Namaskar in Sri Bhagavan
I am writing to you from Bhagavan’s Skanda Ashram in Nova Scotia. It is the evening and all is quiet and still. At this moment hardly a leaf rustles and the only noise from without is the continuous flow of the nearby stream. While sitting here amidst this refuge of nature I have been thinking of a few things I would like to tell you.
First of all, I have no doubt that Bhagavan has blessed you to be His servant and instrument here in the West. He has certainly captured you in His jaws of grace and will not loosen His grip and allow you to return to the world of desires and delusions. At the right time, when He wills it, He will devour you totally. You need not ever fret about being lost or abandoned. He knows and is watching and will do what is best for you at the appointed time. You must have firm faith in this and never allow the mind to entertain any doubts in this matter.
Secondly, it is important that you keep this vehicle (the body) in good running order. If the body weakens so will the mind and you will be plagued with both mental and physical problems. When that happens it is difficult to detach yourself from the body and the mind. So try your best to keep strong and healthy by eating regular meals in moderation on a routine bases.
...Bhagavan has said: “Small desires such as the desire to eat, drink and sleep and attend to calls of nature, though these may also be classed among desires, you can safely satisfy. They will not implant vasanas in your mind, necessitating further birth. Those activities are just necessary to carry on life and are not likely to develop or leave behind vasanas or tendencies.” So eat regular meals, stay strong and forget completely about food between meals. If you get into this routine you will not think about food much and your mind will be free to direct it towards your ideal.
We should never allow the mind dwell on our perceived failings, whatever they may be. Simply say with sincerity, “Bhagavan, forgive me. I will try to do better in the future.” Then leave it, go on and don’t think of it anymore. Bhagavan has said to continue to thinking about your omissions or commissions injects the misdeed with greater power to influence your mind negatively. We should never think we are sinners or we are a failure.
Ignorance alone is sin. Bhagavan knows our heart and if we submit to Him and remember Him we will always come out right in the end.
To the best of our abilities we must practice the Yamas and Niyamas as mentioned in the book Spiritual Instruction. Following these principles will promote happiness and contentment.
In fact, we should regulate our lives in such a way that we are totally occupied with one pure endeavor or another throughout the day. Idleness will carry our mind away to places we should avoid. So never remain idle but keep fixed and pursue the path taught by Bhagavan.
We should speak little and sweetly. Bhagawat used to always quote the Sanskrit verse: “Speak the truth; speak the truth sweetly; do not speak the unpleasant truth.”
Serve all that come to the Ashram with kindness and attention. Be generous in overlooking any shortcomings observed in others, and most of all, be cheerful. Always remember how fortunate you are to have been led on to this royal path in life. Bhagavan has shown you the path to perfection and is guiding you on it. Await His pleasure and be joyous, trusting fully in His Divine Presence.
Please remember all these things daily. Do not allow the mind to trick you into thoughts of despair, loneliness and sadness. He knows, and I am certain that He will not fail you.