Daily Messages - 2026

Messages from Swami Dayatmananda

1 January 2026

KALPATARU & NEW YEAR GREETINGS

ON THIS AUSPICIOUS OCCASION PLEASE ACCEPT MY HEARTY PRAYERS AND GREETINGS.

MAY SRI RAMAKRISHNA AND HOLY MOTHER GRANT US BHAKTI, JNANA, DEEP FAITH, STRENGTH AND STEADFASTNESS.

MAY THE NEW YEAR BRING US ALL PEACE AND HAPPINESS.

(The Master's self-revelation and blessings to the disciples)

It was the first day of January 886. As the Master felt rather well that day, he expressed a desire to come out of his room and have a walk in the garden for some time. It was a holiday and the householder devotees came one by one and in groups, shortly after midday.

Thus, when the Master came downstairs at three in the afternoon, more than thirty people were engaged in conversation in the garden under the trees, or inside the house.

He came down to the garden path through the western door of the hall on the ground floor and was slowly proceeding southward to the gate when they all followed him at a little distance.

When he came to the middle of the path leading to the gate, he saw Girish, Ram, Atul and a few others, sitting under the trees to the west of the path. They also saw him and saluted him from there and came joyfully to him.

The Master addressed Girish, all of a sudden before anybody had spoken a word, and said, "Girish, I find, you say to one and all everywhere so many things about 'this' (that I am an incarnation of God); what have you seen and understood (about me) to make you do so? “Girish remained completely unmoved, and kneeling down on the ground near the Master's feet, said in a choked voice with his hands folded and face turned upwards, "What more can I say of Him, whose greatness Vyasa and Valmiki could not find words to express?”

The Master was charmed at the fervent utterance of Girish, and blessing all the devotees assembled there through their representative Girish said "What more shall I say to you? May you all be blessed with the spiritual awakening. “

Beside himself with love and compassion for the devotees, hardly had he said those few words when he entered into Bhavasamadhi.

Those words of profound blessing, untouched by the slightest tinge of the ego-sense, directly entered the devotees' hearts, where they raised high billows of bliss.

2 January 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swami Turianandaji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swami bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

(Talks By Swami Turiyananda)

To root out our old tendencies is an uphill task. But if one has the determination to say, 'What if I have once done something wrong? Now I know what it is; so, I won't do it any more', then one can progress.

About monks Swamiji used to say, 'A monk can have all his faults forgiven, but unchastity is unpardonable. He must be strictly continent.'

Swamiji moved amongst ladies, beautiful, rich, and gifted, but none could attract him. Rather he attracted them to himself. Can you understand it? "

A householder devotee once had a nice experience. He had drunk freely and was very excited. He stopped his carriage before a house of ill fame and went up the stairs.

At the head of the staircase before the door he found Shri Ramakrishna standing! He fled in shame.

Unless God saves us, there is no way out. Blessed are those who have no evil tendencies in their minds, whom He protects.

They alone are saved. None can escape from this by personal exertions. But then Shri Ramakrishna used to say, 'If you are sincere, Mother will set everything right.'

There must be sincerity, it won't do to profess one thing and meditate on another. You may pass for an honest man before others, but you cannot hoodwink yourself. You are your own witness.

So, if you pray to the Lord, with your whole heart, He cannot but listen, take my word for it.

3 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“Sri Ramakrishna would say, ‘Musk forms in the navel of the deer. Being fascinated with its smell, the deer run hither and thither. They do not know where the fragrance comes from.

Likewise, God resides in the human body, but man does not know it. Therefore, he searches everywhere for bliss, not knowing that it is already in him.”

God alone is real. All else is false.”

Control of the mind

“Everything depends on one’s mind. Nothing can be achieved without purity of mind.

It is said, ‘The aspirant may have received the grace of the Guru, the Lord, and the Vaishnava; but he comes to grief without the grace of “one’. That ‘one’ is the mind. The mind of the aspirant should be gracious to him.”

“My child, this mind is just like a wild elephant. It races with the wind. Therefore, one should discriminate all the time. One should work hard for the realization of God.”

Disciple: “I cannot concentrate my mind well during meditation. My mind is fickle and unsteady.”

Mother: “Don’t worry! Restlessness is the nature of the mind, as it is of the eyes and ears. Practise regularly. The Name of God is more powerful than the senses. Always think of the Master, who is looking after you. Don’t be troubled about your lapses.”

“Whenever the mind goes after anything other than God, consider that as transient and surrender the mind at the sacred feet of the Lord.”

4 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“The mind naturally tends towards evil deeds. It is lethargic in doing good works. Formerly I used to get up at a.m. and sit up for meditation.

One day I felt disinclined to do so on account of physical indisposition. That one day’s irregularity resulted in the upsetting of my routine for a number of days.

That is why I say that perseverance and tenacity are necessary for success in all good work.”

Mother forbade a disciple to make pilgrimages without discrimination of time and company.

Quoting from a song, she said, “‘Pilgrimage and excursion are causes of misery. Oh, my mind, don’t be restless about them. ‘You can attain more in your house, if you are really earnest.”

Regarding weakness of the mind, Holy Mother said to a disciple, “Child, this is the law of nature. Have you not noticed the full moon and the new moon? Likewise, the mind is sometimes dominated by good, and sometimes by bad tendencies.

Disciple: “Mother, my mind becomes restless now and then. It craves for enjoyments. That frightens me.”

Mother: “Don’t be afraid. I tell you that in this Kali Yuga mental sin is no sin. Free your mind from all worries on this account. You need not be afraid.”

“Can anyone altogether destroy lust? A little of it remains as long as one has the body. But it can be subdued, as a snake can be subdued by charmed dust.”

5 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Disciple: “However I may try to remove evil thoughts, I do not succeed,”

Mother: “This is the result of what you have done in your past life. Can one get rid of it by force? Cultivate good company, try to be good, and in time you will succeed. Pray to the Master. I, too, am here.”

“It is the nature of water to flow downwards, but the sun’s rays lift it up towards the sky. Likewise, it is the very nature of the mind to go to lower things, to objects of enjoyment, but the grace of God can make the mind go towards higher objects.”

Disciple: “I have been practising religious disciplines. I do not relax my efforts in that direction. But it appears that the impurities of mind are not growing less.”

Mother: “Suppose you have rolled different threads on a reel - red, black and white etc,. While unrolling you will see them all exactly in the same way.”

Disciple: “How many insignificant desires crop up in our minds! How can we get rid of them?”

Mother: “In your case these are no real desires. They are nothing. They are mere fancies that appear and disappear in your mind. The more they come and go, the better for you.

So long as the ego exists, desires also undoubtedly remain. But those desires will not injure you.”

“Don’t puzzle the mind with too many inquiries. One finds it difficult to put one single thing into practice, but dares invite distraction by filling the mind with too many things.”

6 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“The mind is everything. It is in the mind alone that one feels pure and impure.

A man, first of all, must make his own mind guilty and then alone he can see another man’s guilt. Does anything ever happen to another if you enumerate his faults? It only injures you.”

“Whenever people discuss good or evil, all those who are present have to take a little share of the good or evil. Suppose someone tells you about his good and evil deeds. Every time you think of that person you must perforce remember his good and evil deeds. In this manner his good and evil deeds both must leave some impression upon your mind.”

“All is in the mind - purity, as also impurity, is in the mind.”

“There is evil in your mind. That is why you can’t find peace.”

“It is a complex always to be suspecting impurities. The more you emphasize your obsession, the more obsessed you become. It is true of all things.”

‘‘He who has a pure mind sees everything pure.”

“On moonlit nights I would look at the moon and pray, ‘May my mind be pure as the rays of the moon! ‘or “O Lord, there are stains even on the moon, but let my mind be absolutely stainless.”

“When I was at Vrindavan, I used to visit Bankibihari (Krishna in a bent pose) and prayed to him, ‘Your form is bent, but Your mind is straight - kindly straighten the windings of my mind.’”

7 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“Do the Master’s work, and along with that practise spiritual disciplines too. Work helps one to keep off idle thoughts. If one is without work, such thoughts rush into one’s mind.”

“How can one’s mind be healthy if one doesn’t work? No one can spend all twenty - four hours in thought and meditation. So, one must engage oneself m work; it keeps the mind cheerful.”

Alluding to X -, Mother said, “Just see how impure her mind has become through idleness.”

Disciple: “Some say that one achieves nothing through work. One can succeed in spiritual life only through Japa and meditation.”

Mother: “How have they known as to what will give success and what will not? Does one achieve everything by practising Japa and meditation for a few days? Nothing whatever is achieved unless Mahamaya clears the path.

Didn’t you notice the other day that a person’s brain became deranged because he forced himself to excessive prayer and meditation? If one’s head becomes deranged, one’s life becomes useless.

The intelligence of a man is very precarious. It is like the thread of a screw. If one thread is loosened, then he goes crazy. Or he becomes entangled in the trap of Mahamaya and thinks himself to be very intelligent. He feels that he is quite all right. But if the screw is tightened in a different direction, one follows the right path and enjoys peace and happiness.

One should always recollect God and pray to Him for right understanding. How many are there who can meditate and practise Japa all the time?

At first they earnestly practise these disciplines, but their brains become heated in the long run by sitting constantly on their prayer rugs. They become very vain.

They also suffer from worries by reflecting on different things. It is much better to work than to allow the mind to roam at large.”

8 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

“The mind keeps well when engaged m work. And yet Japa, meditation, prayer also are specially needed. You must at least sit down once in the morning and again in the evening. That acts as a rudder to a boat.

When one sits in meditation in the evening, one gets a chance to think of what one has done - good or bad - during the whole day. Next one should compare the states of one’s mind in the preceding day and the present. Unless you meditate in the mornings and evenings along with work, how can you know what you are actually doing?”

“It is very necessary to have a fixed time for these things. For it cannot be said when the auspicious moment will come, it arrives so suddenly. No one gets any hint of it beforehand. Therefore, one should observe regularity, however busy one may be with duties. Even during the most intense activity, one should at least remember God and salute Him.”

“May your body and mind become pure by repeating the Name of God!”

“The Mantra purifies the body. Man becomes pure by repeating the Mantra of God.

It is said, ‘The human teacher utters the Mantra into the ear; but God breathes the spirit into the soul.’

“As wind removes the cloud, so the Name of God destroys the cloud of worldliness.”

“Do you know the significance of Japa and other spiritual practices? By these, the power of the sense-organs is subdued.”

A devotee took a tiny banyan seed and said to Mother, “Look, Mother, it is tinier even than the tiniest seed we know. From this will spring a giant tree! How strange!”

“Indeed, it will,” Mother replied. “See what a tiny seed is the Name of God. From it in time come divine moods, devotion, love, and spiritual consummation.”

9 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

“Just see the power of habit. By the law of habit man attains realization by continuous practice of Japa.”

A devotee asked her, “Mother, what is the secret?” She pointed to a small timepiece in a niche and said, “As that timepiece is ticking, so also go on repeating God’s Name. That will bring you everything. Nothing more need be done.”

“One must suffer the consequences of one’s deeds. But by repeating the Name of God, you can lessen its intensity. If you were destined to have a wound as wide as a ploughshare, you will get a pin - prick at least. The effect of Karma can be counteracted largely by Japa and austerities.”

Disciple: “Suppose I can’t do Japa of the Mantra of my chosen Deity?”

Mother:- “What do you mean? You won’t do Japa of your Mantra? What an idea! If you don’t do Japa, you lose; that affects me not in the least!”

“The boys all come and solicit me earnestly for initiation. They get it and depart. But they don’t make their Japa regularly; why regularly, some do nothing at all. They take the Mantra with so much sincerity; but why do they not practise at all? Not that it is very hard. If one but sticks to a little practice, how much joy comes to one?

Ah! With what joy and for how long Jogen (Jogin - Ma) and myself used to make Japa at Vrindavan!”

10 January 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swamiji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swamiji bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

The Master's wonderful vision about Swami Vivekananda.

"One day I saw that, through samadhi, my mind was going up by a luminous path. Going beyond the gross world studded with the sun, the moon and the stars, it entered first of all into the subtle world of ideas. The more it began to ascend to subtler and subtler strata of that realm, the more did I see beautiful ideal forms of deithes existing on both sides of the path. It came gradually to the last extremity of that region. I saw a barrier of light there separating the realm of the divisible from that of the indivisible. Leaping over it, the mind entered by degrees the realm of the indivisible. I saw that there was no more any person or thing there having a form. As if afraid to enter there, even the gods and goddesses possessing heavenly bodies exercised their authority only over realms far below.

But the very next moment I saw seven wise Rishis having bodies consisting of divine Light only, seated there in Samadhi. I felt that in virtue and knowledge love and renunciation, they had excelled even the gods and goddesses, not to speak of human beings.

Astonished, I was pondering over their greatness when I saw before me that a part of the homogeneous mass of Light of the "Abode of the Indivisible", devoid of the slightest tinge of difference, became solidified and converted into the form of a Divine Child.

Coming down to one of those Rishis, and throwing its soft and delicate arms round his neck, the Divine Child embraced him, and afterwards calling him with its ambrosial words, sweeter than the music of the Vina, made great efforts to wake him up from his Samadhi.

The Rishi woke up at the delicate and loving touch and looked on at that wonderful Child with halfshut eyes, free from winking. Seeing his bright face, full of delight at the sight of the Child, I thought that the Child was the treasure of his heart, and that their familiarity was a matter of eternity.

The extraordinary Divine Child then expressed infinite joy and said to him, 'I am going, you must come with me!' The Rishi said nothing at that request, but his loving eyes expressed his hearty assent.

Afterwards, looking on the Child with loving eyes, he entered again into Samadhi. Astonished, I then saw that a part of the mind and body of that Rishi, converted into the form of a bright light, came down to the earth along the reverse path. Hardly had I seen Narendra for the first time than I knew that he was the Rishi.

1. Religion is Realization.

2. All paths lead to the same goal. But one must choose a path suitable, through the Guru.

3. Jnana and Bhakti are the same.

4. Shiva Jnane Jiva seva—Practical Vedanta.

5. Without Shakti no one can do anything.

11 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

A disciple had written “I cannot calm my mind and concentrate” and so on.

Mother became agitated at these words and said, “It can be done if one repeats the Name fifteen or twenty thousand times each day, I have seen it actually happen. Let him do that first and talk afterwards if it fails. One must put one’s mind to it. But no, no one will do that. They only complain ‘Why does nothing come o f it?’”

“How can one do without Japa and meditation? These have got to be done.”

“The conjunction of day and night is the most auspicious time for calling on God. The mind remains pure at this time.”

“True it is that there is no hard and fast rule about the time of Japa, yet morning and evening are the favourable periods. Whatever the time be, you must do Japa every day. It is not good to forgo it any day.”

“One should practise Japa and meditation at regular times giving up idleness.

While living at Dakshineswar I used to get up at 3 o’clock in the morning and practise Japa and meditation.

One day I felt a little indisposed and left the bed rather late. The next day I woke up still late through laziness. Gradually I found that I did not feel inclined to get up early at all.

Then I said to myself, ‘Ah, at last I have fallen a victim to idleness.’ Thereupon I began to force myself to get up early. Gradually I got back my former habit.

In such matters one should keep up the practice with unyielding resolution.”

12 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

Disciple: “I practise Japa, but I cannot concentrate my mind.”

Mother: “Repeat the Name of God, whether your mind is concentrated or not. It will be good for you if you can repeat the Name of God for a fixed number of times daily.”

Mother told a devotee: “What a lot of work I did when I was your age! And yet I could find time to repeat my Mantra a hundred thousand times every day!”

Disciple: “Mother, shall I practise the repetition of the holy Name having in mind a fixed number of repetitions?”

Mother: “If you repeat with an eye to number, your mind may be concentrated on the number alone. Therefore, I would advise you to repeat the Name of God without being particular about the number.”

Once a devotee forgot how to count the repetitions of the Mantra on his fingers.

Mother said, “What does it matter? The purpose of all this is to direct the mind towards God.”

“Repeating the Name of God a fixed number of times, telling the rosary or counting on fingers, is calculated to direct the mind to God. The natural tendency of the mind is to run this way and that way. Through these means it is attracted to God. While repeating the name of God, if one sees His form and becomes absorbed in Him, one’s Japa stops. One gets everything when one succeeds in meditation.”

13 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

“While performing Japa, take the Name of God with utmost love, sincerity, and self - surrender. Before commencing your meditation daily, first think of your utter helplessness in this world and then slowly begin the practice of Sadhana as directed by your Guru.”

“One should meditate on one’s chosen Deity as one goes on making Japa. In meditation the face of the chosen Deity of course comes first; but one should meditate on the whole figure, starting from the feet upward.”

Disciple: “Why is it that our mind is not absorbed in God when we repeat His Name?”

Mother: “It will come about in due course. Even if the mind is not concentrated, do not give up the repetition of the holy Word. You do your duty. While repeating the Name, the mind will get fixed of itself on the ideal, like a candle flame in a place protected from the wind. It is the wind alone that makes the flame flicker. In the same way, our fancies and desires make our mind restless.”

Disciple: “Mother, why is it that the mind does not become steady? When I try to think of God, I find the mind drawn towards other objects.”

Mother: “It is wrong if the mind is drawn towards secular objects. By ‘secular objects’ is meant money, family, etc. But it is natural to think of the work in which one is engaged.

If meditation is not possible, do Japa. Realization will come through Japa. If the meditative mood comes, well and good, but by no means do it by force.”

14 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

Disciple: “Is it of any use to be merely repeating His Name without intense devotion?”

Mother: “Whether you jump into water or are pushed into it, your cloth will get drenched. Is it not so? Meditate every day, as your mind is yet immature. Constant meditation will make the mind one - pointed.

Discriminate always between the real and the unreal. Whenever you find your mind drawn to any object, think of its transitoriness, and thus try to withdraw the mind back to the thought of God.

A man was angling. A bridal party was going along the road with music. But the angler’s eye remained fixed on the float. The mind of a spiritual aspirant should be steadfast like that.”

“The mind is by nature restless. Therefore, at the outset, to make the mind steady, one may practise meditation by regulating the breathing a little. That helps to steady the mind. But one must not overdo it. That heats the brain.

You may talk of the vision of God, or of meditation, but remember, the mind is everything. One gets everything when the mind becomes steady.”

“If the mind becomes quiet of itself, then what is the need of Pranayama?”

Disciple: “Mother, I cannot concentrate my mind in meditation at all.”

Mother: “It does not matter much. Look at the picture of Sri Ramakrishna, and that will be enough.”

When a devotee complained that the impurities of his mind were not being removed in spite of his Japa and meditation, Mother said, “Through the practice of Japa they will go. How can one afford to do without these practices?”

“In time the mind itself becomes the Guru. To pray to God and meditate on Him for two minutes with full concentration is better than doing so for long hours without it.”

15 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

MEDITATION AND JAPA

Mother: “Repeating the Name of God once, with the mind controlled, is equivalent to a million repetitions with the mind away from God. You may repeat the Name for the whole day, but if the mind is elsewhere, that does not produce much result. The repetition must be accompanied by concentration. Then alone one gets the grace of God.”

“Why should not one have concentration and meditation if the mind is pure? Why should not one have God - vision? When one sits down for Japa, God’s Name will continue rising up from the mind naturally and not with effort.”

Disciple: “I find it impossible to meditate. Please awaken my Kundalini.”

Mother: “It will awaken in the course of time. Do Japa and meditation. It does not rise of itself. Continuous meditation will make the mind so steady that you will not feel inclined to give it up.

When the mind is not in a good mood to meditate, do not force it to do so. In such conditions, get up from the seat of meditation after making prostrations. Real meditation is of a spontaneous nature,”

“The Kundalini will be gradually awakened. You will realize everything by the repetition of God’s Name. Even if the mind is not quiet, still you can sit and repeat the holy Name a million times.

Before the awakening of the Kundalini, one hears the Anahata sound; but nothing can be achieved without the grace of the Divine Mother.”

“If a person is steady in meditation, he will clearly see the Lord in his heart and hear His voice. The moment an idea flashes in his mind, it will at once be fulfilled and he will be bathed in peace.”

16 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

Disciple: “How does one get the vision of God?”

Mother: “It is only through His grace. But one must practise meditation and Japa. These remove the impurities of the mind. One must practise spiritual disciplines such as worship and so forth. As one gets the fragrance of a flower by handling it, or as one gets the smell of sandalwood by rubbing it against a stone, in the same way one gets spiritual awakening by constantly thinking of God. But you can realize Him right now if you become desireless.”

“The mind gets purified after hard Tapasya. Without regular practice nothing can be attained.”

“The mind is rendered pure as the result of many austerities. ‘God who is purity itself cannot be attained without austerities.

What else does one obtain by the realization of God? Does he grow two horns? No, his mind becomes pure, and through a pure mind one attains knowledge and spiritual awakening.”

“The purpose of initiation is to try to realize God through sincere spiritual effort.”

Disciple: “What is the need of Tapasya?”

Mother: “It is very necessary. The Master practised all kinds of disciplines. He used to say, ‘l have made the mould; now you may cast the image.’

To cast the image means to meditate and contemplate on the Master, to think of the various incidents of his life. By meditating on him, one gets all the spiritual moods.”

“Spiritual practices are meant to keep the mind steady at the feet of God, to keep it immersed in His thought. Repeat His Name.”

17 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

“If you practise spiritual discipline for some time in a solitary place, you will find that your mind has become strong, and then you can live in any place or society without being in the least affected by it.

When the plant is tender, it should be hedged around. But when it has grown big, not even cows and goats can injure it. Spiritual practices in a solitary place are essential.”

“Sit for meditation in the morning and the evening. Keep your head cool and practise meditation and prayer. It is very difficult to do so. It is rather easy to dig the earth with a spade.”

Looking at the picture of the Master, she said, “You will achieve nothing without His grace.”

“Devotees who come nowadays simply keep on saying ‘Show us God. They have no spiritual practice, no prayer, no austerity-and past sins must be many. These must be removed step by step, and then only God can be seen. The moon in the sky is covered with clouds; wind will blow away the clouds, and then only can you see the moon. Do the clouds scatter away suddenly?

The same here. The Karmas get exhausted slowly. When God is realized. He illumines the soul internally-one knows this internally.”

“My child, you have been extremely fortunate in getting this human birth. Have intense devotion to God. One must work hard. Can one achieve anything without effort? You must devote some time for prayer even during the busiest hours of the day. I used to be very busy during my days at Dakshineswar; yet I did my prayer and meditation.”

18 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

“Prayer and meditation, or pilgrimage, or even earning money, all these should be done during the earlier part of one’s life. In old age one’s physical and mental strength are weakened. Is that the time for any struggle? Look at our boys here now, they have turned their minds to God in their youth. This is right, this is the proper time.

My son, your prayers and meditations must be accomplished now, in your youth. Do you think you will be able to do anything later? Whatever you may want to do, this is the time for it.”

Disciple: “It is my desire to spend some time in spiritual exercises in the solitude of a garden.”

Mother: “Quite right. This is the proper time to do so. This is just the proper age for you to undergo these disciplines. You must practise them but be careful about your food. Swami Yogananda practised great austerity and as a result suffered much and passed away early in life.”

“The room may contain different kinds of food-stuff, but one must cook them. He who cooks earlier gets his meal earlier too. Some eat in the morning, some others in the evening, and there are yet others who fast because they are too lazy to cook.

The more intensely a person practises spiritual disciplines, the more quickly he attains God. But even if he does not practise any spiritual disciplines, he will attain Him in the end, surely he will.

Only, he who spends his time idly, without practising prayer and meditation, will take a long time to attain Him.”

“Everything, no doubt, happens by God’s will, yet man must work because God expresses His will through man’s action. Do not relax your spiritual practices.”

19 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

Disciple: “Mother, how can I have a perfectly pure heart and love for God?” Mother: “All in good time. Now that you have taken refuge with the Master, everything will come to pass. You must pray to the Master.

Advice to a discouraged aspirant

“You must not think in this way. Are visions everyday things? The Master used to say, ‘You may ‘cast your line daily, but can you catch a large fish every day? If you wait intently day after day with all your paraphernalia, you may catch a fish some day, or you may not. But don’t give up waiting.”

Pray longer. Cling to what you have found. Say to yourself, ‘Even if I have no one else, I have a Mother.

Disciple: “Mother, why do I not see the Master?”

Mother: “Continue to pray without losing heart. Everything will happen in time. See how quite a number of munis and rishis could not find Him even after ages of searching, and you want to have Him for the mere asking? Is God-vision such an easy thing? But fortunately, the Master has chalked out an easier path this time; therefore, it will be possible for all to realize God.”

When a disciple complained about

making no spiritual progress, the Mother said to him, “Suppose you are asleep in Calcutta and someone is removing you with your couch to Banaras. Will you at that time know that you are on your way to Banaras? When you wake up you will be surprised to see where you have come.”

“One must sit by the riverside and call on Him. He will ferry across at the proper time.”

20 January 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swami Brahmanandaji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swami bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

(The passing away of Swami Brahmananda)

Once Sri Ramakrishna saw Rakhal dancing with Sri Krishna on a mystic lotus shortly before the boy's first visit to Dakshineswar.

Only a few intimate disciples knew of this vision, and Sri Ramakrishna had warned them never to reveal it to Maharaj, explaining that if he realized his true nature as the Eternal Companion of Krishna, he would leave his mortal body.

In March 19Z2, Maharaj went to Calcutta to stay for a while at the home of Balaram. While Maharaj was staying at the guesthouse, Ramlal Dada came to visit him.

