannyasi is an immortal one. It is eternal and full of bliss.
Remember that there has never been a sannyasin, nor will there aver be one, who has not had samskaras, karma and dharma to work through. Please know that when you are working through these times, they may not be pleasant, they may be very hard times, but they can be overcome. You can overcome any and all of them. It depends on you. You must be strong. Do not let them take hold of you. You should know that you can rise above them.
After one has accepted sannyas he belongs to all, not to any particular group or individual.
The moment you take sannyas, forget that you were born to family. Forget that you were meant to love or be loved.
The geru colour is a symbol of detachment and trial dedication. It also represents the calm, peaceful, serene, dynamism in one's personality. Nowadays, when we wear geru. It represents our spiritual tradition and symbolises our renunciation.
The sannyasin must face everything within him.
The traditional period for sannyas training is twelve years, as that is the time required for changing or transmuting the mental patterns and samskaras from gross to subtle; from mundane to spiritual.
In sannyas you have no protection, you have no defences, you have no bunkers there. All the evil propensities of mind attack you on the open ground - you do not know where to hide!
A sannyasin cannot escape from the dark and naked and cruel realities of the mind,
There has to be a fundamental and qualitative change, if not a complete change, in the structure of the thinking of a sannyasin.
A sannyasin does not care what is happening. Death and birth mean nothing to him. Prosperity and poverty mean nothing to him. Tragedy and comedy mean nothing to him. For the sannyasin both are a kind of dream.
Swami Sivanandaji said on the day of my sannyas: "A sannyasin can repeat any mantra, any time, according to his whim. He can practise 'Om' one day, 'Om Namah Shivaya' another day. Shakti mantra on the third day, because a sannyasin sees oneness in all.
Duty to your own spiritual evolution, and duty to the spiritual evolution of the community, are equally important.
Irregularity in practice is the main obstacle in yoga sadhana. Some means must be found to remove it. If in everyday activities and performance of social duties you cannot find time, you should do japa mentally and remember God’s name anywhere, anytime. External causes do not obstruct the sadhana. Laziness and indifference constitute the chief obstacles to one’s practice of yoga. You are aware that the path of spiritual practice and attainment of perfection is at first difficult; in the middle it becomes active and energizing and finally it becomes successful. This is not true in regard to you alone, but it is true in respect of practitioners of philosophical mysticism, who also find their way difficult in the early stages. You are inclined towards the study of yoga. You have only to continue to practice it slowly and steadily. Gradually your practice will advance automatically.
Even in the midst of the distractions of daily life, you can bring before your mental vision the image of your desired deity. You can even practice japa, but you cannot practice sadhana with steadfast attention immediately. To make sadhana gradually more and more indwelling is the only remedy for people in active life.
The path of sadhana is not difficult. If you regard it as difficult, where else do you find smooth sailing in life? The conditions of life to which we are accustomed are hard indeed, but the mind is used to them and does not feel so. Sadhana is a new venture, the first step in the march by the divine to victory over the animal in man. Its practice will surely take some time. Merge this practice with your daily routine, with devotion and courage. Those who wish to move forward have to raise one foot at each advancing step.
As soon as the guru’s slap is received, luck takes a turn and one comes to one’s senses. You have not received diksha only, you have received raksha (protection) also from me. Do not be afraid. No soul of a lower category will be able to make you its medium. For you are already reserved for the descent of the divine spirit. You need not think when and how the divine spirit will enter into your being. If you are afraid by night, sleep in your pooja room. If this is not possible, sleep upstairs every Thursday, for this day is earmarked for you to receive knowledge.
Let your inner consciousness be natural in meditation. First of all, there should be an attitude of indwelling, then experience of consciousness and finally pure consciousness alone. This practice easily succeeds. All this will automatically take place during the practice of ajapa. Get ready for shaktipat. But it has no relation to spiritual illumination. Do not think that after shaktipat you have reached the goal. Even after this you have to begin at the beginning. You may not be aware of the rules of shaktipat.
Before your initiation you practiced levitation. Do not begin it now, lest your nerve centres be destroyed by combustion, and your capillaries dilated for lack of vitality because of the family life you lead. You should be urdhwaretas for twelve years and then practice pranayama for levitation. Give up all ideas of levitation at the start.
