The Three
Governing Factors of Sadhana (spiritual practice)
by
Swami Sivananda
Many people even after studying classic works
on religion and philosophy, do not know what they should do in practice to
attain the goal of life, viz., God-realization, and they seek enlightenment on
this. The three things essential for God-realization are:
1) constant remembrance of God,
2)
cultivation of virtues and
3) spiritualization of all activities.
1. Constant remembrance of God:
1. Constant remembrance of God:
There may be breaks in the beginning, but by
repeated practice, gradually you can have constant remembrance. Constant mental
repetition of God's Name (Namasmarana), alone is possible for the vast majority
of people. Awakening of Kundalini and raising of Brahmakara Vritti are very,
very difficult, but when the mind is purified, they would come automatically.
2. Cultivation of virtues:
2. Cultivation of virtues:
Of all virtues Ahimsa (non-injury), Satya (truthfulness) and Brahmacharya (celibacy)
are the most important. If one is established in one virtue, all other virtues
will cling to him. Watch the Vrittis (thoughts, mental and emotional
modifications). Introspect. Develop purity in thought, word and deed. In the
beginning, practise at least physical purity. Then mental purity will come by
itself.
3.
Spiritualisation of all activities:
Feel you are an instrument in the
Lord's hands
and that all the Indriyas (senses) belong to Him. Repeat the formula: "I am Thine; all is Thine; Thy Will be
done." It is a beautiful formula for self-surrender. You may forget
this formula and egoism may assert itself. But introspect again and again and
find out your weakness. Try to be established in the feeling, "I am an
instrument in the hands of the Lord." Remember the Gita verse:
SELF-SURRENDER & INSTRUMENTALITY
Whatever you do, or eat, or offer in sacrifice, or give, or practice as austerity, do it as an offering unto Me. - Bhagavad Gita IX-27
Abandoning all duties, take refuge in Me (the Lord) alone; I will liberate thee
from all sins, grieve not. - Bhagavad Gita
XVIII-66
These are
Saranagati formulas (formulas of Self-surrender)
After the day's work, offer whatever you have done to God. Do not identify yourself with actions. Feel that you are doing your duty as a detached instrument of the Lord's benevolence.
Kayena vacha manasendriyairva
buddhyatmana va prakritessvabhavat,
Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai
Narayanayeti samarpayami.
Offer all actions and their fruits to God. Then you will not be bound. In this way you should spiritualise all your activities. Feel that the whole world is a manifestation of the Lord and you are serving the Lord in all names and forms, and whatever you do-your actions and the results thereof consecrate to the Lord. Then your heart will be purified and will be ready to receive the divine light and grace.
After the day's work, offer whatever you have done to God. Do not identify yourself with actions. Feel that you are doing your duty as a detached instrument of the Lord's benevolence.
Kayena vacha manasendriyairva
buddhyatmana va prakritessvabhavat,
Karomi yadyat sakalam parasmai
Narayanayeti samarpayami.
Offer all actions and their fruits to God. Then you will not be bound. In this way you should spiritualise all your activities. Feel that the whole world is a manifestation of the Lord and you are serving the Lord in all names and forms, and whatever you do-your actions and the results thereof consecrate to the Lord. Then your heart will be purified and will be ready to receive the divine light and grace.
SUREST METHOD
Therefore, practice the three requisites: constant remembrance of God, spiritualising your activities and cultivating virtues.
These three are very important. Practise them. This is the easiest, the quickest and the surest method for attaining God-realization.
This Atman is hidden in all beings, but it is seen only by subtle seers through their sharp and subtle intellect. - Katha Upanishad
The intellect should be razor-sharp if you wish to understand the Brahma Sutras properly. All are not meant for it. Even then practical experience is essential.
Therefore, to the vast majority, constant remembrance of the Lord, spiritualization
of all activities and cultivation of virtues. Ahimsa (Non-violence), Satya (Thruhfullness), Brahmacharya (Celibacy), form
the most important part of Sadhana. These also constitute the noble eightfold
path of Lord Buddha. These also correspond to the "Sermon on the
Mount" of Lord Jesus. These are the essentials in all religions. So,
kindly practice these, and attain God-realization. Love all. Be good and do
good.
May Lord bless you all.