One day Maharaj asked Ramlal Dada to sing for him the songs he used to sing to Ramakrishna. It was arranged that many disciples and devotees should be present to hear the singing. Ramlal Dada began to sing songs about Krishna and the shepherds and shepherdesses of Brindaban.

Suddenly, Maharaj, who had also been enjoying the fun, became serious. Ramlal Dada was singing: "Come back, O Krishna, come back to Brindaban. Come and reign in the hearts of your beloved shepherds and shepherdesses. Do not forget that you are a shepherd yourself."

At that moment Maharaj seemed transported to a realm beyond this earth. The joking and laughter stopped. The atmosphere became calm and serene. It may be that at this moment Maharaj got a glimpse of his true nature and knew himself to be God's Eternal Companion.

A few days later, at midnight, Nirvanananda, a disciple and personal attendant of Maharaj, saw his master sitting on his bed in a very earnest mood. The disciple stood silently before him, waiting for him to speak. Maharaj looked at him and said: "I woke up suddenly and saw Sri Ramakrishna standing just there."

He pointed to a spot in front of a couch, adding: "He didn't speak to me. He stood there silently for a while and then disappeared. I don't understand it."

After a few moments Maharaj continued in a low, earnest voice: "I can't give my mind to the things of this world any longer. It wants to take complete refuge in him and him alone."

21 January 2026

(The passing away of Swami Brahmananda)

After some time had passed, he continued in a sweet, tender voice: "I am floating, I am floating on the leaf of faith and knowledge on the ocean of Brahman." Then suddenly he exclaimed:

"Ah! The feet of Sri Ramakrishna--I know them!

Viveka, my brother Vivekananda! Premananda . . .

Yogananda . . ."

Thus, with his divine sight, he recognized the brother-disciples who had already passed away. He was living in that transcendental realm where he had lived throughout his life; but now he no longer concealed the fact.

He began to describe his visions. "Ah," he murmured softly, "the blissful ocean of Brahman! Om! Salutations to the Supreme Brahman! Om! Salutations to the Supreme Atman!"

While speaking of his divine experiences, his throat became dry.

A disciple offered him a drink, saying: "Maharaj, please drink this water. It has lemon in it."

"The mind doesn't want to come down from Brahman," said Maharaj slowly. "Pour Brahman into Brahman," and like a child he opened his mouth for the water to be poured into it.

Then he turned to Swami Saradananda and said: "Brother, Sri Ramakrishna is real. His divine incarnation is real." After this Maharaj was silent for a while. He was deeply absorbed in meditation, and his face wore an expression of great sweetness.

Suddenly, out of the silence, the voice of Maharaj was heard: "Ah, that inexpressible light! Ramakrishna, the Krishna of my Ramakrishna . . . I am the shepherd boy. Put anklets on my feet, I want to dance with my Krishna. I want to hold his hand--the little boy Krishna . . . Ah, Krishna, my Krishna, you have come! Krishna . . . Krishna . . Can't you see him? Haven't you eyes to see?

Oh, how beautiful! My Krishna . . . on the lotus . . . eternal . . . the Sweet One!

"My play is over now. Look! The child Krishna is caressing me. He is calling me to come away with him! I am Coming, lord. The tenderness and heavenly compassion that filled his heart were expressed in every word he uttered.

No one can describe the extraordinary sense of holiness which was created by his presence. Everyone knew that the fateful hour was approaching, and that Maharaj was taking his final leave.

During the early hours of the morning, he remained silent for some time and fell into a slumber. At seven o'clock he awoke and was again possessed by this high spiritual mood.

Two more days passed, and another night came on. His physical condition grew worse, and the doctors were amazed that he had not passed into a coma days before, as is usual with this kind of illness.

Maharaj maintained perfect consciousness right up to the last moment of his life. As that last evening faded into night, his chest suddenly heaved. It was as if a great wave of breath passed up the body to the throat.

His half-closed eyes opened, and he gazed into the distance, his eyes shining with a brilliance and unspeakable beauty.

Thus, it was that, on April 10,1922, the life left his body. "Do not grieve. I shall be with you always."

Those were his last words to his disciples and devotees.

22 January 2026

(Today is the birthday celebration of Swami Trigunatitanandaji Maharaj. May the Swami bless us all with devotion and knowledge.)

(Teachings of Swami Trigunatitanandaji)

How do we become divine?

Even before attempting to answer this question, let us first ask ourselves:

“Are we satisfied with our present condition?”

If our reply is “no,” only then can we proceed to answer the first question.

For if satisfied with our life, we shall certainly have no wish to struggle toward divinity. Only by having this prerequisite, as it were, of dissatisfaction with our present lot will we seek a higher and nobler level of existence.

By stating that man wants to become divine we appear to be suggesting that man is one thing and God another.

It is not that. When we speak about becoming God we are referring to the realization of our real nature, which is Godhood; that is what is really involved in this quest for God. It is not that we are one thing and we want something else.

The truth of the matter is that we are God, but we have forgotten that we are. We need to recall our divine nature. It is as though we did something years past, something we have forgotten. But when we sit quietly, trying to think of it — at once it comes back to us.

For some inexplicable reason, our real nature has been forgotten, and it is this nature, this state we want to remember, that is the process of becoming divine.

Initially, it is important that we thoroughly understand this world. In order to do this, we must study it closely.

For instance, sit down in a corner of any park. You will observe many persons walking about, apparently quite content and happy. Some are picnicking, others playing; all are engaged in a variety of activities.

23 January 2026

(Teachings of Swami Trigunatitanandaji)

But there is one thing they share — forgetfulness. They have forgotten the real thing, while engaging themselves in the unreal. They have forgotten their own real natures. They believe this world to be a place of happiness; that this body and mind are sources of satisfaction; that this ego is the doer and the enjoyer.

If you have ever loved the world with your whole heart and deeply studied its nature, you have discovered it to be full of bitterness. Outside, the world shines, but within it is poison.

And our divine nature, our divine Mother, our divine Father is this very moment calling us away. “Hurry up! Hurry up! You are in a foreign country. The world is not yours, nor is your body, your ego, nor your mind. You belong elsewhere.”

If you sit quietly, by yourself, something will call to you. Something will softly sound within you. You will find a voice urging you: “Come home, come home.” We are to be pitied if we do not listen to this Voice. For if we do not, it will take us longer, more time to return home.

Q—The Bible mentions that no man has ever known God. Will you comment on that, Swami?

A—Let us examine the meaning of that expression — “No man has known God.” It is really so, because man means, generally speaking, the body, the mind and the little ego taken together; and so long as we identify ourselves with these things, we cannot be expected to know God. No man can know God.

It is the divine nature in man that knows him, not the human nature of man, which is mortal and transitory. But if you can evolve the divine nature within yourself, then by that nature you can know God; and when you evolve that divine nature, you are no longer a man, but a divine person. It is that divine person which can know God.

God alone can know God. He himself can know him, nobody else. Unless you become God, you cannot know God.

Q—Do you mean to say that the divine in us is identical with God?

A—Yes, exactly identical.

Q—There is really no difference?

A— No difference. It is forgetfulness, it is the illusion, it is maya, that makes us think differently.

Q—Are we really free agents in life or is there a power which draws us onward in spite of ourselves?

A—In a sense, we are our own agents working towards that goal. Every person, in some way or other, is advancing towards that. Some will arrive later, some sooner. That is the only difference.

Q—But is not the attraction irresistible?

A—Yes, irresistible to some, but not to all. If you notice that there is an attraction which you cannot resist, you will attempt to satisfy the needs of that attraction. And some day you may succeed. On the other hand, if you try again and again to resist that attraction, then a day will come when you will be successful.

You know, human power is greater than any force in the world. Man can overcome even the laws of nature. If we try to get rid of our attachment to the world, we can succeed. Do not give up the fight, do not give up. Struggle. Be sure that some day will come when you will be crowned with success. That is the law. Our repeated attempts and untiring perseverance will never go in vain.

(Reprinted from Vedanta and the West, issue 189)

24 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

Disciple: “If everything occurs at the proper time, then where is the place for His grace?”

Mother: “Even so, don’t you have to throw your line and wait for the fish when you go angling?”

Disciple: “If God is our own, why then should one sit and wait?”

Mother: “That is true. It may happen even out of season.”

“God-realization can be had at any time by the grace of God, but there is a difference between it and what comes in the fullness of time.”

“Can the mango which ripens out of season be as sweet as the one which ripens in the month of Jyeshta, that is, the proper season?

Men are trying to get fruits out of season. But these are not as sweet as those found in the proper season. This is also true of the efforts that lead to God-realization. Perhaps you practise some Japa and austerities in this life; in the next life you may intensify the spiritual mood and in the following life you advance further.”

Disciple: “Mother, I have practised austerities and Japa so much, but I have not achieved anything.”

Mother: “God is not like fish or vegetables that you can buy Him for a price.”

“There is no such rule that the grace of God will fall on one simply because one is practising austerities. In olden days the rishis practised austerities for thousands of years with their feet up and head down and a lighted fire burning under them. Even then, only some received the grace of God.”

25 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

“Do you know, my child, what is the grace of God like? It is just like a candy in the hand of a child. Some people beg the child to part with it. But he does not care to give it to them. Still, he easily hands it over to another whom he likes.

A man performs severe austerity and spiritual practices throughout his life to realize God, but he does not succeed, whereas another man gets his realization practically without any effort. It depends upon the grace of God. He bestows His grace upon anyone He likes. Grace is the important thing.”

Mother: “God is like a child, you know. He denies some who seek and of Himself gives to some who do not. Perhaps such people had highly evolved souls from their previous lives. That is why they receive His grace.”

Disciple: “Then distinctions are made even in the matter of grace?”

Mother: “Certainly, it is all according to one’s Karma. Once the bonds of Karma are sundered, one realizes God.”

Disciple: “Mother, I admit that spiritual exercise, exhaustion of past Karma, and proper time-all these are factors in the attainment of spiritual knowledge. But if God is our own, why should He not show Himself out of His grace?”

Mother: “That is right. But who has this faith that He is his own? All take up religion as a matter of form. How many really want God?”

“Be sincere in your practice, words and deeds. You will feel blessed! His blessings are always showered on all creatures on the earth. It is needless to ask for it. Practise meditation sincerely and you will understand His infinite grace. God wants sincerity, truthfulness and love. Outward verbal effusions do not touch Him.”

26 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

Mother: “How many are there who truly want to realize God? Where is that earnestness? They, no doubt, profess great devotion and longing, but they feel satisfied when they get even a tiny bit of enjoyment. They say, ‘Ah, how kind is God!’”

“If you don’t call upon God-indeed many people never even remember Him - what does it matter to Him? It is your own misfortune. Such is the Maya of God, He keeps them ignorant of Him saying, ‘They are happy enough, let them be so!’”

“Whatever you yearn for, that you will get”

“My child, this world is like a deep marshy place. Once a man gets entangled there, it becomes very difficult for him to come out. Repeat the Name of God. If you do so. He will cut away your bondage some day.

Can anyone get liberation, my child, unless He Himself removes the shackles? Have deep faith in God. Look upon the Master as your refuge, even as children regard their parents.”

“You may say that you have done so much of Japa or so much of work; but nothing will avail. Nobody can achieve anything unless Mahamaya clears the way.

Oh, my children, take refuge, just take refuge. Then alone she will clear the way out of her mercy.

Once in summer at Kamarpukur, a heavy shower had filled up the fields, and water overflowed from the ponds. The Master was wading through water when proceeding by the side of the sweeper colony. As the cat-fish came out of the ponds, the people around began to beat and catch them.

One of the fish kept swimming near about the Master’s feet. So, he said, ‘Don’t you kill this one. See how it seeks my protection and plays round. It will be good if one of you carries it to the Haldar’s pond.”

Then he himself took it up and released it in the pond. Returning home he said, ‘Ah, if anyone seeks protection in this way, one is saved.’”

27 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

“Repeat the Name of God in the innermost core of your heart, and in ail sincerity take refuge in the Master. Do not bother to know how your mind is reacting to things around. And do not waste time in calculating and worrying whether or not you are progressing in the path of spirituality.

It is Ahamkara to Judge progress for oneself. Have faith in the grace of your Guru and Ishta.”

Disciple: “There are devotees who surrender themselves to God but do not practise austerities. Will they attain realization?”

Mother: “That they surrender themselves to God, that they live placing implicit trust in Him, is their spiritual discipline. Naren said, ‘Let me have millions of births, what do I fear?’

It is true. Does a man of knowledge ever fear rebirth? He does not commit any sin. It is the ignorant person who is always seized with fear. He alone gets entangled. He becomes polluted by sin.

For millions of births he suffers from endless miseries, he undergoes infinite pains, and at last he craves for God. The calf makes the sound of ‘Ham Hai, Ham Hai (I am, I am). He makes the same sound even after drums and other instruments are made from his hide and entrails.

At last, he goes into the hand of a carder and then he makes the sound Tum Hai, Tum Hai’ (It is Thou; It is Thou).”

“People suffer endless miseries on account of their egoism and at last they say, ‘Not I, not I’; ‘it is Thou, O God! It is Thou’!”

28 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Mother: “You are a living god. Who is able to renounce all for God’s sake? Even the injunctions of Destiny are cancelled if one takes refuge in God. Destiny strikes off with her own hand what she has written about such a person.”

“Will a man who has strong desires for worldly pleasures listen to me if I ask him to renounce them? But if a fortunate soul has realized the world to be the sport of Maya and God alone to be real, shall I not help him a little? Is there any end to the suffering in the world?”

“Don’t marry, don’t enter the world. What do you lose if you don’t marry? You are free wherever you may be.”

“An unmarried person who leads a pure life will advance towards Him with rapid strides, whether he prays to Him or not. The others, being tied hand and foot, find it difficult to extricate themselves from the bondage of worldliness, even though they try to think of God.”

“What is there in the worldly life? What an inordinate attachment people have for it. See how out of one so many come out, and how one’s attention and energies are all dissipated.

Is it possible for a person placed under such conditions to attain to spiritual greatness? Have you not seen crabs? The mother crab peeps out of her hole again and again and then goes down. It struggles hard repeatedly to free itself but fails. And why? Because of her attraction for her numerous progeny living in the hole. This attraction drags her into the hole in spite of all her efforts. Such is the case of those who are immersed in worldly life.”

29 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

SELF-EFFORT AND DIVINE GRACE

Devotee: “Man cannot do anything by his individual effort. God is doing everything through him.”

Mother: “Yes, that is true. But is one conscious of this always? Blinded by egoism, people think themselves to be independent agents in regard to action. They do not depend on God. He protects one who relies on Him.”

“As you pray and meditate you will find the Master actually speaking to you, fulfilling all your desires immediately, and your mind will be filled with such deep peace. You will realize that He who is in me, is in you too and in the humblest of men; only then humility will be born in your mind.”

“My child, if you can get perfect knowledge through my blessings, then I bless you with all my heart and soul. Is it ever possible for a man to free himself unaided from the clutches of Maya? It was for this that the Master performed spiritual austerities to the utmost extent and gave the results thereof for the redemption of mankind.”

The Master used to say, ‘The way is extremely difficult, like the sharp edge of a razor. ‘But He has kept you in His arms. He is looking after you.”

“Just surrender yourself to Him; you will then feel His grace.”

30 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

The mother of a monk requested Holy Mother to ask her son to go back to worldly life. Mother replied, “It is a rare good fortune to be the mother of a monk. People cannot give up attachment even to a brass pot. Is it an easy thing to renounce the world? Why should you worry?”

About a boy who wanted to embrace monastic life and was being encouraged by Swami Shivananda to do so.

Mother said, “One needs good fortune, indeed, to accept the ideal of renunciation taught by the Master.

Tarak (Swami Shivananda) is right, How few can be rescued from the world once they are entangled in it! The boy has real strength of mind.”

A woman devotee requested Holy Mother to order her daughter to marry. Mother replied, “Is it not misery to remain in lifelong slavery to another and always dance to his tune? Though there is some risk in being a celibate, still, if one is not inclined to lead a married life, one should not be forced into it and subjected to lifelong worldliness. Those girls that are drawn to the ideal of complete renunciation should be encouraged to lead a celibate life.”

When someone criticized Holy Mother for giving a disciple ‘the ochre robe, she replied, “Look here, child, they are children of light. They live on this earth as pure as flowers. Can you tell me anything happier than this?

You have seen for yourself what kind of happiness worldly life can give. What have you learned from me all these days? Why so much attraction for worldly life? Why so much animal propensity? What sort of happiness do you derive from it? Can you not even conceive in dream a pure ideal of life?

Can’t you live with your husband even now as brother and sister? Why this desire to lead a piggish life? This misery of the world has been gnawing into my bones.”

31 January 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Mother: “X.. has done very well to become a Sadhu. What is there in this cage of flesh and bones? What is after all in this body? Why should one become enmeshed in this Maya? It will ultimately come to an end after a few days. Then when it is burnt, there will remain only a seer and a half of ash. Banku has become a Sannyasin, he has taken to the path of God. He has done well; he has done well indeed!”

“People find opportunities according to their fate and Karma. The fact is, if one’s time to go beyond the world is ripe, one will break all bonds and come; nobody will check him. Lack of money, awaiting somebody’s approval, fear of having to go back, these are nothing.”

“You see, my dear, many people seek God only after disappointment in other spheres. But he, who from childhood can place at the Master’s feet a heart as pure as a flower, is blessed indeed”

‘The other day X- said to me, ‘Mother, we are always to be alert. We always tremble with fear lest we should think any unholy thought.’

That is very true. A monk is like a bleached cloth. One does not notice the spots in a black cloth so much, but even a drop of ink looks so prominent on white linen. The monk’s life is always beset with dangers. The whole world is engrossed in lust and gold. The monk must always practise renunciation and dispassion. Therefore, Sri Ramakrishna used to say, ‘A monk must always be alert and careful.’”

1 February 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swami Adbhutanandaji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swami bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

DESIRES AND SENSE OBJECTS

Latu Maharaj: "Worldly desires have taken up permanent residence in the mind. Sometimes they float on the surface of the mind, and sometimes they are so hidden that it seems they do not even exist.

But the closer you are to God, the more you will see the knots of desire hidden in the mind. The more your body and mind are purified, the more the dirt and dross which have accumulated during thousands of lives will be stirred up and will challenge your spirituality. The energy generated by spiritual disciplines forces the impurities to leave the mind, their fort.

How can they cope against the power of the Lord's name?

"You see, the desires are very shrewd. They take possession not only of the mind of a person but his sense organs as well.

As soon as a desire is aroused in the mind, the sense organs are awakened. The eyes want to see, the ears want to hear, the tongue to taste and speak, the nose to smell, and the body to feel. The hands want to work and the feet carry the person to where the object is. The other sense organs are alert, and whenever the opportunity comes they also enjoy.

"Do you know what the mind does? It conjures up enticing pictures with the imagination.

Imagination is man's worst enemy, his greatest tempter, for it creates beautiful pictures of sense pleasures and nearly destroys man's conscience. Thus, man is drawn to sense objects.

Therefore, if you want to control the desire for worldly things, first, control the imagination and don't be deluded by sense enjoyments."

2 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

“Sri Ramakrishna used to say, ‘O Sadhu, beware!’

Sadhus should always be alert. The path of a Sadhu is always slippery. When one is on slippery ground, one should walk tiptoe. Is it a joke to become a Sannyasin? If one had so desired, one could have married and lived the life of a householder.

Now that you have given up such intentions, the mind should not be allowed to think of these things. What has once been spat out, is not eaten again. The ochre robe of a Sadhu protects him as the collar of a dog protects it from danger. No one molests a dog with a dollar, as it belongs to someone or other. All gates are open to a Sadhu. He has admission everywhere.”

Devotee: “Mother, I am overtaken by fear on seeing how even high spiritual persons meet with a fall.”

Mother: “If you are constantly in touch with objects of enjoyment, you are likely to succumb to their influence.”

At Jayrambati when a young man was initiated into Brahmacharya, he asked, “How long will I have to fulfil its vows?”

Mother answered him at once with a firm voice, “As long as there is life in your body.”

“Faith and firmness are the basic things; if faith and firmness are there, then you have it all.”

‘Forgetting your personality, try to understand your identity [with God].”

“It is extremely bad for a monk to possess money. There is nothing impossible for the round pieces to do- even to the extent of endangering life.”

To a disciple who had been busy with accounts the whole day. Mother said, “Can anyone who has renounced the world relish these things?

3 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Mother: Once Sri Ramakrishna said to me, ‘He who utters the Name of God never suffers from any misery. Why do you worry? ‘These are his very words. Renunciation was his ornament.”

“What is there in wealth, my dear? The Master could not bear even to touch money. His hand would twist away.

He would say, ‘The world itself is unreal. Look here, if I believed that this world is real I would gild the whole of Kamarpukur with real gold before I go. But I know all that is unreal and God alone is real.’”

“Only people who have renounced the world can resist the temptation of wealth.”

“My dear child, even the tinkling of the coins produce greed in the minds of the needy-such is the power of money.”

“Money always taints the mind. Such is the fascination of money that if you involve yourself too much in it, you will feel attracted to it. You may think that you are above money and that you will never feel any attraction for it, as you have once renounced it. You may further think that at any moment you may leave it behind.

No, my child, never harbour this thought in your mind. Through a tiny little loop-hole it will enter into your mind and then strangle you gradually quite undetected. You will never know it.

Sri Ramakrishna could never bear the touch of money. Always remember his words. Money is at the root of all the disasters you see in the world.

Money may lure one’s mind into other temptations: “Beware!”

4 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

“A monk must not lower the ideal of renunciation. Even if a wooden image of a woman lies upside down in the road, he must not turn it the other way, even with his foot, to look at its face.”

“A monk should be above attachment and jealousy. He must be the same under all circumstances.

Sri Ramakrishna used to say to Hriday, ‘You must bear with me and I must bear with you; then everything will go on well. Otherwise, we shall have to summon the manager to make up our differences.’”

“A monk must sever all the chains of Maya. Golden chains are as much of a bond as iron chains. A monk must have no attachments.”

“A monk should not visit his home. Meeting his people revives old memories, He must forget these, nay his very body. Then only he can have a vision of God.”

“Who is one’s father or one’s mother? God is all.”

“A monk once came to the Panchavati. In the beginning he had no attachments. But alas, in the end he began to store away things like a mouse - utensils, pitchers, grain, and everything.

The Master noticed it and said one day, ‘Poor thing. This will be the end of him!’ He was about to be entangled in the snare of Maya. The Master advised him strongly about renunciation and asked him to leave the place. Then he went away.”

5 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Mother scolded a Swami because he was showing undue love for the ashrama. “You have renounced the world to repeat God’s Name. But now you are involved in activities. The ashrama has become your second world.

People come to the monastery, giving up their families, but they become so attached to the monastery that they do not want to give it up. A man eager to keep away from acid food builds a home under a tamarind tree!’”

“Whenever you go on some work, make it a point to return as soon as it is finished. In this life you will find that in digging for earthworms we often, go deeper and bring out snakes.”

To a woman disciple who was to lead an exclusive spiritual life: “Never be intimate with any man-not even your own father or brother. What to speak of others then! Let me again repeat, don’t be intimate with any man, even if God comes to you in that form.”

To a woman in an ochre robe, who said she had not been initiated. Mother said, “Without initiation, and without any spiritual realization, you have put on this sacred robe. This is not proper for you. The robe you have put on is very holy. I was about to salute you with folded hands. All will bow down at your feet. You must acquire the power to assimilate the honour.”

Disciple: “Mother, the monastic life begets terrible vanity.”

Mother: “Yes, that is true. A monk may become very vain. He may think, ‘See, he does not respect me. He does not bow down before me,” and so on.

(Pointing to her own white cloth). One should rather live thus (meaning possessed of inner renunciation).

Is it possible, my child, to get rid of vanity-vanity of beauty, vanity of virtue, vanity of knowledge and vanity of a holy life?”

6 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Disciple: “Mother, all your children are learned, but these (referring to the inmates of the Koalpara Ashrama) are your illiterate children. Sarat Maharaj has written books and your other children are giving lectures. So much is being done to spread Sri Ramakrishna’s ideas.”

Mother: “What do you mean? Our Master did not know much of reading and writing. The real thing is devotion to God. Through you, much work will be done in this part of the country.

The Master was born on earth this time to liberate all, the rich and the poor, the learned and the illiterate. The Malaya breeze is blowing here. He who will unfurl his sail and take refuge in the Master will be blessed indeed.

Why should you be worried? You are my own people. But remember this, that an educated Sadhu is like an elephant whose tusks are covered with gold.”

A disciple who had renounced the world visited Mother at Jayrambati and then went on to Hrishikesh. Just a few days later he wrote, “Mother, you told me that in time I would see the Master, but why have I not done so?”

Mother listened to the letter and said, “Write to him that just because he has gone to Hrishikesh, the Master will not be waiting for him there. He has become a monk; what should he do now but call upon God? He will appear when He wishes.”

“It is a monk’s duty to call on God. The monk cannot complain that God-vision is denied him in spite of hard struggle. God will reveal Himself at His will. He is not at anybody’s beck and call.”

7 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Disciple: “What is the aim of life?”

Mother: “To realize God and remain immersed in His contemplation. You are Sannyasins, you are His own. He takes care of your spiritual welfare both here and hereafter. What then is there for you to worry about?

Is it possible to contemplate on God always? Sometimes work; at other times think of God. Always discriminate between the real and the unreal.”

“The Master will be your protector. It will be a heinous sin on the part of the Master if he does not protect those who have taken shelter at his feet, who have taken refuge in him renouncing all, and who want to lead a good life.

