| Excerpts from some of the books by Poojya Swamiji |
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Vedantic Way of Living
"Vedanta enables us to understand life fully and work our way to perfection, harmony and fulfillment. It is not reserved for Sanyasins and scholars, and certainly not a pastime for the old. A right understanding of Vedanta will make a man excel in whatever field he is. The earlier one takes to this path the better."
"It is not at all important whether you believe in this God, that God or no-God. The point is what you do and how you live with your belief."
In this book, Swamiji deals with the essentials of Karmayoga, Bhaktiyoga, Jnanayoga and Dhyanayoga. Revealing how all these paths are beautifully harmonized in the comprehensive canvas of Vedanta, he finally unfolds before the reader "The Right Way of Living."
Dear Souls, Become Human First
"Religion started from man, not from God. It is for man, not for God. It has therefore to end with man. For that it must conform to the practical needs of man's own life here and succeed in fulfilling his intrinsic aspiration and urges, whatever they are."
***
From Manliness to Godliness' is the usual call reaching us from all sides, as we try to walk along the path of sadhana.
And yet here comes a Sage, with a message breath-takingly fresh and profound, exhorting us to become human first before trying to become divine. Indeed, it is in a full and free human-hood alone, he says, that the climax and perfection of a true spiritual endeavor best expressed.
Religion or spirituality is born, not out of divine realms, but from the everyday world of man. As such, it has to be effective not only in the temples and puja-rooms but in the din and bustle of the market-place as well. Religion, in reality, does not consist of all the usual rituals and worship that is done, either to seek boons from the All-mighty God or to appease his wrath. It has a much more human, and vital, purpose - that of understanding and then working upon the basic aspirations and urges of man, thereby leading him on towards progressively higher levels of lovingness, refinement, wisdom, and ultimately fulfillment. How all this can come about is indicated in the following pages.
Dear Souls, Become Human First is the initial volume of a series to follow, consisting of chosen articles of abiding worth and value from the pages of 'Vichara-Setu,' the English monthly brought out by Swamiji since the last two decades from his Narayanashrama Topovanam in Trichur, Kerala.
May these words of inspiration and supreme wisdom, flowing form the pen of an illumined Knower himself, spread far and wide, blessing, comforting and guiding as many seekers of Truth as possible.
***
Quietitude of the Mind
The word Quietitude has been used in this book to convey the essential meaning of the Sanskrit word Upasama as used in Yogavasishtha Ramayana. It denotes the transcendental serenity and poise of the mind gained by a process of enlightenment and sublimation - the subject discussed throughout the book, which is a condensation of the Upasama Prakarana of Yogavasishtha Ramayana, supplemented with in-depth discussions on important spiritual concepts.
The 'serenity' implied by 'quietitude' does not in any way exclude the external activities and involvement. In fact, the attainment of this enlightened subjective depth and fullness empowers one to pursue activities to a far greater magnitude, nevertheless remaining anchored to the actionless Subject within. What more? It has its unique sublimating influence on everything around, be it a place, a person or an event.
