Guidance from the Guru

(Letter 13)

Swami Tapovan Maharaj

Om Narayana Smriti

Uttarkasi,
4-4-1953

Writing with good wishes.

Again and again I may say ‘carry on the worship of God uninterruptedly with faith and devotion’. The same is the substance of all previous letters. “Worship of God” is a general phrase. The four sadhanas – bhakti, jnana, yoga, karma – may be indicated by the general term. Once a particular sadhana is chosen, persevere in it with more and more zest and devote to it more and more time. Of Bhakti, Jnana etc. make your choice; choose one and follow it. Pilgrimages, fasts, reading or listening to the reading of Puranas etc. should be common to all sadhakas. These are beneficial to all. Besides attending to them every one must by one particular sadhana, endeavour to lead the mind to the presence of Truth.

There are two types of sadhanas : general and particular. Even the common, daily rites such as bathing and eating are reckoned among sadhanas . They are all helps to reach the presence of God, step by step. Purification of mind is absolutely necessary to sadhanas like Bhakti and Jnana. Those who are not qualified to practise any particular sadhana are advised by the scriptures to follow only the general sadhanas . On the contrary, those who are qualified must adopt some particular sadhana and practise it along with the general, so as to rouse, develop and strengthen either bhakti or jnana.

Hope everything is OK. This reply has been very much delayed owing to the peculiar circumstances here.

Be calm in every situation. Be cheerful. Let not worry or sorrow touch you. This is the ultimate and supreme goal of spiritual life.

Affectionately,

Swami Tapovanam