But you must live in a spirit of self-surrender to him. Let him do good to you if he so desires or let him drown you if that be his will. But you are to do only what is righteous, and that also according to the power he has given you.”

ADVICE TO HOUSEHOLDERS

“Those who belong to a very high plane of existence alone can take to the monastic life and free themselves from all bondages.

Again, there are some who are born to have a little taste of this worldly life.

I say that one should see through worldly enjoyments. Let X- marry and finish all enjoyments in this life; otherwise, there is no knowing when he may fall a victim to some unfulfilled desire.

But you may be sure of this, that so long as he remains under the Master’s protection he can never slip.”

8 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

When a young man, out of temporary dispassion, expressed unwillingness to marry.

Mother said, “How is that? God has created things in pairs: two eyes, two ears, two legs-and likewise, man and woman.”

To someone hesitant about marriage, Mother said, “Why can’t one lead a good life if one is married? The mind alone is everything. Did not the Master marry me?”

One disciple said to Mother that he had tried to lead an unmarried life but now found it impossible to remain a celibate. Mother gave him assurance and said, ‘Don’t be afraid to marry. Sri Ramakrishna had many householder disciples. Go and marry. Don’t worry.”

To sincere lay disciples who spoke of envying monastic life. Mother would say, “Is the ochre robe everything? You will realize God without it. What is the need of taking the ochre robe?”

Disciple: “The Master said that those who would accept him as their spiritual ideal would not be born again. Again, Swamiji said that no liberation is possible without being initiated into Sannyasa. What, then, will be the way out for the householders?”

Mother: “Yes, what the Master said is true and what Swamiji said is also equally true. The householders have no need of external renunciation. They will spontaneously get internal renunciation. But some people need external renunciation. Why should you be afraid? Surrender yourself to the Master and always remember that he stands behind.”

“Spiritual progress becomes easier if husband and wife agree in their views regarding spiritual practices.”

9 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Disciple: “The scriptures declare that in the service of her husband a woman may find divine beatitude and union with the Divine. If a woman tries to lead a life of self-control by pleading and reasoning with her husband somewhat against his wishes, is that a sin?”

Mother: “If it is for the sake of God, then it is no sin. One must control the senses.”

“Sri Ramakrishna used to say, ‘One must practise self-control after the birth of one or two children.’”

Regarding family people who wanted to renounce worldly life. Mother said, “If you really want to give up, first make suitable arrangements for the subsistence of your dependants.”

Regarding earning money and accumulating it. Mother said, “You have your wife and children. You should lay by something for them.

What you have to consider, my boy, is that if you put by something, there will be some provision for your family and the future. Besides, you will be able to serve the holy men too. If you have nothing, what will you give to the holy men, my dear?”

“My child, whatever one is, if he comes in the garb of a Sannyasin, you do ‘Sadhu Seva” (service to holy people) by offering him something or serving him in some way.”

Regarding a devotee who wanted to purchase Mother an expensive cloth, she said, “If he will brook no disappointment and wants to spend the money, let him buy a piece of land whereby the Sadhus and the devotees will be served.”

“The rich should serve God and His devotees with money, and the poor worship God by repeating His Name.’

10 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

To a young householder devotee who had spoken somewhat disrespectfully to a Sannyasin, Mother said, “Be careful about these three things: first, a house situated on the bank of a river; at any time, the river may destroy that house and sweep it away in its current.

Second, a snake; you must be very careful when you see one, for there is no knowing when it will come and bite you. Third, a Sadhu; you don’t know that one word or one thought of his may injure a householder. Whenever you see a Sadhu, you should show him respect You should not show him disrespect by retorts or slighting remarks.”

To householders concerning their duties in the world. Mother said, “The household is the Lord’s, and so in whatever work He has placed you, you should, depending entirely upon Him, do your best to perform it well. If sorrows and troubles assail you, call on the Master and he will show you the way.”

LOVE AND COMPASSION

“I tell you one thing: if you want peace, do not find fault with others. Rather see your own faults. Learn to make the world your own. No one is a stranger, my child; the whole world is your own.”

“To err is human. One must not take that into account. It is harmful for oneself. One gets into the habit of finding fault. Do not look for faults in others, or your own eyes will become faulty.”

“I can no longer find fault in anyone, my son. Formerly people’s faults appeared to my eyes also. Then with tears I prayed to the Master, ‘Master, I can no longer bear finding fault.’ Then only this defect left me.

11 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

Even if you commit so much as a little fault after doing a thousand good to somebody, he will be at once offended. People only look for faults. One should look for merits as well.”

“I cannot see others ‘faults. I am simply not made that way. There are enough people always ready to criticize others. Surely the world will not come to an end if I refrain from doing so.”

“Man finds faults in others after bringing down his own mind to that level. Does anything ever happen to another if you enumerate his faults? It only injures you. This has been my attitude. Hence I cannot see anybody’s faults. If a man does a trifle for me, I try to remember him even for that. To see the faults of others! One should never do it. I never do so. Forgiveness is Tapasya.”

Everyone has to be accommodating. The Master used to say ‘sha, sha, sa’. Forbear everything. He is there to judge.”

“One shouldn’t lose oneself so much in sputtering. If one sees the worst of everything, one feels pain. X- has got into such a habit of speaking out the truth that she no longer cares about what others will think. I, on the other hand, still care. One should never indulge in unpleasant truths.”

‘One must live carefully. Every action produces its results. It is not good to use harsh words towards others or be responsible for their suffering.”

12 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

THE IDEAL OF RENUNCIATION

“Should anyone ever utter a thing that hurts another’s feelings? An unpleasant truth, though true, must not be uttered. For that grows into a habit. By indulging in rude words one’s nature becomes rude. One’s sensitivity is lost if one has no control over one’s speech.

And once a man casts all consideration for others to the winds, he stops at nothing.

The Master would say, ‘If you have to ask a lame man how he became lame, then you have to speak thus: ‘Uncle, how did your leg come to such a condition?”

“If one is without kindness, how can one be called a human being?”

“Let me tell you how to love all equally. Do not demand anything of those you love. If you make demands, some will give you more and some less. In that case you will love more those who give you more and less those who give you less. Thus, your love will not be the same for all. You will not be able to love all impartially.”

When the head of an ashrama requested the Mother to tell the workers under him to obey him implicitly in all matters, she firmly rejected his request and explained to him gently, “The boys have become Sadhus to call on God and make their lives blessed. They are doing their best for the ashrama and will always do so.

They are now of age and have had their mind and intelligence fully developed. So, discriminating between good and bad, and what is to their advantage or otherwise, if they want to lead an independent life, you are not to be an impediment in their path.

And even if you obstruct them, nobody can live always subservient to another at the cost of his own convenience. If you find any difficulty in getting your work done, it is you who have to explain it to them tactfully. They have always been obedient to you and they still remain so. Love can achieve anything. You can never make one obey you by force or by adopting a roundabout way.”

13 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

The cat, following its own nature, often stole food and the Mother would remark, ‘To steal is its dharma. Who is there always to feed it lovingly?”

One day a monastic attendant treated the cat roughly and dashed it against the earth. The Mother looked very sad. She said to the monk, “Scold the cat, but do not beat it. Please feed it regularly and see that it does not go to any other house to steal food. Do not beat the cat. I dwell inside the cat too.”

“My son, work to remove the sufferings of the world.” “The purpose of one’s life is fulfilled only when one is able to give joy to another.”

Disciple: “Those who are obtaining your blessings are fortunate indeed. What will happen to people in the future?”

Mother: “What do you mean? Why won’t they too succeed? God exists everywhere and at all times. The Master is always there. They will succeed through his grace. Are not people realizing God in other countries?”

To someone who asked if there is any truth in image worship. Mother said, “From time out of mind, innumerable people have worshipped images and thus attained spiritual knowledge. Can you deny this fact? The Master never cherished dogmatic views.

Brahman exists everywhere. Prophets and Incarnations are born to show benighted humanity their way. They give different instructions to suit different temperaments. There are many ways to realize truth. So, all these instructions have their relative value. For instance, many birds are perched on the branches of a tree. They are of different colours: white, black, red, yellow, and so on. Their sounds, too, are different. But when they sing we say that the sounds are made by the birds. We do not designate one particular sound only as the sound of the birds and refuse to acknowledge the other sounds as such.”

“All teachers are one. The same power of God works through them all.”

14 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“Naren once said, ‘Mother, everything is taking flight nowadays. I see everything fly away.’

I said (here Mother laughed), ‘Well, see that you don’t put me to flight as well.’

And Naren said, ‘But Mother, if I put you to flight, where shall I stand? Knowledge which sets at naught the lotus feet of the Guru is ignorance. Where can knowledge stand if it denies the sacred feet of the Guru?’”

“One should not doubt the words of one’s own teacher.”

“One must have reverence for one’s Guru. One’s chance of salvation lies in one’s reverence for him. Observe how the disciples of the Master revere him. Out of this reverence for him they revere not only all the members of his family, but even the cats from his home-district!”

‘One may commit a fault while serving a great soul. It happens in this way: while he enjoys the privilege of such service, his egotism increases. He then wants to control, like a doll, the person he serves. He wants to boss the latter in everything-eating, sitting or rising. He loses the spirit of service.

But why should it be so with those who serve their superiors, forgetting their own comforts and looking upon the latter’s pleasure and pain as their own? And you are talking of the downfall of the attendants!

Many great souls surround themselves with riches and splendour. This attracts many to come to them as attendants. Such attendants become intoxicated with the enjoyment of their position and so they pave the way to their own ruin.

Tell me how many there are who can render service in the proper spirit? You see, the reflection of the moon falls on the water of the lake. At this the small minnows jump about in ecstatic joy, thinking that the moon reflected in the water is really one of them.

But when the moon sets, they remain as before. After exhausting themselves in glee, they fall into a state of depression. They cannot understand what it is all about.”

15 February 2026

(Today is the most sacred Maha Shiva Ratri. On this

Holy Day May Lord Shiva grant all of us Bhakti and Jnana)

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Mother: “Where is that competent student who can understand spiritual instruction? First of all, one should be fit; otherwise, the instructions prove futile.”

“If the disciple is good, the Guru is also benefited thereby.”

Disciple: “Do those who give up their bodies in a state of unconsciousness attain to a higher spiritual state afterwards?”

Mother: “The thought that is uppermost in the mind before one loses consciousness determines the course of one’s soul after death.”

“Though one gets a new body on account of desires, yet one does not completely lose spiritual consciousness if one has to one’s credit merits from previous births.”

A devotee came to Mother one day and called her “Mother”, to which she replied, “Yes, my son.” The devotee then said, “Mother, I called you ‘Mother’and you responded saying ‘Yes, What more fear need I have?”

Mother corrected him saying, “No, my boy, don’t you speak thus. ‘He who is diffident wins in the end.’”

One day a disciple said to the Mother, “Mother, no bad ideas come to my mind.” With a start she stopped him and said, “Don’t say that. One must not say such a thing.’

“One who speaks out at the proper time is a true friend. There is no use for sympathy at the wrong time.”

“Everyone can break down something, but how many can build it up?”

16 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“The Master used to say that one should learn from the scriptures that God alone is real and the world illusory.

Suppose I write to you a letter asking you to bring certain things for me. How long do you need the letter? So long as you do not know its contents.

But when you have known the contents of the letter do you need it any longer? Then you will procure those things and come to me. On the other hand, what is the good of reading the letter day and night?”

“In the opinion of worldly men, it is not proper to visit a holy place at an inauspicious time. It is true that one may put off such a pious intention, considering the impropriety of the time, but death does not make any distinction of time. As none knows when death may come, one should carry out pious intentions whenever the opportunity presents itself, without waiting for the right time.”

“Whenever you go from one place to another, observe the things around you, and also keep yourself well informed about what happens in the place where you live. But keep your lips shut.”

“It is essential that one should work. It is through work alone that one may break asunder the bonds of Karma; only then is one free from desires. One shouldn’t be without work even for a single moment.’

17 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“New devotees should be given the privilege of service in the shrine room. Their new zeal makes them serve the Lord carefully.

The others are tired of service. Service, in the real sense of the word, is not a joke. One should be extremely careful about making His service perfectly flawless. But the truth is, God knows our foolishness and therefore He forgives us.”

“One must work in the shrine room with great attention. Offerings and the rest should be made in proper time.”

“I want people here who are careful in work. There are those who perform great deeds on the spur of the moment. But a man can be really known from the interest he shows in the details of each duty.”

After someone finished her sweeping work and threw the broom into a corner, Mother said, “How strange, my dear! The work is finished, and you throw it away carelessly. It takes almost the same time to keep it slowly and carefully as to throw it away. Should you despise a thing just because it is insignificant? ‘Him that you save, saves you in turn.” Won’t you need it again?

Besides, this thing too forms a part of our household. From that point of view also it deserves some consideration. You must give each one his due share of honour. Even a broom must be shown honour. The smallest work must be done with reverence.”

18 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

One day a pet cat was lying on one side of the courtyard. A devotee was caressing it with her foot. Gradually she placed-her foot on its head.

At this the Mother said to her, “Oh my child, what are you doing? The head is the place of the Guru. One should not touch the head with the foot. Salute the cat.”

“Is the value of a thing to be gauged by its price? It is the love and devotion with which a thing is offered that really counts.”

A beggar arrived and began to cry for alms. The monks were annoyed and scolded him, “Go away, don’t bother us now.”

Mother heard this and said, “Just look at that! They have sent him away, just because they would have to leave their own work to bring him alms. Even this little thing they couldn’t do! How lazy of them! They couldn’t give a handful of alms to a beggar! Is it right to deprive a man of his just dues?

Look at this vegetable peel—even this is the cow’s due; one must place it before the cow.”

A man came with a basket of fruits. The fruits were meant for offering. He asked the monks what he should do with the basket. They told him to throw it out in the lane.

Mother looked at the lane and said, “Look there. They have asked him to throw away such a nice basket! It does not matter for them in the least. They are all monks and totally unattached. But we cannot allow such a waste. We could have utilized it at least for keeping the vegetable peelings.” She asked someone to fetch the basket and wash it. It was kept for some future use.

19 February 2026

(Today is the Sacred Janma Tithi of Sri Ramakrishna. On this most auspicious day may Sri Ramakrishna bless us all with Bhakti.)

(Sayings of Sri Ramakrishna)

THE DESTINY OF MAN

The digit one may be raised to a figure of any value by adding zeroes after it : but if that one is omitted, zeroes by themselves have no value. Similarly, so long as the Jiva (individual soul) does not cling to God, who is the One, he has no value, for all things here get their value from their connection with God. So long as the Jiva clings to God, Who is the value-giving figure behind the world, and does all his work for Him, he gains more and more thereby; on the contrary, if he overlooks God and adds to his work many grand achievements, all done for his own glorification, he will gain nothing therefrom.

As a lamp does not burn without oil, so a man cannot live without God.

God is to man what a magnet is to iron. Why does He not then attract man? As iron thickly imbedded in mud is not moved by the attraction of the magnet, so the soul thickly imbedded in Maya does not feel the attraction of the Lord. But when the mud is washed away with water, the iron is free to move. Even so, when, by the constant tears of prayer and repentance, the soul washes away the mud of Maya that compels it to stick to the earth, it is soon attracted by the Lord to Himself.

The union of the Jivatman with the Paramatman is like the union of the hour and the minute hands of a watch once every hour. They are inter-related and interdependent, and though usually separate, they may become united as often as favourable opportunities occur.

The soul enchained is man, but when free from the chain (Maya), it is the Lord.

What is the relation between the Jivatman and the Paramatman? As a current of water seems to be divided into two when a plank of wood is placed against it edgewise, so the Indivisible appears divided into two, the Jivatman and the Paramatman, due to the limitation of Maya.

Water and a bubble on It are one and the same. The bubble has its birth in the water, floats on it, and is ultimately resolved into it. So also, the Jivatman and the Paramatman are one and the same, the difference between them being only one of degree. For one is finite and limited while the other is infinite; one is dependent while the other is independent.

20 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Regarding t practice of Asanas Mother said, “Be a little careful about it. If you continue such exercises for a long time, the mind may be diverted to the body. Again, if you give it up, it may affect your health. Therefore, you should exercise your discretion.”

“Whatever you eat you must first dedicate to God; you should not take any other kind of food. The quality of your blood depends on the quality of the food you take. If you take consecrated food your blood and your mind will be purified; you will find strength. If your mind is pure, your faith and love will be pure.”

Disciple: “Mother, we householders live in families with many relations. Sometimes it happens that while the food is being cooked, some members of the family partake of it; later on, that food is brought to me. I hesitate to offer that food to God.”

Mother: “That is inevitable in the case of householders. We also have to face similar situations. Take an instance: there may be a sick person in the family. Part of the food may be kept aside for him.

But when food is placed on the plate, remember the Master, think that he himself has given this food, and eat it. Then it will not have any injurious effect on the growth of devotion.”

“Everyone should serve his mother. It is all the more incumbent upon you, because you have all come to me with the purpose of dedicating your life to the service of others. Always talk to her about God. You will really fulfil the duty of a son if you can help her to gather the means for her ultimate journey. You have grown by sucking her milk. How much suffering she has undergone to raise you to manhood! Know that service to her is your highest duty.

But it is quite a different matter if she stands in the way of your spiritual life. Beware! Don’t involve yourself in worldliness on the plea of serving your mother.”

21 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Some women devotees came to see Mother one evening. One of them had a showiness about her with her dress and ornaments, and she was a little restless. Addressing them Mother said, “Mark you, my dear, modesty is the greatest ornament of a woman. A flower best serves its purpose when it is offered to a deity; else it may as well wither on the plant. But it pains me greatly when the dandies take up flowers either in a bunch or singly, smell them with their nose a little, and say, ‘How sweet the smell!’ And, oh dear, the next moment they may throw these down on the floor or walk away crushing them under the shoes.”

Regarding controversy over social customs, Mother said, “Don’t let your mind be disturbed over these trivial details. That will make you forget the Master. Whatever people may say, remember the Master and do what you consider to be right.”

SWAMI VIVEKANANDA AND THE RAMAKRISHNA ORDER

“Naren is of divine origin and full of purity from his infancy, and about whom the Master mentioned that he was a rishi, a great sage. Though fully imbued with the spirit of renunciation and an all-embracing love and immersed in the eternal joy of communion with the Infinite, he has been suffering for the good of others, He gave his life blood to the service of others. He was specially brought by the Master for preaching his lofty ideals, for the elevating of the masses and for the good of humanity.”

“He is in a class apart.”

‘Naren was like an unsheathed sword. After his return from foreign lands he said, ‘By your grace. Mother, I didn’t have to cross the ocean by jumping in this age but went to those parts in their own ships.

And there, too, I noticed the glory of the Master. What a great number of good people have heard about him from me and accepted this idea with astonished eagerness.’”

22 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

After Swami Vivekananda’s first visit to the West, Holy Mother told him, “The Master is always with you. You have many more things to accomplish for the welfare of the world.”

Swamiji: “While I was alone in America I felt that the Divine Power which the Master called ‘Mother’ was guiding me.

Mother: “The Master is not different from the one whom he called ‘Mother’. It was the Master who accomplished all this work through you. You are his chosen child and disciple. How dearly he loved you! He foretold that you would teach men.”

When Swamiji said that he wanted to form a permanent organization to preach the message of the Master, Holy Mother replied, “Do not worry. What you are doing now and what you will do in the future will be permanent. You are born just to accomplish this work.

Thousands of people will hail you as a world teacher, a bestower of divine knowledge. I can assure you that the Master will fulfil your desire in no time. You will soon see that the work you want to undertake will be accomplished.“

“Alas, how much did I weep and pray to the Master for my children! That is why you find everywhere ashramas and monasteries through his blessings. After the passing away of the Master his disciples renounced the world, found temporary shelter and for a few days lived together. Then one by one they went out independently and began to roam hither and thither. That made me very sad.

I prayed to the Master, saying, ‘O Lord, you have been embodied in human form, and you spent the period of your earthly existence with a few disciples. Now has everything ended with your passing away? In that case, what need was there for your embodiment entailing so much suffering?

I have seen in Vrindavan and Banaras so many holy men living on alms and having the shade of trees for shelter. There is no lack of Sadhus of that type. I cannot bear to see my children, who have renounced all for your sake, wandering about for a morsel of food. It is my prayer, O Lord, that those who give up the world for your sake may not suffer from want of simple food and coarse clothing.

23 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

It is also my prayer that my children should live together, clinging to you and your teachings, and people afflicted with the sufferings of the world should come to them and get peace of mind by hearing from them your words. That is why you incarnated yourself in a human form.

My mind becomes restless, seeing my children roam about here and there.’ After that Naren started doing all this.”

Swami Vivekananda once wrote a letter from America urging the monks of the Ramakrishna Order to renounce everything in the service of God and man.

When the Mother heard this, she said, “Naren is an instrument of the Master. It is the Master who writes through Naren about the future duties of his children and devotees for the good of the world. What he has written is all correct. You will see it bearing fruit in the course of time.”

A disciple told Mother that he could not practise meditation and prayer regularly on account of his being busy with the duties of the ashrama.

Mother said in reply, “Whose works are these? They all belong to Him only.”

To a monk who wanted to go for Tapasya, Mother said, “Why so, my child? You are now doing my work. You are devoting yourself to the Master’s work. Are these in any way less spiritual than austerities? Why should you abandon these works?”

“What will you do day and night if you are not engaged in work? Can one practise meditation and Japa for twenty-four hours?

You referred to the Master. His case was different. Mathur used to supply him with proper diet.

You are able to get your food because you are doing some work. Otherwise, you would have to roam from door to door begging for a morsel of food. Perhaps you would fall ill.

Besides, where are people today to give alms to the Sadhus? Never pay any heed to such words. Things will go on as the Master directs. The Math will be run on these lines. Those who cannot adjust themselves will go away.”

24 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

When the Mother visited the Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service in Banaras and was asked what she thought of it she replied, “I saw the Master himself present there, and that is why this work goes on here. These are all his work.”

“To care for these homeless old ladies is to care for the Lord. What a fine work these boys (of the Ramakrishna Mission) have built up!”

“All this is His wish. He knows best how He is getting His plan executed and through what.”

“Love alone is the essential thing. Our organization is growing only through love.... These are my children and have taken shelter with Sri Ramakrishna. Wherever they go the Master will look after them.”

XI SRI RAMAKRISHNA

“When I was at the music tower at Dakshineswar for serving the Master, I had to live in that small room with great difficulty. And into it, what a lot of things were packed. But no difficulty was too great when it was meant for some service to him. The days passed unnoticed in great delight.”

“His complexion was like the colour of gold. His complexion blended with the colour of the golden amulet which he wore on his arm.

When I used to rub him with oil, I could clearly see a lustre coming out of his entire body. When he would come out of his room in the temple, people used to stand in line and say to one another, ‘Ah, there he goes!’... People would look at him wonder-struck when he went with slow steady steps to the Ganges to take his bath.

25 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Mother: “When Sri Ramakrishna was at Kamarpukur, men and women looked at him with mouths agape whenever he chanced to come out of the house. One day as he went out for a walk in the direction of the canal known as ‘Bhutir Khal, the women who had gone there to fetch water looked at him agape and said, There the Master goes!’

Annoyed at this, Sri Ramakrishna said to Hriday, ‘Well, Hridu, please put a veil on my head at once.”

“I never saw the Master sad. He was joyous in the company of everyone, were he a boy of five or a man of ripe old age. I never saw him morose, my child. Ah, what happy days those were!”

“Ah! How kindly Sri Ramakrishna treated me! Not even one day did he utter a word to wound my feelings.”

“I then felt as if a pitcher of bliss was kept in my heart. It was a constant experience with me then. It is very difficult to convey an idea of this experience to others.”

“What a unique man he was! How many minds he illumined! What unceasing bliss he radiated! Day and night his room echoed and re-echoed with laughter, stories, talk and music.

“The Master sang, and I would listen hour after hour, standing behind the screen of the Nahabat. When the singing was over I saluted him with folded hands. What joyous days we passed through! People poured in day and night, and there was no end of spiritual talk.”

“How happy we were then! How many people of different temperaments used to come to him! Dakshineswar at that time appeared to us as the mart of bliss.”

26 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“What a great singer the Master was? His voice was so sweet. While singing he would be one with his song. His voice is still ringing in my ears. When I remember it, other voices appear so flat.”

“I always saw a smile on his face in his ecstatic mood. I have seen him smile in all states of Samadhi.”

“How fine his teachings are? How little we knew at that time that things would take this turn! What a great soul was born! How many people are being illumined by his words! He was the embodiment of Bliss itself.

Often he would give me nice words of advice. If I had known how to write, I would have noted them down.”

Disciple: “Mother, that photograph of Sri Ramakrishna which you have is a very good one. Is it a good likeness of him?”

Mother: “Yes, that picture is very, very good. I kept it with the pictures of other gods and goddesses and worshipped it. At that time I lived on the ground floor of the Nahabat.

One day the Master came there and at the sight of the picture he said, ‘Hello, what is all this?’ Then I saw the Master take in his hand the bel leaves and flowers kept there for worship, and offer them to the photograph. He worshipped the picture.”

“The Master said to me, ‘You will see how in course of time I will be worshipped in every house. You will see everyone accepting this (meaning himself).

And this is surely going to happen.’This was the only day I heard him using the first personal pronoun with reference to himself. Usually he would speak of himself not as ‘I” or ‘me’but as ‘case’or as ‘belonging to this’, pointing to his body.”

“The Master entered into spiritual trance very often. One day, as he came down from a long Samadhi, he said, ‘Listen, my dear, I went to a land where the people are all white.

Ah! How sincere is their devotion.’”

