Srimati Carrie
Speaks on "Healthy Mind"
Sunday, October 25, 2015 at 11:00am
(Originally the service was to be conducted by Swami Kamalananda. The text below was offered by her.)
No one doubts the importance of maintaining a strong and resilient mind and many are the current approaches to support its “health” throughout life. Some emphasize activities and techniques that FOCUS the mind while others would promote ways to EXPAND the mind. Which is preferable? Let us see!
Understanding the nature of the mind and its powers in the light of Yoga is of supreme importance to our faith and to God-realization. You never need to fear loss of memory or diminishment of mind with age. The mind can always be your most trustworthy resource and unfailing companion on the spiritual path. Let us see how!
—S.K.
From the Gurus and Swamis: AUM
"Let us follow the example of great masters. Let us sow the seed of wisdom, inwardly, by watering it daily in deep meditation. Only by steadfast self-discipline can we achieve true and lasting happiness.
"To foolish people this inner work seems a prescription for self-torture. Self-discipline, however, is the only way to bring the unruly mind under control. Only when the mind is calm and focused can one reap maximum benefits from life.
"By self-discipline we succeed in transforming sorrow-producing patterns of behavior into those which give inner joy. By self-discipline the mind gradually frees itself from the meshes of delusion. By self-discipline applied to meditation one finds the highway to lasting inner happiness."
—from THE RUBAIYAT OF OMAR KHAYYAM by Swami Yogananda Paramhansa
"There are two types of mind, restless and serene.
Within the serene mind is reflected the reality and glory of God.
God rewards his devotee. The reward of God is the revelation of his perfection.
"He who has seen the light of God within him never again walks in spiritual darkness. He remains constantly aware of the sacredness of his body, the righteousness of his mind, the purity of his heart and the divinity of his soul."
—SAYINGS OF SHYAMACHARAN LAHIRI Swami Premananda, translator
"The prerequisite for sending out the radiation of peace is one’s own living in poise, mental calmness and transcendental vision. The basic principle of compassion and joyousness is the feeling of oneness with all that surrounds us together with the realization of transcendental identity in absolute perfection. Equanimity is attained and preserved only when one can keep his mind free from becoming identified with the objective world. Peace is possible only for the free mind and not for the mind that is enslaved by the emotions. Action must bring peace to its performer, for the universal manifestation most surely carries within itself the power of peace."
—Swami Premananda, from THE WAY OF WISDOM AND SELF-ILLUMINATION (Buddha)
Noble Thoughts: ("Let Noble Thoughts come to us from all sides." —Rigveda)
Therefore I say unto you, what things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.
—Mark 11:22 THE NEW TESTAMENT of the BIBLE
Spiritual words are potent with divine power. Repeat, incessantly repeat, spiritual words (mantram or Harinam), and gradually your body will become quiet and sanctified, and your mind serene and pure; and your soul will bring you perfect peace.
—Chaitannya (from THE WAY OF WISDOM AND SELF-LIBERATION, Swami Premananda
Dim not the consciousness of purity even when the lamp of life emits its last flicker in this world. Carry in your heart absolute faith in the ultimate good; gain wisdom and remain firmly established therein; follow not the luring beck of ignorance: This is the law of virtue in this world; this is the way of happiness in life.
—from DHAMMAPADA, The Path of the Eternal Law, translated by Swami Premananda