On the plane of consciousness, guru and Govinda are one. But in yoga, a living guru is necessary, even though one may meditate on Govinda. The guru alone knows the way to the destination. His commands are heard in the causal body through ajna chakra. Consciousness may dwell deep within, supporting itself on Govinda, but who except the guru will show the way thereafter? Then the name will change, ajapa will change, devotion will change, nirati will change. Know this secret.
Give up living on the plane of intellect. How long this obsession? Let thoughts go; let intellect go. If this continues, I may not give you the key. Not only will you have to follow my instructions, but my unseen commands too. Even if I speak from above the sky you will have to listen through ajna chakra. You must get up when I wake you at three in the morning. Sometimes, you do follow my commands but your ego gets in the way and a higher life is forgotten. Nothing can be achieved if you ignore my commands.
There is selfishness in you, there is hypocrisy in you, there is cleverness in you – terrible storms are concealed within you. O seeker, know first of all that you can deceive everyone, but you cannot cheat yourself. Before initiating you, how often did I remonstrate you and tell you that my path was not the path of those who know how to whisper in the ears only, but that it is the path of the brave ones, of heroes, of proud men. It is the path of those who are prepared to die for it. In spite of my warnings you took initiation. Now let me see how you escape.
How long will you sleep in the night of infatuation? If you desire to accept the words of the guru, first pass the test. Those who have full pockets will one day find them empty; those who have intellect will remain unenlightened; those who are doubters will wander in darkness.
It is the duty of the disciple to go according to the oral, written or inspired commands of the guru. It is the duty of the disciple to think according to the spoken, written or inspired thoughts of the guru. Let me take into my hands the reins of each one of your thoughts and actions. When I call you to the tenth gate, come there quickly. Do not fear, this is not the secret yoga of the Himalayas. This is the word of God. I say it because I know it to be so. Do not treat me as if I am a book, or else you will grope in darkness.
If I make a determination to do something, I shall surely accomplish it. If I am unable to perform even an ordinary thing, how can I ever execute any great task? Great tasks have small beginnings. I desire you to become a dynamo and work for eighteen to twenty hours a day, move like a rocket, speak like a leader, think like me, sleep like Napoleon, live in the world like a jivanmukta, and move into every nook and corner of life like a hurricane. Give up your ideas about femininity. Like a soldier of god, be independent, frank, fearless and forward.
I have not made anyone my surety. I am my own surety. One who has faith in my credit will believe in me. One who hasn’t, won’t. Is the world to be my guarantee? Is my surety worth a trifle? Look at them; they do not believe in my credit and seek out strangers. Such persons who have eyes to see and yet behave like blind men are really stupid ones and deceive themselves. To prove their innocence, they simply proclaim that, “I am doing this work with faith in God.” But I declare that whatever I do, I do according to my inner convictions. Let those who wish to believe in me do so, or else remain where they are.
PARAMAHAMSA SATYANANDA SARASWATI
"O Bhiku"
Keep on Moving
With compassion and love
For the happiness of many
For the well-being of many"
Let people come forward for sannyas and karma sannyas. Respect all systems, all philosophies and all religions; that is the only way for growth in spiritual life. You should see no difference in the different paths, and that is how you go ahead in spiritual life.
For a sannyasin, all the funeral ceremonies are done at the time of initiation, because when you take sannyas you are supposed to die and get reborn immediately in the same body.
Sannyas is not only for those who have exhausted their desires. It is the key to a fuller life, it is the universal path on which we are able to fulfil our basic need to expand our experience and awareness of life by working in the world for the evolution of all beings.
When a sannyasin realises that his body, his mind, his intellect and his resources are for one particular purpose, then everything is solved. He begins to feel, "This body is net mine and everything I have is not mine", and then he becomes a sannyasin.
Sannyas is not for perfect people. It Is for those who want to make their life spiritually dynamic.
Whenever you want to take sannyas you are ready.
Whatever my sannyasins are they are dearest to me, and those who have worn this geru dress even for one night, I consider be blessed.
Once you have taken sannyas everything is booked. You can not, you should not, use any of yourself for your own pleasure. Therefore a sannyasin is one who has created an endowment, a trust, of all his physical, mental, emotional, social end economic, resources, and all those resources are directed for one purpose. That purpose is the Guru's order. Whatever your Guru decides far you, you are to do it.