27 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“One day Hazra said to the Master, ‘Why do you constantly long for Narendra and other youngsters? They are quite happy by themselves eating, drinking and playing. You had better fix your mind on God. Why should you be attached to them?’

At these words, the Master took his mind away from the young disciples completely and merged it in the thought of God. Instantaneously he entered into Samadhi; his beard and hair stood straight on end. Just imagine what kind of a man the Master was! His body became hard like a statue. Ramlal, who was attending on him, said repeatedly, `Please be your former self again.’

At last, the mind came down to the normal state. It was only out of compassion for people that he kept his mind on the material plane.”

“You will gain everything if you but take refuge in the Master. Renunciation alone was his splendour. We utter his name and eat and enjoy things because he renounced all.

People think that his devotees also must be very great, as he was a man of such complete renunciation!

“Ah, me! One day he went to my room in the Nahabat. He had no spices in his small bag. He used to chew them now and then. I gave him some to chew there and handed over to him a few packed in paper to take to his room.

He proceeded; but instead of going to his room, he went straight to the embankment of the Ganges. He did not see the way, nor was he conscious of it. He was repeating, ‘Mother, shall I drown myself!’...

Hriday ran to the Master, caught hold of him, and brought him back to his room. A moment more and he would have dropped into the Ganges.

Because I put a few spices in his hand, he could not find his way. A holy man must not lay things by. His renunciation was hundred per cent complete.”

28 February 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“It never occurred to me that he practised all the religions with the express motive of preaching the idea of spiritual harmony. He was always in a mood of divine ecstasy.

He practised all the methods through which the Christians, Muslims, Vaishnavas, and others worship God and realize truth, and thereby he tasted God’s disports in diverse ways.

Days and nights were passed by him without any notice.

But what you should note, my dear, is that renunciation is his special message in this age. Did anyone see such natural renunciation any time before?

As for the harmony of religions you speak of, that also is true. In previous incarnations, some one of the attitudes was magnified at the cost of all others.”

“All the acts of Sri Ramakrishna were directed to God alone. That was the nature of his teaching.”

“If you can but follow one of the Master’s teachings, you get everything.”

“Our Master was a man of direct perception. He saw everything; he knew everything. His words are the words of the Veda. What will you do if you do not believe in his words?”

“I don’t know anything. I repeat only what I have heard from the Master. Read The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna and you will know all you need.”

“The Kathamrita (The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna) by M. is very nice. This is because he has put down the exact words of the Master. How sweet are those words!”

Holy Mother wrote to M.: “My beloved child, the words you heard from the Master are true. You need not be afraid to publish them. It was the Master who left these words in your keeping. Now he is bringing them out according to the needs of the time.

You should know that people’s spiritual consciousness will not be awakened unless these words see the light of day. His words which are in your keeping are true, every one of them. When you read them to me I felt as if he himself was speaking.”

2 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Disciple: “Does the Master really live in the picture?”

Mother: “Of course, he does. The body and the shadow are the same. And what is his picture but his shadow?”

Disciple: “Does he live in all the pictures?”

Mother: “Yes, if you pray to him constantly before his picture, then he manifests himself through that picture. The place where the picture is kept is a shrine. The Master will pay special attention to such a place.”

“The birthplace of the Master is a sacred place, a seat of his constant presence, and a holy resort for pilgrims.”

“At the Cossipore Garden the Master spent the last days of his life. The place is associated with so much meditation, Samadhi, and the practice of austerities. It is the place where the Master entered into Mahasamadhi. It is a place permeated with intense spiritual vibration. One realizes God-consciousness by meditating there.”

Regarding the method of consecrating food the Mother said, “Look here, my dear, consider the Master as your very own and say, ‘Come, sit, take, eat.’

And you should think that he has come, is seated, and is eating. What need is there of Mantras and such formalities with regard to one’s own? Those things are like the courtesies and considerations one must show when one’s friends and acquaintances come on a visit; for one’s own, no such thing is necessary. He will accept your gift whatsoever way you may offer it.”

“What else is spiritual life besides praying to the Master, repeating his name and contemplating him? And the Master? What is there after all about him? He is our own eternally.”

“He is my mother, father, friend, relative, acquaintance, my nearest and dearest, and everything.”

“Always think of the Master as your own.”

3 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

“Pray to the Master. He will do everything for you. He is your own, as the moon is the uncle of all children.”

“The Master is the basis of all that we are. He is the ideal. You will never take a false step if you hold onto him under all circumstances.”

“Always remember that Sri Ramakrishna alone is our protector. If you forget this, you will find yourself in a maze.”

Devotee: “Mother, if I pray to the Master silently, will he listen? And should I say anything to the Master without letting you know first?”

Mother grew agitated on hearing this and said, “If he be true, certainly he will hear you.”

“Dreams regarding the Master are real, but he forbade his disciples to narrate, even to him, dreams regarding himself.”

A disciple wrote to the Mother a letter full of despair. After hearing the contents of the letter, she said seriously and forcibly, “How is that possible? Is the name of the Master a mere trifle? Those who come here and think of the Master will certainly see their Chosen Ideal one day. If they cannot do so during their lifetime, they will at least have His vision at the moment before their death.”

Devotee: “It is said that one realizes God by praying to Him sincerely for two or three days. I have been praying for such a long time, but why do I not get any realization?”

Mother: “Everything will come in time, my child. The words of Sri Ramakrishna can never be in vain. Be devoted to him and take shelter at his feet. It is enough to remember that there is some One, call Him father or mother, who is always protecting you.”

4 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

Disciple: “Mother, we do not know what the Master was like. We have not seen him. So, for us you are the Master and everything else.”

Mother: “Don’t fear, my child. The Master will look after you. He will watch over you here and hereafter. He will protect you always.”

“Lay the burden of your mind before Sri Ramakrishna. Tell him about your sorrows with your tears. You will find that he will fill your hands with the desired objects.”

“Keep a picture of the Master before you and know for certain that he is always with you. Open your grief-stricken heart to him. Shed tears and sincerely pray, ‘O Lord, draw me towards you, give me peace of mind.’

By doing so constantly you will gradually attain peace of mind. Have devotion for the Master, and whenever you are in distress, speak it out to him.”

‘‘Sri Ramakrishna was a perfect soul. Certainly, one can be freed from sin by confessing it to one like him.”

“Whoever seeks refuge with the Master finds everything.”

“By remembering him one gets rid of all sufferings.”

“Those who pray to him will easily gain love and knowledge of Brahman.”

‘The path of Brahman is very difficult. Pray to the Master and he will give you the knowledge of Brahman in proper time.”

“The easiest and best way of solving the problems of life is to take the Name of God, of Sri Ramakrishna, in silence.”

“The Master was born on earth this time to liberate all, the rich and the poor, the learned and the-illiterate.

The Malaya breeze is blowing here. He who will unfurl his sail and take refuge in the Master will be blessed indeed.”

5 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

“When the Master departed from this life, I felt like going away too. He appeared before me and said, ‘No, you must remain. There is so much yet to be done.’

In the end I too understood how much there was to be done. He used to say, ‘The people of Calcutta are squirming like worms in the dark. Take care of them.’”

“The Master regarded all creatures as manifestations of the Divine Mother. He left me behind to manifest the motherhood of God.”

“Suppose one of my children has smeared himself with dirt. It is I, and no one else, who shall have to wash him clean and take him in my arms.

To make mistakes is man’ s very nature; but few of those who criticize know how to correct them.”

“My child, several among those who come here are up to anything in life. No type of sin has been left undone by them. But when they come here and address me as Mother, I forget everything and they get more than they deserve.”

“I can’ t contain myself when one draws near me and calls me Mother.’

Girish Ghosh once asked Holy Mother, “What sort of Mother are you?”

At once she replied, “Your real Mother, not just the wife of your Guru, not an adopted mother, not a vague mother. Your real Mother.”

6 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

A disciple asked Holy Mother, “Are you the Mother of all?”

“Yes,” she replied.

“Even of these lower creatures?” he pressed.

“Yes,” answered the Mother.

“My boy, they (the foreigners) too are my children. Can I afford to be partial?”

“Balaram Babu used to refer to me as the ‘great ascetic, the embodiment of forbearance.’ Can you call him a man who is devoid of compassion? He is a veritable beast. Sometimes I forget myself in compassion. Then I do not remember who I am.”

“My son, if so much as a thorn pricks one of you, I feel as if a sword enters my heart!”

“He is unfortunate indeed who does not gain my compassion. I do not know anyone, not even an insect, for whom I do not feel compassion.”

“Do you think that even if this body passes away, I can have any release unless every one of those whose responsibility I have taken on myself is out of bondage? I must constantly live with them. I have taken complete charge of everything, good or bad, regarding them.

Is it easy to give initiation? What a tremendous responsibility have we to accept! How much anxiety have we to suffer for them! Just see! Your father is dead, and that at once made me feel worried about you.

I thought, ‘How is it that the Master is again putting him to test?’ That you may come out of this ordeal Is my constant prayer. For this reason, I gave you all this advice. Can you understand everything I say? If you could do so, that would largely lighten my worries. I cannot simply set aside those whom I have accepted as my own.”

“To a mother a son is always a son.”

7 March 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swami Yoganandaji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swami bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

At the time when Shri Ramakrishna was attracting devotees—old and young—to the temple-garden at Dakshineswar, a young man in his teens, belonging to a neighbouring family, used to visit the garden of Rani Rasmani. He had read of Shri Ramakrishna in the literature of the Brahmo Samaj; but his aristocracy and rural prejudice stood in the way of any personal acquaintance. One day he had a desire for a flower. A man was passing by. The boy took him for a gardener and asked him to pluck the flower for him. The man obliged. Another day the boy saw many people seated in a room in front of that gardener and listening to his discourse. Was this then the Ramakrishna of whom Keshab wrote so eloquently?

The name of the boy was Yogindra Nath Chaudhury. The Master was delighted to know that the boy was the son of Nabin Chandra Chaudhury, his old acquaintance. The Chaudhurys were once very aristocratic and prosperous, but Yogin's parents had become poor. His father was a very orthodox Brahmin and performed many religious festivals. Shri Ramakrishna, during the period of his spiritual striving, had sometimes attended these festivals, and was thus known to the family.

Yogin was born in the year 1861. From his boyhood he was of a contemplative temperament. Even while at play with his companions, he would suddenly grow pensive, stop play and look listlessly at the azure sky. He would feel that he did not belong to this earth, that he had come from somewhere in some other plane of existence and that those who were near about him were not really his kith and kin.

Yogin was about sixteen or seventeen when he met Shri Ramakrishna for the first time. Yogin was very soft-natured. It was difficult for him to hurt even an insect. But sometimes too much gentleness becomes a source of trouble rather than a virtue. Shri Ramakrishna noticed this unreasonable softness in the character of Yogin, and he wanted to set this right. He once noticed that there were some cockroaches in his bundle of clothes and asked Yogin to take the bundle outside the room and kill them. Yogin took the clothes outside the room. But as he was too gentle to kill the insects, he simply threw them away, hoping that the Master would not follow up the matter. But strangely enough he did inquire whether the cockroaches had been killed. When the answer was in the negative, Shri Ramakrishna gave him a mild reproof, for not obeying his words in toto.

A similar incident happened on another day. Yogin was going from Calcutta to Dakshineswar by a country boat in which there were other passengers as well. One of them began to criticise Shri Ramakrishna as being a hypocrite and so on. Yogin felt hurt at such remarks but did not utter even a word of protest. The Master needed no defence from Yogin: he was big enough to be above the reach of any cynicism of fools—Yogin thought. When after coming to Dakshineswar he narrated the incident to Shri Ramakrishna, thinking that the Master would approve of his goodness in not opposing the passengers. The reaction was just the opposite. He took him to task for pocketing the blasphemy heaped upon the Guru. “A disciple should never hear criticisms hurled against his Guru”, said he. “If he cannot protest, he should leave the spot forthwith.”

Once Yogin went to the market to make some purchases for the Master. The cunning shopkeeper feigned to be very religious-minded and Yogin took him to be such. But when he returned to Dakshineswar, he found that the shopkeeper had cheated him. This called for a sharp rebuke from the Master. “A man may aspire to be religious; but that is no reason why he should be a fool”, said Shri Ramakrishna by way of correcting him.

Though Yogin trusted a man easily and had the simplicity of a child, he was not a simpleton. Rather he had a keen discriminating mind and was critical in his outlook. But his critical attitude once led him into a quandary. One night he slept in the same room with the Master, but when he woke up in the dead of night he missed him and saw that the door was open.

At first he felt curious, then he became suspicious as to where he could have gone at such an unearthly hour. He came outside, but Shri Ramakrishna could not be seen. Did he then go to his wife who was staying at the concert-house just opposite? —Yogin thought. Then Shri Ramakrishna was not what he himself professed to be!

Yogin wanted to probe into the mystery and stood near the concert-house to see if he came out of the room. After some time, Shri Ramakrishna came from the Panchavati side and was surprised to see Yogin standing near the concert-house. Yogin was stupefied and felt ashamed of himself for his suspicion. A more sinful act could, never be conceived of to suspect even in thought the purity of a saint like Shri Ramakrishna!

The Master understood the whole situation and said encouragingly, “Yes, one should observe a Sadhu by day as well as at night.” With these words he returned to his room, followed mutely by Yogin.

8 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

A devotee who had come seeking initiation was prevented from seeing the Mother according to Swami Saradananda’s instructions, because of her continuous suffering from malaria. Hearing this she said firmly, “What has Sarat to say? That’s why we have come. I shall initiate him.”

“Whatever I must give, I have given at the time of initiation. If you want peace immediately, practise the spiritual disciplines prescribed. Otherwise, you will achieve it only after the fall of the body.”

To an attendant who noticed Mother doing Japa late at night in her bed. Mother said, “What can I do, my son? The boys come and entreat me eagerly. They take the Mantra and go home. But nobody does any Japa regularly. Some don’ t do it even once. Yet as I have shouldered the burden, should I not look after them? That’s why I do Japa and pray to the Master, ‘O Master, grant them enlightenment, grant them emancipation, and do take on yourself their care in every way here and hereafter.’”

“I entrust all the responsibility to the Master and to him I pray every day, ‘Do please look after every one of them, wherever they may be.’ And mind you, these Mantras have all come from the Master, he gave them to me and they are of proved efficacy.

“The Master is sending these (candidates). I am nobody. It is the Master who graciously blesses them. I am only his instrument.”

‘Mark you, I haven’ t given you the Mantra; it’s the Master who has done so.”

9 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

A disciple who had developed mental aberration returned his rosary to the Mother. When a monk asked her whether he had returned the Mantra also, she replied, “Can that ever be? It’s a living Mantra. Can there be any giving back of it, the Mantra that one has once received, the great Mantra that it is? If one has but once a love for his Guru, can he ever be despoiled of it?”

To a newly initiated disciple Mother said, “From now on the Master will take care of you. He is yours and you are his. He is your Guru, your Ishta. I have offered your life at his feet.”

“But how am I to think of you, Mother?”, the disciple asked. She paused for a while and said, “Well, think of me as one with him (meaning Sri Ramakrishna).”

“He is here in this body in a subtle form. The Master himself declared, ‘I shall live within you in a subtle form.’”

Disciple: “Does the Master appear to you always; does he eat from your hand even now?”

Mother: “Are we distinct?”

“My son, the devotees say that in me the Master alone is present.”

When a disciple asked why she wept like an ordinary person at the death of her young nephew.

Mother replied, “I live as a householder. I must taste the fruit of the tree of the world. That is why I weep.

Sri Ramakrishna once remarked, ‘When God is incarnated in a human body. He acts exactly like a man. He feels the same hunger, thirst, sickness, grief and fear as others do. Even Brahman weeps when caught in the trap of the five elements.’”

Mother remarked, regarding the apparent attachments in her life, “The Master kept my mind bound down by all these things for the sake of his work. Otherwise, could it have been possible for me to stay on after he left?”

“People come to me and say, ‘I have no peace in life, I never feel the presence of God, tell me how to find peace,’ and so on. Then I look at them and at myself and wonder why they talk in this manner. Is everything about me beyond the common run? I have never known unrest. And as far as the presence of God, it’s mine for the taking. I can see Him whenever I like.”

10 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

Disciple: “Do you ever remember your real nature?”

Mother: “Yes, I recall it now and then. At that time, I say to myself, ‘What is this that I am doing? What is all this about?’ Then I remember the house, buildings and children and forget my real self.”

“God loves to sport as a human being.”

“Sri Krishna played with the shepherd boys, laughed and walked with them; ate of the food they had touched; but did they know who He was?”

“It’s only by accepting an illusion that I am so. This is nothing but continuing in the midst of an illusion.”

Disciple: “Well, Mother, do you always remember your real nature?”

Mother: “How could that be? How, then, could I perform all these duties? But even in the midst of my activities, whenever I wish I can understand by the slightest effort that all this is the mere play of Mahamaya.”

“I tell you, my daughter, know this body (pointing to her own) to be divine.”

Disciple: “X- says that one should not stay near one’s Guru for long; for he says that at the sight of the common worldly dealings of the Guru the disciple often loses much of his love and respect.”

Mother (with a laugh): “Don’t you lose heart, my son, at such talks. In that case how will my work be carried on? Off with such great ideas as divinity; think of me as a human being and go on doing the work just as at present, following my direction and using your intelligence. Have no fear whatsoever.”

11 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

“The excessive manifestation of divinity creates fear in the minds of devotees; they cannot feel intimate.”

One morning Holy Mother was assisting in husking paddy. It was almost her daily job.

A disciple asked her, “Mother, why should you work so hard?”

“My child,” she said in reply, “I have done much more than is necessary to make my life a model.”

When one day a disciple protested about her strenuous life. Mother said, “My child, it is good to be active.” Remaining silent for a few minutes she said gravely, “Please bless me that I may serve others as long as I live.”

When her devotees protested the many personal services she rendered them. Mother silenced them by saying with overflowing feeling, “What after all have I done for you? Am I not your mother? Is it not the privilege of a mother to serve her child in every way-even to clean its dirt with her own hand?”

“Now that you are with your mother, what’s the need of so much Japa and meditation? I, indeed, am doing everything for you. Now eat and live merrily, free from all care.”

Disciple: “Mother, you have hundreds of children, and I am only one of them. But to me you are my only mother. Bless me so that I may be a worthy child of yours.”

Mother: “Well my child, surely the Master will look after you. It is for your good that he has brought you here. Always think of the Master as your own. Think of me as your own mother and depend on us in all matters.”

12 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

“Do not fear, my child. Always remember that the Master is behind you. I am also with you. As long as you remember me, your mother, why should you be frightened? The Master said to me, “In the end I shall certainly liberate those who come to you.’”

“Whoever has come here, whoever is my son is already redeemed. Destiny dares not throw my children into hell. Free yourself from all anxiety by entrusting your future to me. And remember this always, that there is one behind you who will come to you at the right moment and lead you to the everlasting domain.”

“I am the mother of the wicked, as I am the mother of the virtuous. Never fear. Whenever you are in distress, just say to yourself, ‘I have a mother.’”

Amjad, a Muslim bandit, built the wall for Holy Mother’s new house. One day she invited him for a meal, which was arranged on the porch of her house. Nalini began to throw the food at Amjad’s plate from a distance.

Mother noticed this and said, “How can one enjoy food if it is offered with such scorn? Let me wait on him properly.” After he had finished his meal. Mother cleaned the place with her own hands. Nalini shrieked, “Aunt, you have lost your caste!”

“Keep quiet,” said Mother. “As Sarat(Swami Saradananda) is my son, exactly so is Amjad.”

13 March 2026

(Teachings of The Holy Mother)

REFLECTIONS ON HERSELF

A woman who had led a bad life went to Mother in a mood of sincere repentance and made an unreserved confession of her sins. Mother embraced her great warmth of feeling, saying, `Do not despair for whatever you have done. You will get over all your sinful tendencies. Come, I shall initiate you.

lay everything at the Master’s feet and cast away all fear.

A college student used to visit Mother’s place quite frequently. One day while taking leave of her, he suddenly said, `Mother I am no good for this place, I am unfit to come to you. I will say goodbye forever. He quickly left the house.

Mother ran after him, caught his shirt, and pulled him toward her, she put her hands on his shoulders. Looking at him eye to eye she said in a firm voice, “Whenever any disturbing thought comes to your mind, think of me. Do not worry!” With those words she let him go.

While going home the boy repeated Mother’s words over and over again: “Think of me; think of me; think of me.” He could not forget those two beautiful compassionate eyes of the Mother. Constantly he thought of those eyes of the Mother and those words, “Think of me.”

He became a monk later and led a very exemplary life. He narrated this incident to a brother monk who is presently a senior member of the Ramakrishna Order.

14 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Follow Christ and Disregard the World’s Prizes

The Lord says, “Whoever follows me will have the light of life and will never walk in darkness’. Christ encourages us to pattern our lives after his so we can become spiritually enlightened. Our most important task, then, is to meditate on the life of Jesus Christ.

Christ’s teaching is superior to all the teachings of the saints, and if you have the Spirit you will discover through him “the hidden manna’ of the Word.

Many who have heard the gospel all their lives have not been affected by it because they do not have Christ’s Spirit. If you truly want to understand and enjoy the words of Christ you must attempt to live like him.

What is the point of scholarly discussion of a deep subject like the Unity, if you lack humility?

You can be sure that profound talk does not make anyone holy and just, but a pure life pleases God. I would rather feel contrition than know its definition!

If you knew the entire Bible by heart and were familiar with all the philosophers, what good would it all be without the love of God and his grace?

Anything other than loving and serving God is ‘useless, useless... all useless’.

15 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Follow Christ and Disregard the World’s Prizes

Here is the wisest thing you can do: forget the world and seek the things of heaven.

It is pointless, then, to desire and trust perishable wealth.

It is also pointless to search after honours or to be a social climber.

It is useless to give in to physical desires and to crave wrong things when indulging ourselves will only bring severe punishment.

It is futile to wish for a long life, and then to give so little care to living well.

It is nothing but vanity to think only of this present life and to ignore the future.

It is vain to care about things that are quickly passing away rather than to hurry to the place of everlasting joy.

Repeat this proverb frequently: ‘Our eyes can never see enough to be satisfied; our ears can never hear enough’. Try, then, to turn your heart away from the love of things that can be seen, and to start loving the things that cannot be seen.

Those who follow the way of sensuality will have a nagging conscience and lose God’s Favour.

Have a Humble Opinion of ourselves

It is natural for all of us to desire knowledge, but what is the value of knowledge without respect for God?

The most ordinary person who serves God is better than a proud philosopher who neglects himself while studying the stars. If you really know yourself, you will see that nothing about yourself is worthy of praise. I may have all knowledge and understand all secrets... but if I have no love, I am nothing’.

When I stand in God’s presence, I am judged by the things I do.

16 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Follow Christ and Disregard the World’s Prizes

Great learning can be a distraction; it can make you try to appear wise in order to win praise. There are many things you can know which will be of little value to your soul, and it is not wise to waste your time on them.

Words do not nourish the soul, but a life well-lived brings comfort to the mind.

A clear conscience will give you confidence before God.

If you think you know a lot about something, remind yourself that there are many more things you do not know.

‘Do not be proud but accept humble duties. Do not think of yourselves as wise’. If you want to learn something worthwhile, learn how to be a nobody.

The most profound and valuable lesson of all is to truly know yourself and to have a humble opinion of yourself.

Think well of others. If you see someone else engaging in a sinful act or a crime, do not let that make you think more highly of yourself.

“You do not know how long it may be before you also stumble. All of us are frail; consider yourself no stronger than anybody else!

17 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

True Education

‘Lord, how happy is the person you instruct, the one to whom you teach your law!’.

Our opinions and senses frequently mislead us. ‘What do we gain from all our work?... He has given us a desire to know the future but never gives us the satisfaction of fully understanding what he does’. We won’t be held responsible for this ignorance.

O God of truth, unite me with yourself in everlasting love. I am tired of reading and hearing many things. All I desire is you.

Silence all teachers, let every creature be hushed reverently in your presence. Speak to me, Lord, intimately.

The more a person is in harmony with himself and the simpler he is inwardly, the more he understands intuitively. He receives divine illumination.

A pure, honest, and stable spirit is not distracted by a lot of activity. He does everything to honour God and is at rest within himself. He seeks to be free from all selfishness.

A good, devout person considers inwardly the things he intends to do outwardly. Who has a greater struggle than one who tries to overcome himself? And this is our job: to work at conquering ourselves, to become stronger each day, and to make a little progress toward goodness.

Even our best efforts have imperfections, and all of our thinking includes some stupidity.

A humble understanding of ourselves is a more certain way to God than the most in-depth study.

But learning is not to be condemned! Knowledge is good. It is God’s gift to us.

However, a clear conscience and a decent life are superior to it. The fruitless error comes in desiring to know much, rather, than to live well.

18 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

True Education

If we were as careful in weeding out vices and planting virtues as we are in scholarly research, we would not have so much evil and scandal among us, or so much carelessness in religious houses.

You can be certain of this: when the Day of Judgment comes, we shall not be asked what we have read, but what we have done; not how well we have spoken, but how well we have lived.

Tell me, where now are all the great doctors and masters you used to know? Others sit in their offices, and the former ones already are forgotten. See how soon this world’s glory fades!

Authentic greatness is found in great love.

He is genuinely great who considers himself small, and cares nothing about high honours.

I am truly wise if I look upon all earthly things ‘as mere trash’.

And the greatest of all is he that does the will of God while denying himself.

