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“From the life histories of several Mahans it is seen that they had not followed any ‘ãchãra anushttãna’ (leading the life as prescribed by the Shastras) even before attaining the Lord. Therefore, I wonder why should I follow such prescribed norms. Moreover, I also feel that there is no connection between these and the attainment of God.”

Sri Swamiji:

“You are quite right! Since the incomplete Sadhanãs (spiritual practice) performed in their earlier births follow them in this birth, severe ‘ãchãra anushtãna’, as required to be followed by others, is not required by such Mahans. There is indeed a vast difference in the sadhana performed with ‘ãchãra anushttãna’ and that performed without it. Darshan of the Truth is attained quickly by those who do sadhana with ‘ãchãra anushttãna’.”

“I have received ‘Upadesa’ (initiation) from a Guru and am practicing dhyãna daily. Recently I had gone out of Town on some official duty. I then took up a room in a lodging house. As soon as I entered the room, deep lustful desires that I had never before experienced rose up in me. What is the reason for this?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Generally, every place in the cosmic is affected by the thought waves of the people living in that place. It may be that before you some young couple might have occupied this room. Therefore, that room must have been filled with their thought waves and lust filled thoughts must have risen up in you. So, those who practise dhyãna, during their visits out of Town should, as far as possible, avoid staying in such cottages, lodges; instead, they should stay in ashrams or in places where Sadhus live.”

“During the performance of ‘homams’ articles are offered in ‘agni’ (fire) at the end of each Mantra uttering the sound ‘swãha’. What is the meaning of ‘swãha’?”

Sri Swamiji:

“ ‘Swãha’ is the name of Agni Deva’s wife. Don’t we use a word to denote a thing? The way a word and its name (the word used to symbolize it) cannot be separated, just so Agni Deva and Agni Deva’s wife cannot be separated. “Homam’ is performed only by uttering Agni Deva’s wife’s name.”

“Usually, all those who live around a Mahatma do not understand him. But, how is it that those who live far away come to him to receive his blessings?”

Sri Swamiji:

“Several lotuses bloom in a pond. Such lotuses contain high quality honey. The insects and frogs living in the same pond do not realize this. Thus, they do not drink up this honey. But, don’t bees coming from elsewhere sit on these lotuses and enjoy the honey? It is the same in this case, too. It is not necessary that one should comprehend the value of the Mahatma due to mere proximity. Only those who have the power to comprehend it can realize the value.”

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