Sannyas is the ultimate point of evolution. It is there that you dedicate yourself to the path of enlightenment, wholly and completely.
Even if you only live the life of a sannyasin for fifteen days, it will enrich you with very deep and abiding experiences, it will create a new type of mind, personality and man.
The lives of sannyasins are a moving panorama of success through struggle, harmony through conflict, of noble attainment through selfless service. Their lives act as printers and are an assurance to all seekers, no matter what their nationality, religion or creed, as in their lives is seen what all men of all nations, of all countries call great. Their lives offer a message to strife-ridden humanity, a message of love and service, of hope and courage and burning optimism, a message for now!
A sannyasin tries to flow with the river of life, to let things happen in the way that they must.
A sannyasin tries to accept whatever is; he takes whatever comes and responds accordingly.
The Sannyasin should see all things equally.
A sannyasin should be realistic.
A sannyasin's life should be based on experience and not on blind belief. A sannyasin should not accept blindly other people's words. He should listen and try to find out the truth behind the words for himself.
A sannyasin must be like a phoenix and arise to a renewed life.
The sannyasi alone lives for the world. The world looks to its own happiness, whereas the Sannyasi looks to the happiness of the world.
Remember that the status of a sannyasi is an immortal one. It is eternal and full of bliss.
Remember that there has never been a sannyasin, nor will there aver be one, who has not had samskaras, karma and dharma to work through. Please know that when you are working through these times, they may not be pleasant, they may be very hard times, but they can be overcome. You can overcome any and all of them. It depends on you. You must be strong. Do not let them take hold of you. You should know that you can rise above them.
After one has accepted sannyas he belongs to all, not to any particular group or individual.
The moment you take sannyas, forget that you were born to family. Forget that you were meant to love or be loved.
The geru colour is a symbol of detachment and trial dedication. It also represents the calm, peaceful, serene, dynamism in one's personality. Nowadays, when we wear geru. It represents our spiritual tradition and symbolises our renunciation.
The sannyasin must face everything within him.
The traditional period for sannyas training is twelve years, as that is the time required for changing or transmuting the mental patterns and samskaras from gross to subtle; from mundane to spiritual.
In sannyas you have no protection, you have no defences, you have no bunkers there. All the evil propensities of mind attack you on the open ground - you do not know where to hide!
A sannyasin cannot escape from the dark and naked and cruel realities of the mind,
There has to be a fundamental and qualitative change, if not a complete change, in the structure of the thinking of a sannyasin.
A sannyasin does not care what is happening. Death and birth mean nothing to him. Prosperity and poverty mean nothing to him. Tragedy and comedy mean nothing to him. For the sannyasin both are a kind of dream.
Swami Sivanandaji said on the day of my sannyas: "A sannyasin can repeat any mantra, any time, according to his whim. He can practise 'Om' one day, 'Om Namah Shivaya' another day. Shakti mantra on the third day, because a sannyasin sees oneness in all.
Duty to your own spiritual evolution, and duty to the spiritual evolution of the community, are equally important.
Irregularity in practice is the main obstacle in yoga sadhana. Some means must be found to remove it. If in everyday activities and performance of social duties you cannot find time, you should do japa mentally and remember God’s name anywhere, anytime. External causes do not obstruct the sadhana. Laziness and indifference constitute the chief obstacles to one’s practice of yoga. You are aware that the path of spiritual practice and attainment of perfection is at first difficult; in the middle it becomes active and energizing and finally it becomes successful. This is not true in regard to you alone, but it is true in respect of practitioners of philosophical mysticism, who also find their way difficult in the early stages. You are inclined towards the study of yoga. You have only to continue to practice it slowly and steadily. Gradually your practice will advance automatically.
Even in the midst of the distractions of daily life, you can bring before your mental vision the image of your desired deity. You can even practice japa, but you cannot practice sadhana with steadfast attention immediately. To make sadhana gradually more and more indwelling is the only remedy for people in active life.
The path of sadhana is not difficult. If you regard it as difficult, where else do you find smooth sailing in life? The conditions of life to which we are accustomed are hard indeed, but the mind is used to them and does not feel so. Sadhana is a new venture, the first step in the march by the divine to victory over the animal in man. Its practice will surely take some time. Merge this practice with your daily routine, with devotion and courage. Those who wish to move forward have to raise one foot at each advancing step.