Prudent living

We should not be too credulous. We need to carefully consider everything we hear. We should spend time in thought before God. Sadly, we are so weak that we frequently believe and repeat ugly rumours rather many good things. It is best not to accept every report. Human beings have a tendency to evil and even the most reliable sources make mistakes.

19 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Prudent living

“Enthusiasm without knowledge is not good; impatience will get you into trouble’.

In a similar manner, don’t believe everything you hear. Don’t be quick to pour it into others’ ears.

The more humility you have and the more subject you are to God, the wiser you will be, and the more at peace.

Reading the Bible

Look for truth in the Bible, not eloquence. Every verse should be read in the spirit with which it was written.

Read the devout and simple books as gladly as the learned and profound. Don’t worry about the writer’s authority, or his level of education.

Allow the love of simple truth to attract you. Don’t ask, ‘Who said this?’ Instead, pay attention to what is said.

People die, but God’s Word will never pass away.

Sometimes our curiosity interferes with our Bible reading. You want to discuss and understand parts we should simply pass by.

If you want to make your Scripture reading worthwhile, read with humility, simplicity, and faith. Don’t try to appear learned.

Listen in silence to the words of the holy men and take pleasure in the teachings of the elders. They spoke with good reason.

20 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Controlling Excess Desire

If you want something obsessively, you will be restless within yourself. The arrogant and the greedy can never relax. It is the poor and the spiritually humble who know what peace is.

If you are not yet able to deny yourself, you will be easily tempted. Small, insignificant things will make you their slave.

The spiritually weak prefer sensuality and are not able to give up earthly desires completely. That’s why they are sad when they must abandon something and easily angered when opposed.

Suppose you get something you want. Soon you may be remorseful to have that thing. Surrendering to your passions will not help you find peace. Only by resisting them can you be truly at peace.

There is simply no peace in the heart of a person who lives an animal existence or who places all importance on outward things. Peace is reserved for the sincerely spiritual person.

Taking Charge

Be free! Master yourself! Make sure that all things are under you, and that you are not under them. Don’t be a slave to anything. Be free!

Pride and Humility

The Lord says, ‘I will condemn the person who turns away from me and puts his trust in man, in the strength of mortal man’.

Do not be ashamed to serve others because of your love for Jesus Christ, or to appear poor in the world’s eyes.

Do not count on your own strength, trust God. Do what you can, and God will supply the difference.

‘Wise men should not boast of their wisdom, nor strong men of their strength, nor rich men of their wealth’.

21 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

You must put on the apron of humility, to serve one another; for the scripture says, ‘God resists the proud, but shows favour to the humble’’.

Take glory neither in money, if you have some, nor in influential friends, but in God who gives you everything and above all wants to give you himself.

Avoid boasting about the size or beauty of your body, which a little illness can disfigure or destroy.

Have no pride in your native wit and talent; that would displease God who gave you every good thing that you naturally possess.

Reject the thought that you are better than anyone else.

If you think such haughty thoughts, God will consider you worse than they.

Pride about our good deeds is pointless. God has his own ideas regarding what is good and he does not always agree with us. If there is anything good about you, believe better things of others. This will keep you humble.

It will not hurt you at all to consider yourself less righteous than others, but it will be disastrous for you to consider yourself better than even one person.

The humble are always at peace; the proud are often envious and angry.

22 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Guarding the Mouth

Avoid small talk as much as you can. Even shop talk can be a great hindrance. Sometimes I wish I had remained silent; that I had not spoken in a crowd.

Our chattering is an escape from unwelcome thinking. We keep the conversation on comfortable subjects. Small comfort! Sometimes it even robs us of inward consolation.

Watch and pray, so that you won’t waste your time. If you want to talk about something, discuss a worthwhile subject.

Failing to guard your mouth is a very bad habit. But reverent discussion of spiritual matters can help us all grow, especially when the group that is garnered is unified in God.

Finding Peace

We will have much peace if we refrain from minding the business of others.

Those with a unity of purpose are blessed with such peace.

Do you know why some of the saints were so genuine and contemplative? It was because they worked hard at being free from earthly desires. This allowed them to move closer to God and to develop their inner life freely.

We are enslaved too much by our emotions, and we worry too much about transitory things.

Only occasionally do we win out over even one vice, and no desire burns within us to improve daily the quality of our behaviour.

That is why we continue to be apathetic and cold. If we could overcome ourselves, and not be all mixed-up in our hearts, then we would be delighted with spiritual things and have a little experience with heavenly contemplation.

23 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Our main problem-our only problem-is that we are caught in a spider’s web of passions and lusts and have no desire for a higher way.

When even a minor problem comes up, we are immediately discouraged and turn to earthly kinds of comforts.

But if we try to be brave and stand firm in the battle, God certainly will help us. He presents us with the challenge and stands ready to assist us. All we need to do is trust his free gift of grace and we will win.

We would be well on the way to perfection if we could weed out one vice from ourselves each year. But we often find that we were better persons just after our conversion than we are after many years of being a Christian.

Every day that passes should make us more like Christ but we tend to grow cooler rather than warmer.

If we would make big demands on ourselves at the beginning, we would find it easier going later. It is a hard job to quit old habits, and it is even more difficult to resist our own desires. But if you can’t handle small things, how will you deal with big ones?

Put up a fight right at the beginning.

Break a bad, habit Otherwise, it may draw you by small steps you never notice into greater difficulty.

24 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

If you had any idea how much inward peace you would gain for yourself, and how much joy you would bring to others, by devoting yourself singleheartedly to God, you would certainly pay more attention to your spiritual progress.

The Value of Adversity

Sometimes it is good for us to have troubles and crosses to bear. Adversity can return us to our senses. It can remind us that we are here as refugees, and that we must not place our trust in anything belonging to the world.

It is good that people sometimes misunderstand us, that they have a poor opinion of us even when our intentions are good. Such experiences lead us toward humility and protect us from conceit. Under trying circumstances, we seek God all the more. Our inner life grows stronger when we are outwardly condemned.

If you will fully establish yourself in God, you will not need the consolation of others. When we are troubled with temptation and evil thoughts, then we see dearly the great need we have of God, since without him we can do nothing good.

Then with weariness and sorrow we may ‘want very much to leave this life and be with Christ”, for we understand that absolute security and peace do not exist in this world.

How to Resist Temptation

As long as we live in this world, we will endure trials and temptations. As it is written in Job,

“Human life is like forced army service,

like a life of hard manual labour,

like a slave longing for a cool shade;

like a worker waiting for his pay”.

25 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Resist Temptation

Be careful therefore, about your own temptations. Pray about them. Be alert, be on the watch! Your enemy the Devil roams around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour”.

No one is so good that he is immune to temptation; we will never be entirely free of it.

Still temptation can be a service to us. It may be a burden, but it can bring us humility and teach us good lessons.

All of the saints experienced more than their share of trials and temptations, and they grew as a result.

There is no group so holy no place so far away that it can shield us from all distractions and difficulties.

No one living on earth is entirely free from temptation. The reason is that we are born with the source of temptation within us; we are trapped by our own evil desire.

We are fallen men living east of Eden. Therefore, tribulation will never leave us and one temptation will always follow on the heels of another.

Many people try to run away from temptations only to fall even harder. Trying to escape is not the solution. What makes us stronger than any of our enemies is patience and humility.

If you only try to avoid temptations outwardly you will not get very far. Like weeds in a poorly cultivated garden, they will soon return worse than before.

Gradually, by patience and persistence, with God’s help, you will win a victory that could never be yours through the violence of your own fretful efforts.

26 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Resist Temptation

Seek counsel when you are tempted, and don’t be hard on someone else who is tempted. Give him the same loving support you would want for yourself.

Two things increase temptation’s hold on you: an indecisive mind and little confidence in God.

As a ship without a rudder is driven this way and that by the tossing waves, so the careless and irresolute person is battered by temptations on every side.

Fire tests iron; temptation tests an honest person. Sometimes we don’t know what we can do until temptation shows us what we are.

But don’t play with fire!

It is far easier to deal successfully with temptation in the beginning, when the flames are still controllable.

The time to deal with the enemy is while he remains outside the door of your heart. Take him on as soon as you hear the first knock. As a saint said, “Prevent the illness; medicine comes too late.’

First a mere thought comes to mind; then a strong imagination works on it. Pleasure may come, followed by a tendency to evil, and suddenly, we are hooked.

Little by little the enemy takes over because we let him get his foot in the door. The longer we put off resisting, the weaker we become.

Some people are tempted most strongly at the beginning of their spiritual life, others near the end. Some are troubled all their lives. Still others receive only light temptation. Such things are decided by God and we can trust his wisdom.

Therefore, we must not despair when we are tempted. Instead, we must pray to God all the more sincerely, asking him to help.

27 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Resist Temptation

Saint Paul has assured us, “Every test that you have experienced is the kind that normally comes to people. But God keeps his promise, and he will not allow you to be tested beyond your power to remain firm; at the time you are put to the test, he will give you the strength also to endure it and so provide you with a way out’.

‘Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand’ in all temptation and difficulty, for he will save and honour those who are humble in spirit.

It is no great accomplishment to be devout and fervent when your life is running smoothly, but patient endurance in troubled times is strong confirmation of your growth in grace.

Some are spared great temptations, only to be trapped by little ones each day. Being weak in small things, they never receive the big assignments.

Passing Judgment

Take a good look at yourself; don’t judge what others do. your evaluation of someone else will often be mistaken, but you can be fruitfully honest with yourself.

Living with imperfections in Others.

Try to be patient with the defects and blemishes in others, because you also have many things about you that they must endure. If you can’t make yourself what you want to be, how can you expect to remake somebody else?

We would like to see another person perfect, and yet we ignore our own faults. We would be pleased if others were severely corrected, but we are reluctant to accept similar treatment for ourselves. We want the law to apply to everybody but not to ourselves.

It is clear that we don’t measure our neighbours and ourselves by the same standard.

If everyone were perfect, there-would be nothing in others for us to bear with for God’s sake. But God has seen to it that we must “help to carry one another’s burdens”.

For no one is without fault,

no one is without burden,

no one is self-sufficient,

no one is wise enough on his own. Therefore, we must support one another comfort one another help, teach, and caution one another.

28 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Peace does Not Come from Others

Friend, if you expect to find peace in the friendship of any person, you are likely to be disappointed. But if you are intimate with God, the disloyalty or death of a friend will not crush you.

Base your love for your friend on God, for without him, friendship is weak and won’t last. Love that is bonded together by God is pure and true.

Life in a Monastery

You must learn how to overcome many of your own desires if you want to live peacefully and in harmony with others.

It is a great accomplishment to live in a religious community, or be a part of a congregation, without complaining, and to stick with it faithfully until you die.

You must be willing to seem a fool for Christ’s sake if you want to live a religious life.

Wearing special clothes and shaving your head contribute nothing to your spiritual life but changing your behaviour and controlling your emotions make you truly religious.

If you pursue anything other than God and the salvation of your soul you will find trouble and sorrow.

You will not have peace unless you try to be the least, subordinate to all.

You came here to serve, not to rule. Now it is your duty to endure difficulties tolerantly and to work, not to rest idly and waste time in small talk.

Here, we are tested as gold in the furnace. Here, no one can stand the test-unless he is willing with all his heart to be humble before God.

29 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Compare yourself with Early Christians

Consider the early Christians’ shining examples of faithfulness, and you will see how little we do. There is no comparison!

The saints and followers of Christ served the Lord in hunger and thirst, in cold and nakedness, in toil and weariness, in observances and fasts, in prayer and holy meditation, in persecution and disgrace.

All day long they laboured, and at night they prayed continually. Even at work, they prayed silently.

Every hour they spent with God seemed short. They enjoyed this communion so much they sometimes forgot to eat.

They were strangers to the world, but they were God’s close companions.

After you have seen such examples of faith, it will be difficult for you to fall asleep spiritually.

Essentials for Each Day

A Christian ought to be as virtuous inside as he appears outside to others. No, he should be better in his heart than on the surface. Because God sees every part of us, we should be reverent before him and live as pure as angels in his sight.

We should pray every day saying, ‘Help me, O Lord God! These are my good intentions in your service. Let me begin this day to settle down to the serious business of living a pure life, for what I have done so far is nothing.’

The firmer we stick to our purpose, the more we will advance. And if the one who tries the hardest frequently fails, what will become of the less enthusiastic? Remember that our best intentions do not depend upon us for fulfillment but upon God.

30 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Compare yourself with Early Christians

We are to rely on God for whatever we try to do. “You may make your plans, but God alone directs your actions’.

Even if we do the best we can, we will still fail many times. Yet we must always plan something definite, plot a course, especially as we battle our greatest personal weaknesses.

Determine a plan of action in the morning and then evaluate yourself at night. How have you behaved today? What were your words, your deeds, your thoughts? It may be that you have offended God or your neighbour.

Never be completely at rest. Read, or write, or pray, or meditate, or do something good for the community.

Everyone cannot profit from the same kind of spiritual practices; one is better for you, and another is better for someone else.

In the same way we must choose spiritual practices that suit the occasion. There are different ways for dealing with holidays and regular days, temptation and peace, sadness and happiness.

The point is that we should prepare ourselves for a good departure from this earth.

‘How happy that servant is,’ says the gospel writer, Luke, If his master finds him doing this when he comes home! Indeed, I tell you, the master will put that servant in charge of all his property’.

31 March 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Enjoy Being Alone and Quiet

Watch for good times to retreat into yourself. Frequently meditate on how good God is to you. Skip the tricky questions. Read things which will move your heart. If you will stop chattering and gossiping, you will find plenty of time for valuable meditation.

You will find in your ‘closet of prayer’ what you frequently lose when you are out in the world. The more you visit it the more you will want to return. But the longer you avoid it the harder it will be to come back. If you are faithful to your secret place, it will become your closest friend and bring you much comfort.

In silence and stillness, a devout person grows spiritually and learns the hidden things of the Bible. The tears shed there bring cleansing. God will draw near the person who withdraws for a while.

It is better for you to look after yourself this way in private than to perform wonders in public while neglecting your soul.

Turn to God Almighty. Ask him to forgive your sins and oversights. Leave trivial things to the trivial. ‘Go to your room, close the door’, and speak with Jesus, your Beloved. Stay there with him. Nowhere else will you find this kind of peace.

1 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Dealing with Malicious Gossip

Friend, stay near God and don’t worry about what others think of you when you have a clear conscience.

It is a good thing to suffer such misjudgment. If you are humble, it won’t even bother you. Many people say things that are not worth hearing.

It is impossible to satisfy everyone. Paul became ‘all things to all men’. And yet he said, ‘I am not at all concerned about being judged by you or by any human standard; I don’t even pass judgment on myself.’

He did everything he could to lead others to Christ, but he still had plenty of detractors.

This is how Paul preserved his sanity: he turned it all over to God who knows everything. When necessary, Paul faced those who tried to raise their own status by climbing over him. He answered their charges with humility and patience in order to protect others who might be hurt by his silence.

The Lord says:-

I am the one who strengthens you. Why should you fear mortal man, who is no more enduring than grass?’.

What power does anyone have to injure you with words? He hurts himself, not you. And he will be unable to escape God’s judgement, regardless of who he is. Keep God in sight and ignore other’s abuse.

Understanding Human Misery

You will suffer wherever you are, unless you are with God.

Why are you upset when things don’t go the way you wish? Who gets everything his way? I don’t. You don’t. No one does. Not one person on earth, not even a king or a pope, has a problem-free life.

Do you know who can deal with troubles best? It is the person who is willing to suffer something for God.

2 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Understanding Human Misery

Thoughtless people say, ‘Look at the happy life that person leads! Money! Prestige! Power!’

But if you consider the riches of heaven, you will see that these earthly things are inconsequential, undependable, and more a burden than a privilege. They are always accompanied by anxiety and fear.

Our happiness does not depend upon owning a lot of things; enough to get along will do.

life on earth involves misery. The spiritually perceptive person is even more aware of this because he sees clearly the effects of human corruption.

For that matter to eat and drink, to sleep and wake, to work and rest, and to be forced to obey the other requirements of nature can become a great annoyance to a devout person who would almost prefer to live without a body!

Friend, don’t give up your spiritual journey. You still have time. Why do you keep putting off your decision day after day? “You can start immediately.

You can say: This is the moment to start moving. Now is the time to begin the fight and to change my ways.”

How great is our weakness of character! Today you will confess your sins; tomorrow you will commit the same ones again. Right now, you intend to do better. In an hour, you will behave as though this moment never happened.

We have every reason, therefore, to be humble, we are so weak and unstable.

3 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Thinking About Death

You won’t last long here. Think about what will become of you in another world. You are here today and gone tomorrow.

How sad is the dullness and hardness of our hearts! We only think about the present and have little concern for what is to come.

Instead, we should plan every word and action as though we were going to die today. If you had a clean conscience you would not be afraid to die. It is better to run away from sin than from death.

If you are not ready for death today, do you think you will be any more prepared tomorrow? Tomorrow is not guaranteed. How can you be sure you’ll even live until tomorrow?

living a long time doesn’t make us better persons automatically. Sometimes the years only increase our burden of guilt not the quality of our behaviour.

It would be wonderful if we could live even one day well. Many can tell you the date of their conversion, but their lives have little to show for it.

The person who thinks about his own death and daily prepares to the will be blessed. If you ever watch another person die, remember that you must also pass the same way.

When morning comes, think that you will not live until sunset. At night don’t promise yourself a morning. Always be ready, live in such a way that death will never catch you unprepared. You must always be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you are not expecting him’.

When your last hour comes, you will have a new perspective on your entire life, and you will be deeply troubled if you have been careless and negligent.

listen! This is the hour to receive God’s favour; today is the day to be saved!’. The time will come when you will beg for one day or one hour to make amends, and you may not be granted it.

4 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Try to live now so that when your time comes to die, you will be glad rather than afraid. Discover how to die to the world so you can start living with Christ.

It is foolish to think that you will have a long life. You can’t even be sure you will get through today! Many have been snatched suddenly out of this world.

Think of the times you have heard of someone drowning, or choking to death, or dying while playing a sport Fire, weapons, sickness, violent thieves - these unexpected threats are constantly present with us.

“We grow and wither as quickly as flowers; we disappear like shadows’’.

Do it now. Do whatever you can do right now. You never know when your opportunity will be ended by death. While you have the time, start collecting heavenly treasures. Think about nothing but your spiritual health. Care about nothing but the things of God.

Live as a stranger and a refugee in this world - as one who has nothing to do with earthly things. Keep your heart free and lifted up to God, ‘for there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come”.

That is where to send your prayers, sighs, and tears. Then, when you die, your spirit will be joyfully at home with Christ.

5 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Divine Judgment

Always consider the end-how you will stand before God, your judge, from whom nothing can be kept secret. He cannot be bribed, and will not be deceived by flimsy excuses, but will certainly judge you honestly.

If you are sometimes disturbed by the expression on an angry person’s face, how will you feel before God, who knows everything about your foolish and sinful life? The time to do your weeping and pleading is now, while it can still accomplish good for you and in you.

Here is the picture of a patient and purifying life:

Though you receive injuries, you are more troubled by the other’s malice than by any wrong done to you.

You willingly pray for your enemies and sincerely forgive them. If you have offended or hurt someone else, you are quick to ask for pardon.

Compassion is stronger in you than anger.

You passionately overcome your own will in order to subdue your body to your spirit.

It is better to eliminate sinful behaviour here than to deal with it hereafter. What fuel shall the fires have but your sins?

There is no future in anything, then, except loving and serving God. If you love God with all your heart, you will not be afraid of death, or punishment, or judgment, or hell. Perfect love brings divine security. But if that love is not yet strong enough in you to keep you from sinning, then maybe the fear of hell will restrain you.

6 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Good Advice for Good living

Trust in the Lord and do good; live in the land and be safe. Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire. Give yourself to the Lord; Trust in him, and he will help you’.

Carefully avoid in yourself those things which disturb you in others.

Pick some profitable fruit wherever you are. If you see or hear a good example, burn the imitation of it into your soul. But if you observe behaviour that is harmful avoid it like a snake. And if you already have committed the same sin yourself, get busy and make amends.

Just as you observe others’ actions, they observe yours.

You will always be glad at night, if you have lived the day fruitfully: Cautiously watch yourself. Whatever happens to others, don’t neglect your own spiritual life.

7 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Inner Life

‘The kingdom of God is within you,’ says the Lord. Turn wholeheartedly to God, give up this miserable world, and you will discover rest for your soul. Learn to scorn outward things; concentrate on what goes on inside yourself. If you do, you will see the Kingdom of God come to you.

For God’s kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of the righteousness, peace, and joy which the Holy Spirit gives”.

And that is not given to vicious people.

Christ will come to you, bringing his special consolation with him, if you prepare a worthy place for him within yourself. The glory and beauty of Christ is an inner thing. He enjoys frequent visits quietly inside you. His conversation is deliriously pleasant- his comfort and peace are tremendous. It is marvellous to be his familiar friend.

Prepare yourself, faithful soul, to welcome your loves that he may come to you and live with you as your spouse. This is what he says, “Whoever accepts my commandments and obeys them is the one who loves me. My father will love whoever loves me; I too will love him and reveal myself to him”.

When you have Christ you are rich. He is enough. He will provide everything you need so you won’t have to count on others without him.

People change and fail. You cannot depend upon them. Those that are for you today may be against you tomorrow. They are as variable as the wind. But Christ is eternally faithful.

8 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

ADVICE CONCERNING INWARD THINGS

Put all of your trust in God. Reverently love him. He will look out for you. ‘For there is no permanent city for us here on earth; we are looking for the city which is to come’.

Wherever you may be, you are a stranger and a pilgrim. You will never really rest until you are united inwardly with Christ. Why are you looking around for a resting place here? This is not your home; heaven is. Everything here is transitory and you are no exception.

If you need help in learning how to meditate on high and heavenly things, think about Christ’s willingness to die on the cross, live for a while in his sacred wounds. This will bring you great comfort in tribulation and will take the sting out of any trouble the world sends your way.

Christ was in the world just as you are. He was despised and rejected, and his best friends deserted him when he was in deep trouble.

Christ was willing to suffer; do you dare to complain? Christ had enemies and detractors; so, you want everyone to be your friend and benefactor?

There is no way your patience can receive a heavenly crown if you face no earthly problems. If you will not accept any opposition, how will you be Christ’s friend?

If even once you have truly discovered the secrets of the Lord Jesus, and tasted a sample of his great love, then you will not care two cents for your own convenience or inconvenience.

9 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

ADVICE CONCERNING INWARD THINGS

A lover of Jesus and of the Truth, a genuinely sincere Christian who is free from encumbering desires, can spontaneously turn to God, lift himself above himself spiritually and fruitfully linger there.

If you can evaluate things as they really are, and not as people report them to be, then you are wise, and God is your teacher.

Humility

Don’t pay much attention to who is for you and who is against you.

This is your major concern: that God be with you in everything you do. If you have a good conscience, God will be your defender and no man can hurt you.

If you can suffer silently, you will see how the Lord can help. God knows when and how to rescue you. Trust him.

It can be helpful for others to know our faults and blame us for them. Such experiences keep us humble, and humility goes a long way toward reconciling us to others.

God protects and helps the humble; he loves and comforts them. He notices their humility; he pours out his grace on them.

When a humble one has been cast down, God raises him to glory. He tells his secrets to the humble. He draws them by invitation to himself. If you are humble, you will be at peace even while experiencing shame, because your foundation is God and not the world.

10 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Humility

Do not think that you have made any progress at all, until you see less virtue in yourself than in anybody else.

It is Good to Be Peaceable

If you are at peace yourself, then you will be able to help others become peaceable. An excitable person distorts things, and readily believes the worst, but a calm person can turn even bad circumstances into good ones.

If you are at peace, you will not be suspicious of others. But if you are discontented and troubled, you will be agitated with all kinds of suspicions. You will be unable to remain quiet yourself, and you will not let anyone else rest either.

Accuse yourself and excuse another.

See how far you are from genuine love and humility, which do not know how to be angry or indignant toward anyone else.

It is no significant accomplishment to live with good and gentle people. Everybody enjoys compatible company! But to be able to have a good relationship with obstinate, disorderly, and contrary people is a unique gift, a highly commendable feat.

The person who knows best how to suffer will enjoy the most peace. Such a person has conquered himself and has become a lord of the world, a friend of Christ and an inheritor of heaven.

11 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Simplicity and Purity

These two wings will lift you high above earthly things: simplicity and purity.

Simplicity of intention is after God’s own heart; purity of affection sees him and tastes him. If you intend to look for nothing but the will of God and the good of your neighbour, you will enjoy abundant inner freedom.

If your soul is healthy, then every creature you see will be a living mirror, a book of sacred doctrine. There is no creature, regardless of its apparent insignificance, that fails to show us something of God’s goodness.

If you were inwardly good and pure, you would be able to comprehend everything easily. An unblemished heart penetrates heaven and hell.

What you are inside will colour your judgment.

If there is joy in this world, it is the pure in heart who experience it. And if there is suffering and anguish anywhere, it is all too familiar to the bad conscience.

As iron put into a fire loses its rust and glows red in the heat, so the one who turns completely to God, wakes up and becomes a new person. It is when you begin to cool that you start fearing any little demand made of you, and you seek escape in earthly ways.

But when, with God’s help, you begin to gain control of yourself, you will pay little attention to things that used to bother you deeply.

12 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

What Comes Naturally-and What Is a Gift from God

Don’t be fooled by what only appears to be good. Human nature and grace move in opposite directions. Here is how to tell the difference between the two.

Human nature is tricky and often misleads and traps; it always cares about itself.

But grace simply avoids guile and cares about God.

