Tapovanakuti, Uttarkashi,
Tehri, Himalayas
8-11-1951

It is several days since the letter was received. The food parcel arrived even earlier.

Incidentally Swami Chinmayanandaji happened to tell me of the dispassion, fasting and other religious observances of the couple (to whom the letters were addressed) imbued with their firm devotion to the godly way of life. It is a matter of regret that in sending replies and directions to even such deserving people there is so much delay owing to my habitual indifference. Hope the old warning not to get worried or vexed over the delay will be remembered.

Concentrate your mind upon japa and meditation. As a rule in the early morning (brahma muhurta) and night, sit in a firm posture as long as possible and go on repeating the names of God. Also meditate upon His form. In the early stages the mind will be prone to stray but don’t give up practices. If one has sincere faith in God and love for Him the exercise can give him only joy; in no way can it disgust him.

Moderation in conversation is a great sadhana. As far as possible talk of God. Don’t pollute your mind with petty talk of love and hate. Avoid criticism of other people. Spend not much time listening to news and newspapers. Keep away from bad company, for it will upset the mind. Now and then observe a day of silence. Eat only pure and satvik food. Never eat too much. Impure or excessive food will put aspirants into difficulties. On some days it is good to eat fruits alone or fast completely. Along with it, it would be better to keep silence and devote entire time to the worship of God.

Reading books of devotion and self knowledge and consideration of their purport for an hour or two daily will help to lift the mind above worldly affairs and strengthen the spirit of dispassion. Association with mahatmas is still more beneficial. No book, no scriptures, can confer the same degree of benefit. But real sadhus are, of course, rare and chances to associate with them are rarer still in these days. In the circumstances a study of the works of ancient sadhus will be something of a substitute for personal contact. What else can be done?

Try to raise the mind above such pairs as pleasure and pain, friend and foe, honour and dishonour. Maintain equanimity. But all this will be possible – the mind will rise above all these - only if the goal is Godhead and nothing else. If the mind plunges into the thought of God and immerses in it, when will it have the time and the opportunity to think of honour and dishonour, etc.?

Balance of mind is moksha. It is God realisation. It is all transcending peace, all transcending bliss. It is the Supreme object of human life. All spiritual sadhanas start aiming at it. Perpetual delight of the mind in God principle is its real balance.

Affectionately,

Swami Tapovanam