As soon as the guru’s slap is received, luck takes a turn and one comes to one’s senses. You have not received diksha only, you have received raksha (protection) also from me. Do not be afraid. No soul of a lower category will be able to make you its medium. For you are already reserved for the descent of the divine spirit. You need not think when and how the divine spirit will enter into your being. If you are afraid by night, sleep in your pooja room. If this is not possible, sleep upstairs every Thursday, for this day is earmarked for you to receive knowledge.
Let your inner consciousness be natural in meditation. First of all, there should be an attitude of indwelling, then experience of consciousness and finally pure consciousness alone. This practice easily succeeds. All this will automatically take place during the practice of ajapa. Get ready for shaktipat. But it has no relation to spiritual illumination. Do not think that after shaktipat you have reached the goal. Even after this you have to begin at the beginning. You may not be aware of the rules of shaktipat.
Before your initiation you practiced levitation. Do not begin it now, lest your nerve centres be destroyed by combustion, and your capillaries dilated for lack of vitality because of the family life you lead. You should be urdhwaretas for twelve years and then practice pranayama for levitation. Give up all ideas of levitation at the start.
On the plane of consciousness, guru and Govinda are one. But in yoga, a living guru is necessary, even though one may meditate on Govinda. The guru alone knows the way to the destination. His commands are heard in the causal body through ajna chakra. Consciousness may dwell deep within, supporting itself on Govinda, but who except the guru will show the way thereafter? Then the name will change, ajapa will change, devotion will change, nirati will change. Know this secret.
Give up living on the plane of intellect. How long this obsession? Let thoughts go; let intellect go. If this continues, I may not give you the key. Not only will you have to follow my instructions, but my unseen commands too. Even if I speak from above the sky you will have to listen through ajna chakra. You must get up when I wake you at three in the morning. Sometimes, you do follow my commands but your ego gets in the way and a higher life is forgotten. Nothing can be achieved if you ignore my commands.
There is selfishness in you, there is hypocrisy in you, there is cleverness in you – terrible storms are concealed within you. O seeker, know first of all that you can deceive everyone, but you cannot cheat yourself. Before initiating you, how often did I remonstrate you and tell you that my path was not the path of those who know how to whisper in the ears only, but that it is the path of the brave ones, of heroes, of proud men. It is the path of those who are prepared to die for it. In spite of my warnings you took initiation. Now let me see how you escape.
How long will you sleep in the night of infatuation? If you desire to accept the words of the guru, first pass the test. Those who have full pockets will one day find them empty; those who have intellect will remain unenlightened; those who are doubters will wander in darkness.
It is the duty of the disciple to go according to the oral, written or inspired commands of the guru. It is the duty of the disciple to think according to the spoken, written or inspired thoughts of the guru. Let me take into my hands the reins of each one of your thoughts and actions. When I call you to the tenth gate, come there quickly. Do not fear, this is not the secret yoga of the Himalayas. This is the word of God. I say it because I know it to be so. Do not treat me as if I am a book, or else you will grope in darkness.
If I make a determination to do something, I shall surely accomplish it. If I am unable to perform even an ordinary thing, how can I ever execute any great task? Great tasks have small beginnings. I desire you to become a dynamo and work for eighteen to twenty hours a day, move like a rocket, speak like a leader, think like me, sleep like Napoleon, live in the world like a jivanmukta, and move into every nook and corner of life like a hurricane. Give up your ideas about femininity. Like a soldier of god, be independent, frank, fearless and forward.
I have not made anyone my surety. I am my own surety. One who has faith in my credit will believe in me. One who hasn’t, won’t. Is the world to be my guarantee? Is my surety worth a trifle? Look at them; they do not believe in my credit and seek out strangers. Such persons who have eyes to see and yet behave like blind men are really stupid ones and deceive themselves. To prove their innocence, they simply proclaim that, “I am doing this work with faith in God.” But I declare that whatever I do, I do according to my inner convictions. Let those who wish to believe in me do so, or else remain where they are.
PARAMAHAMSA SATYANANDA SARASWATI
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