Human nature puts up a fight and dies reluctantly; it is not easily taught new patterns or held under control. Grace avoids sensuality, desires to be held in check, and will not abuse freedoms.

Human nature always works for its own profit and advantage and seeks all it can gain from others. Grace does not think at all about itself, but instead about what is good for others.

Human nature accepts flattery, honour, and adulation gladly. Grace passes on the honour and worship to God.

Human nature hates to be shamed or rejected, but grace is pleased to endure such things in the name of God and accepts them as special favours when they come.

Human nature desires exotic and exclusive things. But grace enjoys the ordinary and is willing to be dressed in simple clothes.

Human nature is greedy and finds receiving more blessed than giving. It enjoys owning private property. But grace is generous to the poor and content with a little. It knows ‘there is more happiness in giving than in receiving”.

Human nature does nothing because of generosity. Its constant aim is to gain the advantage. It wants praise and notoriety. But grace looks for no rewards beyond God and cares nothing for empty applause.

Human nature desires to have many friends and relatives and takes pride in its pedigree. It enjoys being among rich and important people. But grace loves its enemies and places virtue above noble birth. It sympathizes more with the innocent than with the influential and finds truth more impressive than propaganda.

Human nature wants recognition. It wants admiration for good deeds. But grace hides its good works and private devotion and gives all praise to God.

Such grace is a heavenly light, a gift from God.

It is the mark of a truly spiritual person. As nature is restrained, grace increases, and the soul becomes stamped with the image of God.

13 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Think of Yourself

Don’t trust your own judgment about yourself. We usually lack the grace or understanding to see clearly. The little light that is in us is quickly lost because of our negligence.

Our spiritual vision is poorer than we realize. We frequently do something wrong and then make it worse with excuses. Sometimes we are motivated by uncontrollable emotion and consider it ‘righteous indignation.’ We direct attention to small flaws in others while disregarding far worse things in ourselves. We carefully count others’ offenses against us, but we rarely consider what others may suffer because of us.

If we look at ourselves honestly, we will judge others less harshly.

If you are a genuine Christian, you will look for your own faults first, and you will keep silent about others’ shortcomings.

If you are totally absorbed in your personal relationship with God, you won’t meddle in other lives.

Where are you when you are not with yourself? And when you have been everywhere and examined everybody else, what good will it do if you have neglected yourself?

If you want peace and unity of purpose, then you must put everything else out of sight.

‘You will fail miserably if you value anything material. Let nothing be important for you, nothing high, nothing pleasant, nothing acceptable, unless it is simply God, or something that pleases God. Think of creature comforts as a waste of energy. A soul that loves God is not satisfied with anything less than God. God alone is eternal, infinite, present everywhere. He alone can comfort the soul and make the heart glad.

14 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Joy of a Clean Conscience

The glory of a good person is the evidence of a clean conscience. Keep your conscience clear and you will be happy. A good conscience is able to bear a heavy load and it will encourage you when you are under attack.

A bad conscience is always afraid and uneasy.

“your sleep will be sweet if your heart does not accuse you.

Scoundrels are never really happy. They have no peace. There is no safety for sinners, says the Lord”.

And if they say, “No harm will come to us,” don’t believe them. God’s wrath will one day surprise them, and their works and ideas will perish.

The praise of the world is short-lived and always accompanied by sorrow. The glory of the good is in their consciences, not in the comments of others.

Anyone who goes looking for stardom and does not count fame unimportant reveals little fondness for heavenly things.

The most tranquil person of all is the one who cares about neither the praise nor the fault-finding of others. You are not a better person because you are praised; neither are you any worse if somebody denigrates you. You are what you are. Words can’t change that.

God knows what you are. If you really get to know your inner self, you won’t care what anyone says about you. People consider actions, but God evaluates intentions.

If you are not looking for stardom, you have clearly committed yourself to God, “For it is when the Lord thinks well of a person that he is really approved, and not when he thinks well of himself.

To be God’s close friend, and not to be a slave to any earthly desire, is the mark of a spiritual person.

15 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Loving Jesus Comes First

Happiness comes to the person who knows how to love Jesus and to disregard himself for Christ’s sake. Our love for Jesus must exceed all other loves. Love the world and you will collapse when it collapses; embrace Jesus and you will have stability forever.

Love him. Keep him as a friend. When all others forsake you, he will remain with you to the end.

Eventually whether you choose it or not, you will be separated from everyone else. Therefore, stay close to Jesus in both life and death. Trust his fidelity. When all others fail, he alone can help you.

It is your Beloved’s nature to desire no rivals, to ask for your full devotion.

If you look for Jesus in all things, you will certainly find him. And if you look only for yourself, you will find only yourself, but it will be your loss. Those who do not seek Jesus bring more harm on themselves than all their enemies could ever inflict.

How to Be Christ’s Close Friend

When Jesus is with us, all is well and nothing seems insurmountable. But when Jesus is absent, everything is difficult. If Jesus does not speak to us inwardly, all other comfort is meaningless. But the slightest communication from him brings consolation.

Recall how Mary Magdalene immediately stopped crying when Martha said to her, The Teacher is here and is asking for you.. It is a delightful moment when Jesus calls us from tears to spiritual joy!

life without Jesus is like a dry garden baking in the sun.

16 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Loving Jesus Comes First

It is foolish to want anything that conflicts with Jesus. What can the world give you without Jesus? His absence is hell, his presence, paradise. If Jesus is with you, no enemy can injure you. Whoever finds Jesus has discovered a great treasure, the best of all possible good.

The loss of him is a tremendous misfortune, more than the loss of the entire world. Poverty is life without Jesus, but close friendship with him is incalculable wealth.

We must develop our skill as carefully as an artist does if we want to live intimately with Jesus. Be humble and peaceable, and Jesus will be with you. Be devout and quiet, and Jesus will reside with you.

You may drive him out of your life if you return to outward things. And if you should repel him, and lose him, where will you run to find a friend?

life is nothing without a friend, and if Jesus isn’t your best friend you will be sad and lonely. It would be better to have the entire world against us rather than to offend Jesus.

Make many friends; love them dearly. But love Jesus in a special way. Love others because of Jesus but love Jesus for himself.

For him, and in him, love both your friends and your enemies. Pray for them all, asking God to lead them to know and love Jesus also. Never seek this kind of devoted love for yourself. Such devotion belongs to God alone.

17 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Loving Jesus Comes First

If discouraging and unpleasant days come your way don’t be despondent or defeated. Stand strong in God and bear whatever you must to the glory of Jesus Christ.

For after winter summer comes; after night the day returns; and after a storm, calm is restored.

When We Can Find No Comfort

It is not difficult to be independent of human comfort when we have God’s comfort.

It is a great thing, an extremely great thing, to be able to live without both human and divine comfort, to be willing to endure cheerfully an exile of the heart for the honour of God, to ask nothing for yourself, and to claim no special favours because of your good works.

Why should anyone be impressed if you are happy and faithful when everything is going your way? God’s grace gives a smooth ride. It isn’t surprising that you don’t feel your burden if the Almighty is carrying it for you!

You must go through a long and tremendous conflict within yourself before you can begin to master yourself and give your heart to God.

Therefore, when God comforts you spiritually, receive it with gratitude. You can be sure it is his gift to you; you did not deserve it. Don’t let that gift swell you with pride.

Instead, accept it in all humility. And watch your step! That moment of comfort will also pass, and new temptations await you around the next corner.

18 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

When We Can Find No Comfort

If you should temporarily lose your sense of well-being, don’t be too quick to despair. With humility and patience, wait for God who is able to give you back even more profound comfort.

There is nothing novel about this to those who are familiar with God’s ways. The great saints and ancient prophets frequently experienced the alternation of up and down, joy and sorrow. One of them, while he was enjoying a mountain-top experience said:

I felt secure and said to myself,

I will never be defeated,

You were good to me, Lord;

you protected me like a mountain fortress.

But then you hid yourself from me,

And I was afraid’.

And yet even while he was going through this, he did not feel crushed. With renewed passion he prayed:

“Hear me, Lord, and be merciful!

Help me, Lord! In time, his prayer was answered This is his report:

“You have changed my sadness into a joyful dance;

You have taken away my sorrow

and surrounded me with joy”.

If great saints are exposed to such variations, we, who are poor and weak, should not be discouraged if our spiritual life fails to be uniformly ecstatic. The Holy Spirit gives and takes according to his own divine purpose.

Where shall I place my hope and confidence except in God’s great mercy? For whether I am in good company, or have with me faithful friends, or religious books, or beautiful writings, or sweet music, all of these are little help when God seems far from me and I am left alone in the poverty of my being.

19 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

When We Can Find No Comfort

I have never met anyone so religious and devout that he has not felt occasionally some withdrawing of grace, some decrease in his spiritual consciousness.

No saint was ever so enraptured and inspired that he escaped temptation before and after the great moment. Anyone who has never suffered a little for God’s sake is not worthy of deep spiritual contemplation.

Remember the promise of heavenly comfort: To those who win the victory I will give the right to eat the fruit of the tree of life that grows in the Garden of God’.

The Devil never sleeps, and your flesh is very much alive. Therefore, constantly prepare yourself for battle. Surrounding you are enemies that never rest.

Be Thankful for God’s Grace

You were born to work; why are you looking for rest? Adjust yourself to patience rather than to comfort, and to bearing the Cross rather than to mirth.

It is good of God to comfort us with his love. But we do evil when we fail to return it all to God again with thanksgiving. Ingratitude can stop the flow of God’s love in us.

I will refuse any sort of consolation that destroys my repentance, and I will shrink from anything that leads to pride.

Not all that is high is holy; neither are all enjoyable things good. Not every desire is pure; neither is everything that we cherish pleasing to God.

20 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Be Thankful for God’s Grace

If you are taught by the gift of grace, and instructed by the terrible loss of it, you will not dare to claim any goodness in yourself; rather, you will admit that you are poor and naked.

Give God what is God’s and take credit tor what is your own. In other words, thank God for his kindness and blame yourself for your own sin and the punishment it brings.

Always take the lowest place, and the highest will be given to you, for high structures require a solid foundation.

The greatest, in the judgment of God, are the least in their own opinion; the more worthy they are, the more humility will be seen in them.

People who are filled with honesty and heavenly glory don’t look for empty praise. Those who are grounded in God simply cannot be conceited.

If they recognize God as the giver of every good thing they have ever received, they don’t seek applause from each other. They desire more than anything else that God may be praised in them.

Be thankful, therefore, for the smallest gift; then you will be worthy to receive greater things.

Accept the most insignificant present as though it were something of special value. If you consider the worth of the Giver, no gift will seem trivial or worthless. Nothing given by almighty God can be of small value.

Yes, even if he sends pain or sorrow, we should thank him for it, because he is always thinking of our eternal good.

21 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Only a Few Love the Cross

Jesus has many who love his heavenly kingdom, but few who bear his Cross. Many want consolation, but few desire adversity. Many are eager to share Jesus’ table, but few will join him in fasting.

Everyone would be glad to rejoice with him, but not many are willing to suffer for him. Many will follow Jesus as far as the breaking of bread, but few will stay to drink the cup of his passionate self-sacrifice. Many are inspired by his miracles, but few accept the shame of his Cross.

Many love Jesus as long as they have no troubles. Many praise and bless him as long as they receive some comfort from him. But if Jesus hides himself, leaving them even briefly, they start complaining and become dejected.

But those who love Jesus for Jesus ‘sake, and not for any special privileges, bless him in all difficulties and anguish, as well as in times of great comfort. Even if he should never comfort them again, they would continue to praise and thank him.

What astonishing power rests in the pure love of Jesus which is not corrupted with self-interest or self-love!

One term describes those who are always looking for comfort: mercenary. Don’t they show themselves to be lovers of self rather than Christ? All they care about is their own advantage and profit.

22 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Only a Few Love the Cross

Where can we find anyone who is willing to serve God for nothing? It is rare to discover someone so spiritual!

Do you know anyone who is truly poor in spirit and free from dependence on any created thing? Such a person “is worth far more than jewels!”. If anyone tried to buy love with his wealth, contempt is all he would get’.

And if someone tries hard to make amends for all of his sins, he still hasn’t done very much. And if he receives the best education, he still has a long way to go. And if he is exceedingly virtuous and glowing with devotion, an essential ingredient is still lacking.

So, what must he do? He must give up everything, especially himself, retaining no trace of selfishness. And when he has done everything required of him, he must consider it as nothing. He must not agree with others when they applaud him but rather admit that he is actually an ordinary servant.

As the Gospel says, “When you have done all you have been told to do, say, ‘We are ordinary servants; we have only done our duty”. After admitting this he may be honestly poor in spirit, and may say with the psalmist, “Turn to me, Lord, and be merciful to me, because I am lonely and weak’.

And yet, no one will be richer, no one more powerful, no one more free, because he is able to leave himself and all material things behind, and set himself in the lowest place. And yet, no one will be richer, no one more powerful, no one more free, because he is able to leave himself and all material things behind, and set himself in the lowest place.

23 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Royal Highway of the Holy Cross

Many have difficulty with these words: ‘If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget himself, carry his cross, and follow me”.

But they will find it even harder to hear that last statement ‘Away from me, you that are under God’s curse! Away to the eternal fire...’

Those who gladly hear and follow Christ shall have no reason to fear such a condemnation.

Every servant of the Cross who has lived like me crucified Christ will face the heavenly Judge with confidence. Why, then, are you afraid to carry your cross when it leads you to such a kingdom?

In the Cross is salvation,

in the Cross is life,

in the Cross is protection from our enemies,

in the Cross is good mental health,

in the Cross is spiritual joy

in the Cross is virtue at its best,

in the Cross is the full perfection of holiness.

There is no salvation of soul, nor hope of eternal life, except in the Cross.

Carry your cross and follow Jesus.

He went first, carrying his cross, and then dying on it for you. If you are dead with him, you will also live with him. And if you share his punishment, you will also share his glory. Look far and wide and still you will not find a better way above, or a safer way below, than the highway of the holy Cross. Even if you use the best judgment and make the best plans, you will still find it necessary to suffer, willingly or unwillingly.

24 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Royal Highway of the Holy Cross

There is no escaping the Cross. You will feel either pain in your body or tribulation in your spirit. Sometimes you will feel deserted by God. Sometimes your neighbour will trouble you. Quite frankly you will sometimes be a burden to yourself.

As long as God wants you to bear it there can be no remedy for your suffering, because there are some vital lessons you need to learn. You must subject yourself entirely to God and become humbler by the things you suffer.

No one is better able to appreciate the Passion of Christ than the one who has suffered similarly.

The Cross, therefore, is inescapable. It waits for you everywhere.

No matter how far you run, you cannot hide from it. For wherever you go, you take yourself along. Above and below, inside and outside, everywhere you turn, you shall find the Cross.

If you carry the Cross willingly, it will carry you. It will lead you to the place where suffering comes to an end, a place we will not find here.

If you are forced against your will to carry the Cross, then you make it difficult for yourself, adding to your load. No matter what attitude you have, you must bear the burden. If you manage to throw away one cross, you will certainly find another, and it may be even heavier.

25 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Royal Highway of the Holy Cross

Do you think you can escape what no one else can avoid? Which of the saints was exempt? Not even our Lord Jesus Christ was spared! “Was it not necessary for the Messiah to suffer these things and then to enter his glory?”. How can you think you will find a way other than this royal highway of the holy Cross?

The whole life of Christ was a Cross and a martyrdom; do you want ease and recreation for yourself? You are making a grave mistake, and deceiving yourself, if you seek anything other than hardship. This mortal life is full of misery and it is marked on every side with crosses. The higher you advance in the Spirit, the heavier the crosses become, for the pain of exile increases in proportion to your love for God.

And yet, a person afflicted in many ways still receives refreshing comfort if he sees the value of enduring crosses.

We are not naturally inclined

to bear the Cross,

to love the Cross,

to discipline our bodies,

to run away from honours,

to suffer reproach willingly,

to disregard ourselves and to wish to be disregarded,

to endure all trouble and loss,

to desire no prosperity in this world.

If you try to accomplish these things yourself, you will fail. But if you trust the Lord, you will receive divine strength, and you will be able to withstand the world and control your flesh.

26 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Royal Highway of the Holy Cross

Decide, then, like Christ’s good and faithful servant, to bear courageously the Cross of your Lord, who, because of his love for you, was crucified.

Drink heartily of the Lord’s cup if you want to be his friend. As for comfort, leave that to God; let him do what he will. Accept suffering graciously.

“I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us”.

When you have reached such a point, all misery will seem sweet and you will relish it for Christ’s sake and think that you have discovered paradise on earth.

As long as you object to suffering you will be ill at ease. Accept it, and you will find peace.

Even if you were caught up in the ecstasy of the third heaven with Paul, you would still face adversity. I myself [says Christ] will show him all that he must suffer for my sake”.

Therefore, you must suffer if you desire to love Jesus and to serve him always.

If only you were worthy to suffer something for the name of Jesus! How much glory would be yours; what joy all God’s saints would feel; how much you would teach your neighbour! For everyone advises patience, but few are willing to suffer.

27 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Royal Highway of the Holy Cross

Without doubt, you ought to lead a dying life. The more you die to yourself here, the more you begin to live for God. You are unprepared to comprehend heavenly things until you can submit to adversities for Christ’s sake. Nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing more wholesome for you, than to suffer cheerfully for Christ.

And if you have a choice, take the hard road. This will make you more like Christ.

You can be sure that if there had been a better way to man’s salvation than suffering, Christ would have followed it. He plainly taught the bearing of the Cross.

If anyone wants to come with me, he must forget himself, take up his Cross everyday, and follow me.

When we have read and searched through everything, this will be our ultimate conclusion: ‘We must pass many troubles to enter the kingdom of God’.

28 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Christ Speaks Inwardly to the Faithful Soul

I will listen to what the Lord God says in me. That soul is blessed who hears the Lord speaking and inwardly receives his words of comfort.

Blessed are the ears that hear the divine whisper and ignore the murmuring of the world.

Truly blessed are the ears which listen to no external voice, but to the truth that is taught within.

Blessed are the eyes that are closed, focusing inwardly on eternal things.

Blessed are the ones who can enter deeply within themselves,

who prepare themselves more and more, by daily exercises, to receive heavenly secrets.

Blessed are those who take time for God, who shake off all encumbering cares of the world.

Think about these things, O my soul, and close the door on your physical senses, that you may hear what God says within you.

Thus says your Beloved: I am your salvation, your peace, your life. Stay with me, and you shall find peace. Release everything that is transitory. Let it pass away. Look for lasting things.

Short-term pleasures are seductive, but they will disappoint you. What good is everything in all creation to you if you are not in close fellowship with the Creator? Therefore, get rid of all earthly things.

Try to please your Maker. Be faithful to me. That way you will discover true happiness.”

29 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Truth Speaks Within Us Without Noisy Words

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. I am your servant; help me to know and understand what you are saying. Let your teaching distill like dew.

Long ago, the Hebrews said to Moses, ‘If you speak to us, we will listen; but we are afraid that if God speaks to us, we will die.’

But Lord, that is not what I pray. Instead, in all humility I earnestly say with Samuel ‘Speak, Lord, your servant is listening.’

I am not listening now to Moses or any other prophet. I am listening for you, O God, the one who inspired and enlightened all the prophets, thou alone can instruct me perfectly, and they can teach me nothing without you.

The prophets may speak words, but they cannot give the Spirit.

Their language is beautiful, but if you are silent, it will not set my heart on fire.

They give the words, but you give the words meaning.

They present mysteries, but you unlock what is hidden.

They announce commandments, but you help me keep them.

They show the way, but you give me strength to walk in it.

They reach my outward senses, but you enlighten me inwardly.

They water the garden, but you make the plants grow.

They cry out with words, but you help me understand.

Therefore, O Lord, speak your eternal truth to me through their words, so my life will not remain unfruitful. Then you will not condemn me for having heard without responding, for having known without loving, for having believed without obeying.

Speak, Lord, your servant is listening. You have the words of eternal life. Speak to me. Comfort my soul. Transform my life. I will give praise, glory, and honour to you always.

30 April 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

God Is to Be Heard with Humility

Hear my words, my child- wholesome words that surpass all the knowledge of the philosophers and sages. My words are spirit and life and can never be compared with the wisdom of the world. They are not to be misused for self-satisfaction, but to be heard in silence, and received with humility and great affection.

lord, how happy is the person you instruct,

The one to whom you teach your law!

You give him rest from days of trouble”.

I am the one who taught the prophets from the beginning. Even now I continue to speak to everyone, but many are spiritually deaf and do not hear my voice. Most people listen more eagerly to the world than to me. The world promises fleeting things of little value and people strive for them. I offer things of highest quality which endure for-ever and people yawn in apathy.

Is there anyone who serves me with the same care and devotion given to the world and its leaders? To gain a few dollars, a long trip may be taken; for eternal life, many will barely lift a foot from the ground.

Blush with shame! You do not care at all for permanent good, for the reward beyond all price, for the highest honour and glory that will last forever.

Be ashamed, you lazy and complaining servant! You are more anxious to work for death than for life.

1 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

God Is to Be Heard with Humility

Those who seek earthly rewards will be disappointed frequently, but my promises deceive no one. I will not send anyone away empty if he trusts me. I will give what I promise. I will do what I say. I only require that a person remain faithful in my love.

Write my words in your heart; diligently meditate upon them. You will see how important they are to you when you are tempted.

Even if you can’t understand the meaning now, keep reading. A time will come when you need those words and then you will understand.

I visit my friends in two ways:

1. with trials and temptations;

2. with consolation.

And I teach two lessons as the days go by.

1. Get rid of your vices.

2. Increase your virtues.

‘Whoever rejects me and does not accept my message has one who will judge him. The words I have spoken will be his judge on the last day!’.

A Prayer for the Grace of Devotion

O Lord, my God! You are everything that is good. Who am I, that I should dare to speak to you? I am your poorest, least deserving servant- lowlier than I would like to admit.

2 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

God Is to Be Heard with Humility

Yet remember me, O Lord, because I am nothing, and I can do nothing. Only you are good, just, and holy. You can do all things, can supply all things, fill all things, leaving empty only the person who lives apart from you.

in your mercy, fill my heart with grace. How can I endure this life without your strength and mercy? “Don’t hide yourself from your servant; I am in great trouble-answer me now! Come to me and save me; rescue me from my enemies’.

I lift up my hands to you in prayer; like dry ground my soul is thirsty for you... You are my God; teach me to do your will. Be good to me and guide me on a safe path’. Teach me to do your will, O Lord, teach me to live worthily and humbly before you; for you are my wisdom, you know me intimately; you knew me before the world was made, and before I was born in the world.

Our Honest Humility Before God

My child, live honestly before me, and always look for me with a simple heart. This will defend you from evil and set you free from deceivers and unjust slanderers. If the truth sets you free, then you will be really free, and you will pay no attention to the empty comments of others.

That’s true, Lord. Let it be for me as you say I want your Truth to teach me, guard me, and preserve me until the end of my days. Let it free me from every evil, and I will walk with you in liberty.

3 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Our Honest Humility Before God

The Truth speaks: I will teach you what is pleasing to me. Think about your sins with great displeasure and sadness. Never think highly of yourself because you have done some good things.

The fact is you are a sinner. Many passions entangle and enslave you. By yourself you will always be quickly defeated, quickly overcome, quickly disturbed, quickly unnerved.

You have nothing to be proud of, and much that should shame you. You are far weaker than you can comprehend.

Therefore, do not let anything you do seem very important to you. Let nothing seem great, nothing precious or admirable, nothing sophisticated, nothing high, nothing really worth having, except that which is eternal.

Take pleasure, above all else, in the eternal Truth. Always be displeased with your own unworthiness. The thing to fear, the thing to blame and run away from, is your sin, which ought to bother you more than the loss of any material thing.

Some are not sincere. Curiosity and pride make them wish to know my secrets and understand God’s profundity. All the while they neglect themselves and their own salvation.

Some have their devotion only in books, some in paintings, some in statues and carvings.

Some have me often enough on their lips, but they have little of me in their hearts.

Others, with insight and self-denial seek the eternal at all times. They are reluctant to hear about earthly things and are upset by the demands of nature. These understand what the Spirit of Truth says to menu disregard the world, and long for heaven.

4 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Results of Divine Love

I bless you, heavenly Father, Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, because you take notice of a creature like me. Merciful Father and God of all comfort, I give you thanks.

Come then, Lord God, Holy One who loves me! When you come into my heart everything in me will leap with joy!

“You are my hiding place;

you will save me from trouble.

I sing aloud of your salvation,

because you protect me’. Because I am still imperfect and weak in love, I need your strength and comfort. Visit me frequently and teach me with holy discipline.

Free me from evil passions and heal my heart of excessive desires; that being inwardly healthy, I may be prepared to love and filled with courage to endure and persevere.

Love is a great good that makes every heavy thing light. It is not burdened by the load it carries, and it sweetens the bitter. Jesus’ noble love inspires us to do great things and to long for a more nearly perfect life. Love wants to live in the heights, and not to be grounded by base things.

Nothing is sweeter than love, nothing stronger than love,;

nothing wider; nothing more pleasant nothing more satisfying in heaven or on earth. Because you, my God, give birth to love, you are love’s natural resting place.

The one in love rejoices in his freedom. He gives all for everything, because he is familiar with One who is supreme above all-the Source of all that is good. He concentrates not on the gifts, but on the Giver.

5 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Results of Divine Love

Love does not meet standard requirements; it goes beyond all measurements. Love notices no burdens, thinks nothing of its labours, wittingly does more than it is able, pleads no excuse of impossibility; believes it can accomplish anything.

