In this world, when we look at some, it appears as if they love us. But we should not be fooled by this, mistaking it to be true. Any shopkeeper would greet a potential customer with a smiling face and a pleasing talk. This is only out of his own vested interests. Those who are really interested in our welfare would lock up their love deep inside but outwardly appear to be stern. ⁰¹⁹⁷

In spite of constantly driving the ants away from sweets they keep coming towards it. But if we put some ant-repellant around the sweets, the ants cannot get inside to the sweets. Similarly, lust, anger and fear would constantly pester our mind. We cannot avoid the attack of these on our mind by our intelligence. But if we keep chanting the names of the Lord (Bhagavan Naama) constantly, the Bhagavan Naama would prevent these detrimental tendencies from afflicting our mind. Bhagavan Naama is our sole refuge all the time, everywhere.

Divine incarnations (Avatara Purushas) can get anything accomplished by their sheer wish and will. The reason for involving us in their work is solely to give us this good fortune of participating in their activities. To quote an example, a father when he goes to the marketplace would also take his son who is adamant to accompany him and gives his little son a small bag to carry along to make him feel as if he is carrying it all. The work that the Avatara Purushas give their devotees to carry out are akin to this. ⁰⁷⁹⁸

If we lack faith, even if God himself appears before us, we would take him to be someone else and get duped. If only we have faith, God shall manifest even in a stone and talk to us. Only Faith is the underlying base for everything.⁰⁶⁹⁸

A Guru is like a sugar coated pill. Out of love, we put the pill in our mouth in a hurry. Then, we find that we can neither spit it out, nor swallow it completely! The medicine has to be assimilated. It gets digested only after it destroys the ego (Ahamkara) and the 'sense of possessiveness' (Mamakara) of the disciple.⁰⁶⁹⁸

There are sacred words (Mantras) which can cure ailments. If someone wants to perfect a Mantra that can cure scorpion-bites, he needs to chant the respective Mantra constantly whenever he gets the time. Only then can he master the Mantra to get the desired results. If he does the Japam of that mantra only when someone comes to him for a cure, it would never produce results. Similarly, we should practice Japam of a Naama even while we lead a comfortable life. If we do so, we would never get caught in problems. Even if we do, Naama Japam would automatically resolve it. This is much better (the best) than Chanting the Naama only after we land into some difficulty ⁰⁶⁹⁸

Some, just by the virtue of coming from a lineage subscribing to the Sri Sankara's philosophy, claim that Advaita (Monism) is correct. Some, just because they are born in a Sri Vaishnava family claim that only Vishistadvaitham (qualified Monism) is true. Some others hailing from a Madhva family maintain that Dwaitham (Dualism) is correct. I don't know which is true. But all I know is that 'Naama sankirtanam' (singing Lord's names) is the correct path for all.⁰⁶⁹⁸

The Indian system of Astronomy itself stands a good proof to the fact that our ancient sages and seers had an intuitive vision. Each and every thing that they told by their sheer power of meditation, without any sophisticated equipment is being proved to be a fact by the present day scientists. Such great sages are the ones who gave us the Sastras (scriptures).⁰¹⁹⁸

Rather than trying to reform many while leading a wanton life himself, is it not (far) better for the person to lead a disciplined life himself, even if he is unable to reform others? ⁰¹⁹⁸

A disciple should never attempt to analyze his Guru's strengths and weaknesses. He should always follow his master's words. As the Bengali proverb goes, " My guru, even if he visits a liquor shop, is pure and ever-blissful; Even if my Guru goes to places filled with drunkards and sinners, he is still the blemishless and pure Guru to me". ⁰¹⁹⁸

When I perform my daily pooja, I find that, at times, somehow a few blades of grass manage to get to the Holy Feet of the Lord along with the Tulasi leaves offered in 'Archarana'. This makes me think that by taking refuge in a saint even the lowliest of the low souls reach the holy feet of the Lord. ⁰⁷⁹⁵

Some come to me and tell me that they would extend their assistace if only I would express my needs to them. But my reply to them is, "Whatever I - who have surrendered to Vasudeva - now have are those that I need. Those that I do not possess are those that I do not need. If at any time I do need something it then comes to me of its own accord." ⁰⁷⁹⁵

If someone refuses to believe in God or Guru, the loss is not for the Guru or God. ⁰⁷⁹⁵

In this world, people with faith in God also undergo troubles and hardships. But God never forsakes them. The more the hardships the closer the devotee gets to God. ⁰⁷⁹⁵

We send our child to the school. At school he behaves well, is respectful towards everyone and earns a good name but does not study the lessons at all. Of what use is this? The very purpose of sending him to school viz. to sudy, is defeated. Similarly, to lead a life of truthfulness and discipline without devotion to the Lord is of little worth. ⁰⁷⁹⁵

Sin does not touch the person who constantly chants the name of Hari. The person shall also have no dearth for prosperity. Is there an easier way than this? ⁰⁷⁹⁵

Do not get carried away by high-sounding spiritual practices like self-enquiry, Raja yoga, Srividya puja, Meditation etc.etc. It is certain that if one constantly chants a naama, he would be led to perfection and liberation. ⁰⁷⁹⁵

Divinity is something that manifests from within us of its own accord. If we keep on striving it will manifest itself at the right time.

As ordained by a Mahatma when a person renders service, with faith and devotion, he need not worry about his lack of effort in Sadhanas like Japam or Meditation. Dedicated service to a Mahatma is a sadhana in itself.

God knows what, when and how to do and through whom to get things done. Casting all our burden at His Lotus Feet, we should learn to lead a joyous life.

To be continued....