And it can. It makes up for many shortcomings; it opens the door for many possibilities. Anyone in love knows what I am talking about.

Enlarge your love in me, Lord. I desire to swim in a sea of your love. I want to be possessed by love so that I can rise above myself.

Let me sing love’s song. Let me follow you, my Beloved. Let me love you more than myself and love myself only for you.

Love treads lightly. It is sincere, kind, pleasant and delightful. It is strong, patient, faithful, careful long-suffering, brave, and never selfish.

Toward you, Lord, love must be devout and thankful, trusting and hoping always, even when I do not taste your sweetness. For no one can live in love without some pain.

If I am not ready to suffer all things, and to accept your will, I am not worthy of the title lover.

A lover is willing to embrace the difficult and the bitter for the sake of his Beloved.

6 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Recognize a True Lover

Child, you are not yet a true lover.

Why, O Lord?

Because you give up when a little opposition comes your way. You are too eager for consolation. A genuine lover stands his ground when tempted. He does not yield to the Enemy.

‘And I am not saying this because I feel neglected, for I have learned to be satisfied with what I have’.

A true lover looks less at the gift and more at the love of the giver. He regards the demonstration of affection as more important than the value of the gift and prizes the one loved more than any present.

Therefore, all is not lost if you sometimes feel less devotion toward me than you would like.

Even the affection you sometimes have is one of my gifts to you-something of a foretaste of heaven. Don’t count on it too much, because it comes and goes.

But do resist the tendency of your mind toward evil and reject the suggestions of the Devil.

Be strong! It is not an illusion that sometimes you are ecstatically carried away and then you return to your familiar faults. It seems that you unwillingly tolerate this shift, and as long as it is unpleasant to you, and you resist it, you will be rewarded.

7 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Recognize a True Lover

Remember that your old Enemy tries with every trick he has to frustrate your desire for good, and to divert your attention from worship. He suggests many evil thoughts, hoping to fatigue you and frighten you away from prayer and holy reading.

He hates humble confession; if he could manage it, he would even talk you out of Holy Communion. Don’t listen to him! Ignore his deceitful traps.

When he recommends anything evil, say to him:

‘Get away from me, Satan! You are an obstacle in my way because these thoughts of yours don’t come from God’.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; I will fear no one.

The Lord protects me from all danger; I will never be afraid.

‘Even if a whole army surrounds me, I will not be afraid; even if enemies attack me, I will still trust God’.

Fight like a good soldier.

And if, because you are weak, you sometimes fall get up again strengthened by the experience, trusting my abundant grace.

Then guard yourself against complacency and pride. Be warned by the fall of the proud who rely upon their own strength. Always be humble.

8 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Privacy of Devotion

My child, it is best for you to be private with your devotion. Don’t think highly of yourself or talk too much about it. Don’t let the quality of your devotion be an obsession. It is better to think less of yourself, and to consider yourself unworthy of this grace.

Some incautious people ruin themselves by attempting to produce an ecstatic devotional experience by their own will. Because they neglect to consider their own weakness, they attempt more than is pleasing to me and quickly lose all.

Those who try to build a safe nest for themselves in heaven become helpless and thereby leam not to fly with their own wings, but to trust mine.

Those who think they are intelligent seldom accept guidance. It is better to have a little good judgment with humility, than great knowledge about many things with self-conceit. It is better for you to have little than much of what may make you proud.

You are not wise if, in a moment of difficulty, you become despondent and lose your confidence in me. Those who are too secure in peacetime will be overly dejected in time of war.

9 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Privacy of Devotion

When spiritual fervour has been ignited in you, meditate on how it will be when that light leaves you. And when this happens, remember that the light may return again and its loss may be profitable by my design.

‘Your value is not calculated by the number of visions you have, by your skill in the Scriptures, or by your position in relation to others.

You are most worthy if you are truly humble and full of divine love, and if you seek only My honour.

Standing in God’s Presence

I will speak to you, Lord, even though I am nothing but dust and ashes.

If I begin to think highly of myself, you stand next to me, and my sins are obvious. I cannot deny them.

But if I am humble, and control my ego, and stop being self-centred, and reduce myself to the dust, which surely I am, your grace will be gentle with me, and your light will come into my heart.

Then all my self-esteem, however small it might be, will vanish in the deep valley of my nothingness.

In that place you will hold a mirror before me and show me what l am, what I have been, and what I have become; for I am nothing, and I did not know it.

10 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

The Privacy of Devotion

See what happens when I am left to myself! I am nothing but weakness. But the very instant you show me your love, I become strong and filled with new joy. How wonderful to be suddenly free from my own heavy weight. Instead of sinking downward I am lifted up into your embrace!

Your love guards me from danger and assists me in so many ways. It preserves me from innumerable evils.

It is true, “Whoever loves his own life will lose it; whoever hates his own life in this world will keep it far life eternal’. By loving myself, I lose myself. But by looking only for you, and loving only you, I find both myself and you.

Blessed are you, my God. Even though I am unworthy, your generosity and goodness never cease.

For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil’.

Turn us in your direction, that we may be grateful, humble, and devout. You are our salvation, our courage, and our strength.

11 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Putting God First

My child, I must be your life’s supreme goal if you want genuine happiness. This will purify your intentions and keep you from perverse interest in yourself and earthly things. For if you put yourself first you will begin to dry up and wither inside.

Give me first place, for I have given all. Think about how everything flows from the Greatest Good.

I am the source, like a spring that produces a river. From my resources the small and the great, the poor and the rich, fill themselves, as from an inexhaustible fountain, with the water of life.

Those who willingly and freely serve me shall receive ‘one blessing after another’.

But those who attempt to delight in anything other than me, or to enjoy some private pleasure, will not have true joy and will get into innumerable difficulties.

Therefore, don’t take credit for anything good yourself, and don’t attribute goodness to any other person. Give me the praise; for without me no one amounts to anything.

I have given you everything you have and I want you to be grateful. This will check pride. And if you are filled with heavenly grace and genuine love, you will not be envious or narrowminded, and selfishness will be impossible for you. For divine love is stronger than all else and it enlarges the capacity of the soul.

If you are thinking clearly; you will rejoice in me alone and place all of your hope in me, for “there is only One who is good’: I am to be praised above all things.

12 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Serving God at Any Cost

Now I will speak again, O Lord. I will express myself in the presence of my Lord and my heavenly King.

How wonderful are the good things you keep for those who honour you! Everyone knows how good you are, how securely you protect those who trust you.

What difference do you make to those who love you and serve you with enthusiasm? You allow them the indescribable joy of contemplating you.

You have given me a special insight into the sweetness of your love: you gave me my life; when I wandered far away, you brought me back again to serve you; you wanted me to love you.

You are a waterfall of unceasing love! What shall I say about you? How can I forget you? You thought of me even when I was lost and desperate. You have been merciful beyond my wildest dream, ‘You have been good to me far above anything I deserve.

How shall I pay you back? Most of us are not expected to give up everything, to renounce the world and begin a life of monastic solitude.

Does it mean very much that I should serve you when all of creation exists for that purpose? I don’t think so.

But I see this, and it staggers me: you are willing to accept the service of someone as poor and unworthy as I. “you will make me one of your beloved servants.”

13 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Serving God at Any Cost

I am your servant! Everything I have is yours. But even as I say that I know you are serving me more than I am serving you.

At your command all the resources of heaven and earth are at my disposal and even the angels help me.

Yet you serve me in a way that surpasses all of this: you promise to give yourself to me. You are the great Servant of us all.

With what gift can I return your favours? I want to serve you all the days of my life. I wish it were possible, just for one day, to do something worthwhile for you. You are my Lord, and I am a poor servant who is obligated to serve you with all my strength. I should never tire of praising you, for this is what I want to do. This is my desire. Compensate for what I lack.

14 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Examine and Control Your Desires

My child, there are still many things you need to learn.

What are they, Lord?

That you desire only what will please me, and that you stop putting yourself first and earnestly seek my will.

Sometimes you are driven to distraction by desires which burn inside you. But try to determine whether your underlying motive is to honour me or simply to serve your own best interests.

If you seek to honour me, you will find contentment whatever happens, but if selfishness hides within you, it will become your greatest burden. Be careful, therefore, not to give in too easily to any desire without seeking my counsel.

Sometimes apparently good things are not desirable, and what is offensive at first sight often turns out to be the better choice.

It can be worthwhile to restrain even the best desires and inclinations. Excessive eagerness distracts the mind, a lack of discipline can lead to scandal and, if others resist your wishes, the disappointment may turn you away from me.

Your sensual appetite may require extreme measures to control. It is not easy to disregard what your flesh likes and dislikes, and to train an unwilling body to be subject to the Spirit. You must work at this, and, eventually, your body will obey you. You will learn to be content with little, to be pleased with simple things, and not to complain about inconveniences.

15 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Patience Wins Over Sensual Desires

O Lord, my God. I know that patience is necessary for me because many things disturb me every day. No matter what plans I make to keep myself at peace, I cannot avoid life’s struggle and sorrow.

That is true, my child. I do not desire for you to enjoy an absolute peace, free from all temptations and hindrances. Instead, I want you to have peace even when you are troubled by unpleasant experiences.

Do you believe that prosperous people have an easy life? Ask them and you will find out otherwise. You may think they are carefree, and do not bleed like regular people.

But, even if all that nonsense is true at this moment, how long do you think it will last? ‘As smoke is blown away, so he drives them off’. The time always comes when former pleasures can barely be recalled.

These ‘privileged’ people live with constant bitterness, weariness, and fear. The very things they enjoy so much often bring them sorrow.

Such brief pleasures are false pleasures, but few can see this. Many forfeit their souls for small enjoyments in this corruptible life.

Therefore, “Don’t be controlled by your lust; keep your passions in check’.

‘Seek your happiness in the Lord, and he will give you your heart’s desire’.

For you will only truly enjoy your life and receive my full comfort if you stop those practices which debase you.

The less you depend upon earthly comfort the sweeter you will find my consolation.

You will have some sadness when you begin this battle in yourself. Old habits will resist you, but you will win if you replace them with better habits; your body will protest but your spirit can gain the upper hand.

The old serpent will tempt and harass you, but prayer will make him run away. And the best way to keep him away is to get busy with something constructive.

16 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Following Christ’s Example of Humble Obedience

My child, if you try to escape obedient service, you will miss my gift. A community has benefits which are unknown to the hermits.

If you are unable to freely and cheerfully submit to a superior, it is a sign that you do not have yourself under control.

Learn how to submit quickly to a leader if you want to rule yourself. It is easier to defeat the outward enemy if the inward man is strong and controlled.

The most troublesome enemy you have is yourself, if you are not in harmony with my Spirit.

It is an indication that you still love yourself too much if you are afraid to submit to others. What a paltry comparison if you, nothing but dust and ashes, submit yourself to others in the Lord, when the Almighty and most high God, the Creator of everything, subjected me to the world for your sake!

I became the humblest and submissive of all people, that you might overcome your pride with my humility. Discover how to break your own wishes and to give in to the will of others. Be firm with yourself and don’t let pride swell your chest. Find out what it is like to let someone walk over you if necessary.

What do you have to complain about? If you were to receive what you have earned, you would be condemned to hell. But I have spared you because you are precious to me. I want you to know my love.

17 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

God Is Not Misled by a Few Good Deeds

Lord, I tremble before your thundering judgment. It astonishes me when I read: ‘Can any man be really pure? Can anyone be right with God? Why, God does not trust even his angels; even they are not pure in his sight’.

If angels are faulty, what can I say for myself? If stars even fall from heaven, what can I expect?

I have seen good and great people stumble, and those who have eaten sacred bread now root with pigs.

The only good thing about me is what you give. The only clear thoughts I have are a gift from you. I have no strength unless you uphold me, no morality unless you protect me. Leave me on my own, and I sink into death; guide me, and I am raised up to life.

How could I ever boast? Your judgment destroys my self-righteousness. No one in the whole world can sit at the head table when he has faced the Truth.

18 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Pray for the Things We Want

Jesus:

My child, this is the way to pray: “Lord, if it is pleasing to you, fulfill my request. If this will honour you, let it be done in your name. If it is good for me, grant that I may use it for your honour. But if you know that it will hurt me, take the desire away from me.’

Why pray like that? Because not every desire is inspired by the Holy Spirit, even though it may seem right and good. Sometimes it is hard to tell whether a notion is an inspiration or a temptation. Many have been deceived.

Therefore, every request must be made with humility. You must submit the entire matter to me, take yourself entirely out of it, and say: “O Lord, you know what is best. Let it be done as you please. Give what you choose, how much you choose, and when you choose.

Place me where you think best and treat me as you see fit I am in your hand. Turn me in one direction and then another; I am your servant, prepared for anything. I have no desire to live for myself, but only for you. How I wish I could do this perfectly!’

19 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Trusting God

Jesus:

My child, let me do what is best for you. You see everything from a human point of view.

Lord, you are right. You care about me more than I care about myself. Unless I trust you, I have no ground to stand upon. Do with me whatever you choose, because it can only be good.

If you want me to be in darkness, I will bless you; if you want me to be in light, I will bless you again. If I am comforted I will be grateful; and if I am afflicted I will be equally grateful.

Jesus:

My child, that is the way to think if you want to walk with me. Be as ready to suffer as to rejoice. Be as cheerful when poor as you would be when rich.

O Lord for your sake I will gladly bear what I must, whatever it may be. I will accept good and evil, sweet and bitter, joy and sorrow, and for all of it I will give you thanks.

As long as you stay close to me and never remove my name from the ‘book of the living’, whatever trouble I experience will not hurt me.

20 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

How to Bear Slights and Injuries

My child, I gave up the glories of heaven and accepted the miseries of this world because of my love for you, intending that you might learn a little patience.

From the moment of my birth until my death on the Cross, I experienced grief. I was deprived of many things. I heard many complaints against me.

I calmly endured disgrace and taunting, for kindness I was repaid ingratitude. For miracles I received curses. When I spoke the truth, people argued with me.

My Lord, since you were patient, I also should bear myself patiently. Although life can be bleak, it can become bright again with your help. If you had not lived before us to show the way, how could we follow? Even now we are only half-hearted. What would become of us if we did not have such great light?

Genuine Patience

Jesus: What are you saying, my child? Stop complaining! Think about my sacrifice and the suffering of other saints. ‘For in your struggle against sin you have not yet had to resist to the point of being killed’.

You have suffered very little in comparison with others. Think about the heavy burdens others carry, and you will easily bear your own small troubles.

And if you do not think yours are small, perhaps it is only because you are impatient. Whether they are small or great, try to bear your burdens without complaint.

21 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Genuine Patience

Jesus:

Do not say, “I can’t take it! I’m not required to take it! This person has hurt me deeply and accused me of things that are not true.” That is foolish. It fails to take the crowning virtue of patience into account; it focuses on the offending person and my injury.

You are not patient if you are willing to accept difficulty only up to a certain point and from a few selected people.

Genuine patience cares nothing about the source of the problem, whether it is from a superior an equal, or an inferior, whether it is from a good and holy person or a villain.

You must take it all thankfully as though I gave it. Consider it your gain. For it is impossible that anything, however small can be suffered for my sake without some reward.

Be ready for battle if you want to win. Without struggling you cannot gain patience, and if you will not suffer you refuse to be crowned. Rest only follows labour.

Me:

Lord, let this become possible for me, even though it seems out of reach. You know I can endure so very little and I am quickly defeated. Please let every difficulty become a desirable thing, for to suffer and to be harassed for you is beneficial to my soul.

22 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Admitting Our Weakness

I will confess my weakness to you, O Lord. Sometimes when I intend to be courageous, I succumb even to a little temptation.

‘You know how frail I am, Lord. Have mercy on me. Do not let me get stuck in a quagmire of sin.

I fall so easily.

My passions are stronger than my will, and, although I am reluctant they keep on nagging me. It is fatiguing to live every day in that kind of tension. I know I am weak, because temptations come to me far more easily than they depart.

What a strange life! Trouble and misery are always in stock. Traps and enemies are abundant. When one problem retreats, another takes its place. And sometimes the second difficulty doesn’t wait for the first to be resolved.

How can anyone love a life like that? Isn’t it natural to feel bitterness in the face of so much misery? Is anything so threatened by death and plague even worthy of the name, ‘life’? And yet people love it and try to find happiness in it. Some things make us love the world; other things make us hate it.

23 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Complete Devotion to God

Above all else, and in everything, my soul must rest in God.

Let me, O living Jesus, rest in you above every created thing,

Ultimately let me rest above angels and archangels and and the host of heaven, above things seen and unseen, above all that is not you, my God.

Because you, O Lord, are above all.

No matter what gifts you give me, and regardless of your great self-revelation, if I do not know you as my closest friend, I am still hungry for you. I will never be content until my heart is devoted above all else to you.’

When will this happen? When will I love you so much, my God, that I forget myself and know you alone?

Now, I sigh unhappily I am hurt and grieved by the evil I see. I am hindered and distracted, allured and entangled, and the way to you is cutoff like a drawbridge pulled up.

Let my sighs be prayers.

How long will you wait, Lord? When will you come to help me? Please come help me.

Without you I cannot enjoy a single day or even an hour. You are my joy; apart from you I sit at an empty table. I am wretched, like a prisoner in chains. Let the sun shine on me again. Give me freedom and liberty.

Smile at me, Lord.

Others can chase after what they will, but I want only you. I will pray, and keep on praying, until your kind favour returns and I hear you speaking to me inwardly once again.

Jesus:

I am here, my friend. You have called, and I have come. Your tears and the longing of your soul, your humility and repentance, have brought me to you.

24 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Complete Devotion to God

Lord, I have called you and desired you. I am willing to make any sacrifice for you. It was you who gave me this thirst for you, you who stirred the ashes and fanned the flame of my desire for you.

What more can I say to you now?

I bow in humility, confess my sin, and praise your greatness.

The Distribution of God’s Favours

You are the giver of all we have and are, O God.

If one has received more, and another less, both are yours, and without you there is no blessing at all.

The one who has received the most cannot say that he deserved it or think that he is any better than others. The greatest and the best, after all, is the one who thinks the least of himself and is humbly grateful.

If someone has received less, he must not be disturbed about it. And certainly, he shouldn’t envy anyone else. Instead, he should turn to you, Lord, and praise you for your goodness and your gifts.

You know what is suitable for everyone. “You have a reason for giving one less and another more.

This is not for us to figure out.

Those who have received less can take special comfort because, ‘God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. He chose what the world looks down on and despises, and thinks is nothing, in order to destroy what the world thinks is important.

25 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Four Things That Bring Peace

My child, now I will teach you the way of peace and true freedom.

Lord, I am eager to hear

1. Do what pleases another rather than yourself.

2 Choose to have less rather than more.

3. Seek the lowest place and be the servant of all.

4. Pray that my will may be accomplished in you always.

Do these your things, and you will surely find peace and inward rest

My Lord, this short lesson is perfect. With a few words you have struck the target with great force. I can repeat the lesson in a moment, but its truth is gigantic.

Now, if I could simply follow it, I would not be troubled so easily. For whenever I am upset and burdened, it is because I have not practiced these simple rules. I cannot attain it on my own, but you can do all things. Help me.

A Prayer Against Evil Thoughts

Don’t stay so far away O God; my God, hurry to my aid!’.

I have evil thoughts, and I am afraid. How can I destroy them? How can I survive without being hurt?

This is your answer to me:

I will prepare your way

levelling mountains and hills.

I will break down bronze gates and smash their iron bars.

I will give you treasures from dark, secret places; then you will know that I am the Lord’.

Do as you say O Lord. Let every evil thought fly away from your holy presence.

26 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

A Prayer for the Clearing of My Mind

Clear my thinking, Lord Jesus, with the light you shine within me. Chase all darkness from my mind. Check my wandering thoughts and fight for me.

Enter into combat with these ugly beasts, so there may be ‘peace inside your walls and safety in your palaces’.

Command the stormy winds to cease; order the waves to be still. Create a great calm in me. ‘Send your light and your truth; may they lead me..”.

For I am ‘formless and desolate’, until you enlighten me. Lift up my mind. Make me so much at home with heavenly things that it will annoy me even to think of earthly things.

Staying Out of Others’ Business

Child, there are some things not worth thinking about ‘What is that to you? Follow me’.

For what difference does it make to you what someone else becomes; or says, or does? You do not need to answer for others, only for yourself. Why get mixed up in such things? I know everyone and see everything that is done under the sun. I understand the dynamics of every situation, and I know each person’s thoughts, attitudes, and intentions.

All of this is my business, not yours. Don’t worry about it. I am not deceived.

27 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

False Peace and True Peace

Jesus:

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid”.

Everyone wants peace, but very few care for the things that produce it. My peace is with the humble and gentle, and especially with the patient. If you will listen to me, and act accordingly, you will enjoy much peace.

What shall I do, Lord?

Pay attention to what you do and speak. Care for nothing other than pleasing me. Do not judge others or meddle in things which do not concern you. Following this advice will spare you needless trouble. But remember that it is impossible to be entirely free of trouble and fatigue in this life.

Don’t think that you have found true peace just because you feel no pain or have no enemies. Never think that life is perfect when you receive everything you want and never consider yourself my favourite child because you enjoy a great devotional life. That is not the way to true peace and spiritual growth.

What is the way, Lord?

It is in offering your whole heart to me, forgetting your own will in great things and small things, thanking me equally for the pleasant and the unpleasant, weighing all these things in the same balance.

And if you are strong enough to willingly suffer more and more without praising yourself but always praising my name, then you will be on the road to true peace and you will have the hope of seeing me in the everlasting joy of heaven.

28 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Take Necessities in Moderation

Food, drink, clothing, and all things necessary for staying alive are a burden to a fervent spirit. Let me use such things in moderation and never prize them too much.

I must not renounce them entirely, because you want us to support nature. But to ask for more than enough, and for great pleasures, would be wrong. Guide me and teach me so that I will know when I have had enough.

The Greatest Barrier: Self-love

Give everything to everyone; withhold none of your love. Nothing injures you more than self-love.

Desire nothing illegal.

Own nothing that will enslave you.

Why weary yourself with extra cares? Accept my will and you will lose nothing.

If you constantly search for the perfect experience or the perfect location to improve your life, you will never be satisfied or free from anxiety. In every situation something will be missing, and in every place someone will cross you.

Happiness, then, is not found by increasing your possessions, but by despising them. Renounce your craving not only for wealth, but also for prestige and fame. All of these will pass away with this world.

Your place doesn’t matter; your spirit does. You can change jobs and locations without changing yourself for the better, if your heart has no foundation in me. For you will always find again, in the new place, the very thing you were running away from-sometimes more of it!

29 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Take Necessities in Moderation

Food, drink, clothing, and all things necessary for staying alive are a burden to a fervent spirit. Let me use such things in moderation and never prize them too much.

I must not renounce them entirely, because you want us to support nature. But to ask for more than enough, and for great pleasures, would be wrong. Guide me and teach me so that I will know when I have had enough.

The Greatest Barrier: Self-love

Give everything to everyone; withhold none of your love. Nothing injures you more than self-love.

Desire nothing illegal.

Own nothing that will enslave you.

Why weary yourself with extra cares? Accept my will and you will lose nothing.

If you constantly search for the perfect experience or the perfect location to improve your life, you will never be satisfied or free from anxiety. In every situation something will be missing, and in every place someone will cross you.

Happiness, then, is not found by increasing your possessions, but by despising them. Renounce your craving not only for wealth, but also for prestige and fame. All of these will pass away with this world.

Your place doesn’t matter; your spirit does. You can change jobs and locations without changing yourself for the better, if your heart has no foundation in me. For you will always find again, in the new place, the very thing you were running away from-sometimes more of it!

30 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Recovery

My child, I am the Lord who ‘protects his people in times of trouble’. Come to me whenever you have a problem. I could help you much faster if you were not so slow in turning to prayer; but you try everything else first.

Remember that I am the one who rescues those who trust in me. You will find no lasting help in any other source.

Now that you have caught your breath and your trouble has passed, recuperate in my mercies. I stand near you to repair all damage and to make things better than before. Is anything too hard for me? Where is your faith? Stand strong in me. Have patience and courage; comfort will come in time. Wait. I will come to you with healing.

Are you anxious about the future?

What will that gain you but sorrow? ‘So do not worry about tomorrow; it will have enough worries of its own. There is no need to add to the troubles each day brings’.

What a waste to be disturbed or joyful about future events which may never materialize! The Enemy will prey on your natural inclination to such anxieties. He doesn’t care whether he deludes you to love the present or to fear the future.

“Do not be worried and upset. do not be afraid”. When you think you are far from me, I am frequently quite near. When you feel that all is lost, sometimes the greatest gain is ready to be yours. Don’t judge everything by the way you feel right now. If, for a while, you feel no comfort from me, I have not rejected you. In fact, I have set you on the road to the kingdom of heaven.

31 May 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Recovery

It is better for you to experience a little adversity than to have everything exactly as you choose. Otherwise, you may become mistakenly self-satisfied. What I have given, I can take away, and I can return it again when I please.

When I give something to you, it is on loan; when I take it back, I am not asking for anything that is yours. “Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God”.

I love you just as the Father loves me; remain in my love’. That is what I said to my beloved disciples, and you will notice that I sent them out into the world,

not to enjoy earthly pleasures, but to do battle;

not to receive honour, but to receive contempt;

not to be idle, but to work;

not to rest, but to reap a harvest patiently.

Remember these words, my child.

Forget Created Things and Find the Creator

Lord, I lack the spiritual maturity to live so that nothing in creation, none of life’s pleasures or irritations, can hinder my devotion to you. I know how the psalmist felt when he sang, I wish I had wings, like a dove. I would fly away and find rest. Who is more at rest than the one who cares for no earthly thing? For you, the Creator of all things, have made no creature that compares with you.

And, unless I can be liberated from a love of created things, my mind will not be free to concentrate on you alone. This explains why so few of us are contemplative people. Most of us find the requirements too great. We need your grace.

What is not God is nothing. And that is the label we ought to put on it’: ‘Nothing?’

1 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Self-denial

My child, the only way to possess absolute freedom is to renounce yourself. Those who seek their own interests are trapped. They love themselves.

They wander around in circles greedily searching for soft and delicate things instead of the things of Christ. They make plans that are doomed to fail because they are not in harmony with me.

Here is my teaching again in a capsule: Let everything go, and you will find everything; stop wanting so much, and you will have rest.

Lord, this is not going to be easy. You’re asking for perfection!

Don’t be frightened off, my child. Gain an appetite for higher things. I have no greater wish for you than this: that you lose all your selfishness and serve only me.

Yes, you have a long way to go. But unless you start the journey, you will never reach the end.

‘I advise you, then, to buy gold from me, pure gold, in order to be rich’.

That gold is heavenly wisdom which sees every worldly thing as contemptible garbage. This treasure remains hidden from many.

Swinging Moods

So, you feel one way today! You will feel another way tomorrow. Like it or not, you will be somewhat manic-depressive as long as you live:

Some days you’ll be happy and other days you’ll be sad,

some days calm and other days troubled,

some days faithful and other days faithless,

some days vigorous and other days sluggish,

some days solemn and other days light-hearted.

But if you are well-taught by the Spirit, you will live above such changes. You will pass through your various moods unshaken and push on toward your goal of seeking me only.

The dearer your target, the better you will weather emotional storms.

2 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Delight in God

I love you, my God. You are all I could ask for. What more can I desire? When you are present, I live in delight. You give me a calm heart, a tranquil mind, and a festive spirit. With your help I can rejoice in all circumstances and praise you at all times.

Nothing is tasteless to those who hunger for you. But nothing can satisfy those who refuse to taste you.

You are the everlasting Light, outshining all created lights. Send your bright beams to penetrate me. Purify and illuminate me with their great power. Give me new life.

Everyone Is Tempted

My child, you will never be free from temptation in this life. You will always need spiritual armour, for you live among enemies who attack at every opportunity. If you don’t shield yourself, you will not escape without injury. And if you fail to abandon everything else for me, you will not be equal to the task. Be brave! Winning will be worth the fight, but losing will bring misery and pain.

If you look for rest now, how will you attain heavenly rest? Don’t ask for rest; ask for patience. Be glad to endure everything because of your love for me:

labour

pain,

temptation,

nuisance,

anxiety

compulsion,

injury

slander,

reprimand,

confusion,

correction,

and contempt.

These are distressing trials for a new Christian, but they will make you a better person and prepare you for something magnificent.

For a brief effort, you will receive an everlasting reward, and for a passing difficulty, infinite glory.

3 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Delight in God

Will you always enjoy spiritual comfort? No, even my most devoted saints had problems, temptations, and feelings of desolation.

But they endured it all patiently, trusting me rather than themselves, knowing that the suffering of ‘this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed’. It is ridiculous for you to expect to receive instantly what others have barely obtained after many tears and great spiritual fatigue.

Wait patiently for me. Control your behaviour. Take courage and never stop serving me because of suffering or fear. Offer your very life for my glory. I will reward you for it, and I will not desert you when you are in trouble.

God and Your Business

Give your business to me, my child, and I will make it prosper as I see fit. Wait for me to take care of it and you will be glad.

O Lord, I gladly give it all to you because my efforts accomplish so little. I wish I did not care so much about success.

My child, sometimes a person grasps and claws for something, but when he obtains it, he finds that some other goal is more desirable. A person’s interests often change. True and lasting profit comes only from self-denial, for the one who denies himself lives in freedom and security.

4 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Pride Cannot Be Justified

When I look at the sky, which you have made, at the moon and the stars, which you set in their places- ‘what is man, that you think of him,

mere man, that you care for him? Have we deserved any favours, Lord? What right do I have to complain if you neglect me completely? If you don’t give me what I want what just reason do I have to grumble?

Lord, I am nothing, I can do nothing, I possess nothing in myself that is worthwhile, I am distressingly insufficient and give all my attention to trivia.

Unless you help me, there is no hope for me. Any praise belongs to you, not to me. In you I will rejoice, but as for me, I will not boast about myself, except the things that show how weak I am’.

Being Honoured Is Unimportant

My child, do not let it bother you if you see others getting recognition and honours while you are overlooked. Turn to me and the neglect of people will not trouble you.

Lord, we are blind and insanely vain. Unless I am willing to be totally unrecognized, I will never find any peace within me, or become spiritually enlightened, or be at one with you.

5 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

God Is the Best Teacher

Do not be led astray by the brightest human minds. “For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of words but of power’.

Never read anything in order to appear wise. Knowing answers to difficult questions will not help you nearly as much as spiritual discipline. Even after profound scholarship, you still need to know me, for I am the Beginning of everything, “the teacher of all men’.

I will give you better insight than any professor could. I teach without audible words, and without argument and debate. I instruct you to despise earthly things and seek the eternal, to run from honours and endure insults, to place all hope in me and to love me above all things.

Books may contain identical letters and use the same method of communication, but they do not instruct everyone in the same way. The reason is that I secretly teach within each person as I see fit.

A Word of Divine Encouragement

My child, do not be worn out by the work you are doing for me. Let no setback discourage you. I will give you strength.

Remember, you will not be working here forever. If you will wait a little while, things will change. Soon enough all labour and trouble will end.

Keep going, then. Work faithfully in my garden, and I will be your wages. Write, read, sing, mourn, be silent, and pray. Take all blows gladly. The kingdom of heaven is worth all this and much more. When you know the joy of that peace, you will no longer ask, ‘Who will rescue me from this body that is taking me to death?’, for death will be destroyed and you will remain with me forever.

6 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

A Prayer for Troubled Times

Heavenly Father, the time has come for me to be tested. It is proper that I should now suffer something for your sake. Before time began you knew this hour would come.

Outwardly, I will be tormented; inwardly, I will be with you. For a little while, I will be a failure and an object of scorn.

Go down with me Father, so I may rise with you in the dawning of a new light.

Such humbling is good for me, Lord. It helps me throw away haughtiness and pride. It is valuable ‘that I am covered with shame’, because it makes me turn to you for comfort rather than to men. Thank you for this painful challenge. You know how troubled times can scour away the rust of sin. Do with me as you choose.

O Lord,

let me know what is worth knowing,

love what is worth loving,

praise what pleases you,

honour what is worthy in your sight,

and avoid all that is evil.

As humble Saint Francis said, ‘A man is as much as he is in your sight and no more.’

7 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Enduring the Desert

My child, you cannot always be spiritually high and inflamed with devotion. You are flesh and bones, and naturally inclined to stumble. As long as you live in a mortal body, you will face weariness.

Bear patiently your exile and the dryness of your mind.

The time will come when I make you forget these painful moments and you will enjoy inward quietness.

I will open the Bible for you and you will be thrilled by your new understanding of my truth.

Then you will say, “I consider that what we suffer at this present time cannot be compared at all with the glory that is going to be revealed to us”.

A Prayer for Grace

My Lord, give me the grace which you have showed me is so important for my spiritual health. Let me overcome my natural inclinations. I can’t resist these passions unless you help me.

I know that good does not live in me-that is, in my human nature. For even though the desire to do good is in me, I am not able to do it. I don’t do the good I want to do; instead, I do the evil that I do not want to do’.

So, it is that I start many good things but then drop out before the job is finished.

Therefore, O Lord, let your grace lead me and follow me, through your son, Jesus Christ.

Amen.

8 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Following Christ

My child, the more you can withdraw from yourself, the more you can enter into me. I want you to learn how to forget yourself completely and be comfortable in my will.

Follow me. ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life.

Without the Way, you can go nowhere.

Without the Truth, you can know nothing.

Without the life, you cannot live.

I am the Way you should follow.

I am the Truth you should believe.

I am the life you can hope for.

I am the Way that is protected.

I am the Truth that is flawless.

I am the life that has no end.

I am the straightest Way.

I am the perfect Truth.

I am the happiest life.

If you obey my teaching you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free'.

'Keep the commandments, if you want to enter life'.

If you want to know the truth, believe me.

"If you want to be perfect, go and sell all you have'.

If you want to be my disciple, deny yourself everything. If you want a happy life, despise this present one.

If you want to be great in heaven, humble yourself in the world.

If you want to reign with me, bear the Cross with me.

9 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Don’t Question God’s Judgment

My child, it will be better for you if you accept my decisions without complaint. Do not ask me to defend my actions, or to explain why one person is favoured and another seems slighted.

The answers to these questions go far beyond your comprehension.

When you are tempted to object say with the psalmist, ‘You are righteous, Lord, and your laws are just'. The judgments of the Lord are just; they are always fair'.

My decisions are to be respected; They are not to be debated.

And don't waste your time trying to determine which of the saints is most saintly, or who shall be the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. This can cause arguments and dissension, and you may even form parties and admiration societies. The saints would be the first to tell you to stop it!

Some people gather around one godly person, and others gather around another. But this is human love, not divine love.

I made all the saints. I gave them grace and glory. I chose them; they did not choose me. I attracted them to myself and led them safely through temptations. I gave them strength and patience.

10 June 2026

(From The Imitation of Christ by Bernard Bangley)

Don’t Question God’s Judgment

But I do not reserve my favour for these saints; I love everyone. So, if you look down on the least person, you fail to honour the greatest, because I made both of them and all in my kingdom are one, bound together in my love.

When the disciples asked who would be the greatest, this was Jesus’s answer: ‘Unless you change and become like children, you will never enter the Kingdom of Heaven.

The greatest in the Kingdom of heaven is the one who humbles himself and becomes like this child’.

The Prayer of One Who Would Follow Christ

I look only to you, merciful Father, for help and comfort. My soul praises you and seeks to become your holy dwelling place. Let nothing in me offend you. Hear the prayer of your weakest servant who is wandering in a distant place. Protect me from the dangers of this corruptible world. Guide me along the way of peace to my home of eternal brightness.

Amen.

11 June 2026

Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji

ADVICE TO A DEVOTEE

Biharilal Sarkar: "Maharaj, why are there so many ups and downs in the mind of a householder?"

Latu Maharaj: "Because the mind of a householder is too involved with worldly objects. Sometimes it goes up as a result of spiritual practices, but it falls back again.

The Master used to say: if one ties a rope with a brick at the end of it to the tail of a mongoose, it will be able to climb a wall only as far as the loose rope permits but no farther, because of the weight of the brick.

Likewise, the mind of a householder may move toward God, but the weight of worldly objects pulls it back.'

To keep the mind always in God is a great tapasya: such a mind does not fluctuate between high and low.

A thread with stray fibres cannot pass through the eye of a needle; similarly, a mind with desires cannot be absorbed in God.

"When a man's mind becomes fully concentrated on God, he enjoys the bliss of the Atman.

But this is very difficult in the householder's life. Disease, sorrow, enjoyment, desire—all these are constant companions of the householder; also physical lethargy and mental restlessness.

In addition to these if man doubts the existence of God, there is no hope of his getting liberation. Often you will find that worldly people are busy with their families, their children, and other mundane matters, but they have no inclination to think about God.

Such distracted minds cannot make progress in spiritual life."

12 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

Bihari Babu: "Then should we give up family life and call on God only?"

Latu Maharaj: "Why should you give up your family? Doesn't one's family belong to God? Therefore, call on him who is the real head of the family.

One will have to do one's duty in this world. How can you escape it? Wherever you go, the world will follow you. Does it exist outside us? No, everything is in our own minds. If your mind desires enjoyment, you will seek enjoyment even in the forest; and if you don't have that desire for sense objects, you will not want them even if you are surrounded by them. Whether you live in a household or in the forest, you must call on God; otherwise, all is in vain.

"Brother Turiyananda used to say, 'Only a fool thinks that he will take his bath in the ocean after the waves have subsided.' Do you think he will ever take his bath?

The waves of the ocean will never stop; he will never get his bath, even if he waits his whole life.

So, I say, wherever you may be, whatever your mental condition, dive deep in the name of God. He who can do this will attain the highest. On the other hand, a man who decides to solve all his problems before he calls on God will never reach the goal; for as long as you have a body, you must experience disease, sorrow, fear, pain, and suffering. 'It is troublesome to have a body.' Anyone who wants to escape from all these troubles will have to hold onto God. God is Satchidananda—Absolute Existence, Knowledge, and Bliss. His bliss removes all suffering."

13 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

A devotee: "Maharaj, please tell us about the bliss of Brahman. “

Latu Maharaj: "Ah, you see, that bliss cannot be compared with any joy you may find in this world. It is inexpressible.

Worldly happiness is the product of maya. Maya operates within the three states—waking, dreaming, and dreamless sleep.

But beyond those three is another realm, turiya, which is extremely difficult to reach. The bliss of that realm is free from maya. You know how sweet the joy within maya is. Ordinary people are enchanted by it. They do not even think for a moment how immensely sweeter is God whose maya is so sweet!"

A devotee: "Maharaj. why do you say that maya's so-called joy is sweet? It is nothing but scorching flames."

Latu Maharaj: "But you see. most people love that burning sensation."

On another occasion Latu Maharaj said: "Nothing in this world is valuable except bliss. Do you know why people want money, property, wife, children? Because they think they will get physical and mental happiness from them.

So, they are ready to workday and night for them. If they would divert that energy toward God, they could get the permanent genuine bliss of Satchidananda instead of the transitory happiness of the world."

14 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON SURRENDER

Latu Maharaj: "You speak about dependence on God so superficially! If you do not get any response after calling on God for a couple of days, you follow your own way according to your mood, as if you understood the situation better than he.

Surrendering oneself to God means that one should move at his command. Do not do anything without his command. Even if it means a great loss for you. do not stray from that.

Only when you have attained this state can you say that you have truly surrendered yourself to God.

Brother Vivekananda used to say: 'If I cannot get Rama, shall I live with Shyama? If necessary, let this life be spent in vain for Sri Ramakrishna."

See how he surrendered himself to the Master! He was ready at any moment to give up his life for the Lord over the smallest thing.

This is the way one should hold onto the Master; only then can he guide you in the right direction."

A devotee: "Maharaj, why do we not have that kind of dependence on God!

Latu Maharaj: "It is because you value your intellect and ego more than God. You are not ready to wait for his command, and moreover, you lose patience in a minute."

15 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

FEELING FOR OTHERS

"Only a poor man can love the poor. A rich man cannot feel the sufferings of the poor, for no one can understand the sufferings of others unless he has undergone the same suffering.

Brother Vivekananda told Turiyananda: 'Brother. I do not know exactly what I have gained by leading this monk's life, but one thing is certain: This [Swami Vivekananda pointed to his heart] has expanded enormously.'

"If the desire to do charitable works arises in the mind of a rich man, it shows that his heart has started to feel for the poor.

God tests a man by making him wealthy, and that is a hard test to pass. Tests devised by men are easy to pass, but divine tests are very difficult. God may give plenty of riches to one man, but so delude him by maya that he will never in his life desire to be charitable.

Again, God may give a generous heart to another person, but not give him much money. Blessed indeed are they who are rich and yet feel for the poor.

"Money brings vanity. The more egotistic a man is, the farther he is from God, and thus the poorer he is.

Do not measure the poverty of a man by his possessions. The real measure is how far he is from God. The nearer to the Lord, the richer the man: the more forgetful of the Lord, the poorer and unhappier he is."

16 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON LUST

A devotee: "How can one overcome lust?"

Latu Maharaj: "Keep a picture of Sri Ramakrishna with you. Whenever lustful feelings arise, you should look at the picture intently. You will find that the senses will gradually be gathered in and the mind will be freed from lust."

ATTITUDE TOWARD WOMEN

Once Latu Maharaj told a group of men devotees: "Some men abuse women, but you should never raise your hand against them. You do not know how much they bear—they are forbearance itself. If you abuse them, where shall they turn? They are aspects of the Divine Mother, and if the Mother is insulted, the Lord is displeased. Thus, your well-being lies in making them happy. Their tears will ruin you, as Sita's tears destroyed the whole of Ravana's people."

ON RESTLESSNESS

Latu Maharaj once said to a restless devotee: "Why do you think of all sorts of nonsense when you sit to meditate? Can't you whip your mind? Even if you cannot control your mind and you become disgusted, please don't leave your seat: for if you get up from meditation with that attitude of disgust, you will be in a bad mood all day. And you will feel like beating one person, scolding another, and speaking harshly to a third.

The Master told us, 'Do not get up from your seat immediately after meditation." While you are still sitting on the asana [seat for meditation], sing devotional songs for ten or fifteen minutes, and then you will feel calmness in your mind throughout the day."

17 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

DESIRES AND SENSE OBJECTS

Latu Maharaj: "Worldly desires have taken up permanent residence in the mind. Sometimes they float on the surface of the mind, and sometimes they are so hidden that it seems they do not even exist.

But the closer you are to God, the more you will see the knots of desire hidden in the mind. The more your body and mind are purified, the more the dirt and dross which have accumulated during thousands of lives will be stirred up and will challenge your spirituality.

The energy generated by spiritual disciplines forces the impurities to leave the mind, their fort. How can they cope against the power of the Lord's name?

"You see. the desires are very shrewd. They take possession not only of the mind of a person but his sense organs as well. As soon as desire is aroused in the mind, the sense organs are awakened.

The eyes want to see, the ears want to hear, the tongue to taste and speak, the nose to smell, and the body to feel. The hands want to work and the feet carry the person to where the object is. The other sense organs are alert, and whenever the opportunity comes they also enjoy.

18 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

THE POWER OF IMAGINATION

"Do you know what the mind does? It conjures up enticing pictures with the imagination.

The imagination is man's worst enemy, his greatest tempter, for it creates beautiful pictures of sense pleasures and nearly destroys man's conscience. Thus, man is drawn to sense objects. Therefore, if you want to control the desire for worldly things, control the imagination and don't be deluded by sense enjoyments."

A devotee: "But how can one control the imagination?"

Latu Maharaj: "The imagination can be controlled by withdrawing the mind from the object, although that will not still the mind.

Sri Ramakrishna said that three things are necessary in the process of perception: the object of perception, the sense organ, and the mind. Perception of the object is not possible if one of these three is missing.

So, if you can eliminate one of them, the mind will not be able to cognize. It is hard to eliminate the objects of perception. They come and go. We have to encounter them always. How can one live and avoid sense objects? So long as you can avoid the sense objects, your self-control may be intact: but as soon as you come near them again, you will find yourself deluded by their attraction. So, instead, try to withdraw either the sense organ or the mind from the object. Then automatically the object will not be perceived.

19 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

THE POWER OF IMAGINATION

"The nature of the mind can be changed by chanting the name of the Lord. Gradually desires and doubts cease and the mind dissolves into its causality. Then there is none to think or imagine. Waves of desire in the mind show that the mind is active: the mind becomes pure only when it becomes waveless. The power of God descends on the pure mind, and only then does one realize the Self."

ON OVERCOMING DISCOURAGEMENT

A devotee: "Maharaj, is there any hope for liberation for worldly people like us? Please bless us that we can escape this whirlpool of maya."

Latu Maharaj: "Why should you be so depressed? Do you think you understand everything about human life? Know that no life goes in vain in God's realm.

Once Brother Shashi gave a very apt illustration to someone like you: A man was out walking and came upon a canal. Seeing that he would have to jump over it in order to continue on his way, he took several strides backward to get a running start for his leap. As he ran forward and jumped over the canal, he covered not only the distance he had moved backward but also the canal itself. Now. can you tell me whether his several steps backward were helpful or harmful? A man might have to take backward steps in this present life, but he will undoubtedly run forward in the next.

20 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

THE POWER OF IMAGINATION

"No life is ever lived in vain. Remember only one thing: Lead a God-cantered life. Then the Lord will guide you as he likes. He knows our past, present, and future. The wisest course is to surrender to him completely.

Whether you hold onto the Lord's hand or not does not matter, he is always holding onto yours. There is no doubt about that. He will never abandon you. He is all-merciful."

REMORSE AND GOD’S FORGIVENESS

A devotee did something wrong and was feeling very bad about it. When Latu Maharaj heard this, he called for the devotee to come see him.

He told the devotee: "Look here, my son, just because you have made one or two mistakes, you should not give up your spiritual practices and brood over your lapses and feel hopeless. To make mistakes is human.

Call on God. He will give you the strength to overcome weakness and destroy your delusion. He is the compassionate one. However great your sins might be, the current of his mercy will not be kept from you. How little is your sin, and yet you are so depressed! Just think of Ajamila, and Valmiki! Compared to their sins, yours are nothing.

Do you know what Brother Vivekananda used to say? 'Don't worry about a little spot of ink on the body. It is nothing. If one bathes in God's infinite ocean of mercy, the stains of a thousand inkpots will be washed away."

So, I am telling you. do not grieve. Pray unceasingly. Your bad tendencies will go away in a short time."

Yet the devotee was so ashamed of his conduct that he could not raise his head. Seeing this, Latu Maharaj said: "Before he commits a sin, a man's conscience fills him with shame, yet he brushes it aside. But divine law is such that after the sin is committed, shame overwhelms him again, and he cannot raise his head in front of others."

Even these words could not shake the devotee free from his sense of guilt.

Latu Maharaj continued: "What are you ashamed of, my son? The Lord has seen everything you have done. You cannot hide anything from him. Since he knows all of it. why should you still be so melancholy?

Instead, engage yourself in harder spiritual disciplines, keep the company of holy men. and come here now and then."

These words helped the devotee regain his mental strength. After this conversation with Latu Maharaj, he began to practice spiritual disciplines more vigorously.

21 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON MONASTIC LIFE

Latu Maharaj to a monk: "Never forget the goal of monastic life. Don't wear the gerua cloth [the ochre-coloured cloth of a monk] for outward show. The gerua cloth may bring you name and fame, but that will not help you realize God.

Go into solitude and practice your spiritual disciplines with all your heart. Only then will you progress quickly. Avoid gossip and politics.

"Is it so easy to be a monk? A real monk longs for God, weeps for God. He does not think about himself and is not disturbed by physical discomfort.

A real monk will not see faults in others, and he will have neither attachment nor aversion for anyone. He should be friendly with all.

A real monk must try to ease the sufferings of others, and if he does not have the means, he should encourage them with inspired words so that they can fight against life's odds.

He does not hoard for the future and seeks nothing except God.

A real monk is free from fear and is straightforward. His behaviour is simple, like a child's. Wherever he goes, he hears the call of God."

CRUELTY AND COMPASSION

A devotee: "Maharaj, where is compassion in this world? There seems to be only an unbroken chain of cruelty. The crow attacks the sparrow, the kite attacks the crow, man hunts the kite, and the tiger and the bear attack man."

"If you see cruelty around you," responded Latu Maharaj. "you will find cruelty in God. If you see compassion everywhere, you will witness his infinite compassion. It all depends on your own mind.

Always remember that to the pure mind all things are pure."

22 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON MIRACLES

A young man: "Maharaj. could you teach me something so that I will no longer suffer from poverty?"

Latu Maharaj: "You won't like what I tell you. You want the sort of trick that one uses to make gold out of a handful of dust; but I don't know that trick.

I am a monk. I stay in this place and chant the name of the Lord. I can tell you something about God and spiritual life, but you won't be satisfied.

You want miraculous powers. Are powers so easy to come by? Are you ready to exert yourself? If you can chant the Lord's name a hundred thousand times a day, then come and sit here."

After hearing these words, the young man hurried away.

SRI RAMAKR1SHNA: AN EXEMPLAR

"Sri Ramakrishna embodies an ideal for everyone. He was an ideal householder, an ideal monk, an ideal guru, and an ideal disciple.

Moreover, his life can serve as an example for all faiths and all sects. He is an ideal for the worshipers of Shakti. as he practiced and attained perfection in all the important Tantric sadhanas. He is an ideal for the Vaishnavites, for his devotion to Hari is unparalleled. He is also an ideal for the Shaivites, as he attained the vision of Lord Shiva too. He is an ideal for the devotees of Ramachandra, for he saw Rama and Sita.

He is an ideal for the Vedantins as well, having experienced nirvikalpa samadhi, the culmination of the Vedantic sadhana, within three days. He is also an ideal for the Christians and Mohammedans, because he had the vision of Christ and also of the Prophet."

23 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

SRI RAMAKRISHNA'S TEACHING ON SUFFERING

A devotee: "Maharaj, why should a knower of Brahman like Sri Ramakrishna, who was almost always immersed in samadhi has to suffer from such a terrible disease?"

Latu Maharaj: "What do I know about that? I heard Master Mahashay ["M."] say, 'It is because of the touch of impure people that he suffered so terribly."

Girish Babu used to say, 'It is his divine play—a way to relieve the sufferings of mankind.'

Ram Babu said: 'If the Master had not suffered from such a terrible disease, who could have recognized him? When one is in good health, one can easily fix the mind on God: but he is surely an avatar who can be continually in nirvikalpa samadhi, even when he is sick.'

"Brother Loren said at that time: 'He wants to be served by us, so he has contracted this disease. Don't worry. Could we have such a priceless opportunity to serve him if he didn't have this disease? We must not miss this opportunity. Let us serve him in such a way that he will not have the heart to leave us.'

"Brother Rakhal said: ‘The Master is testing us.'

Brother Sharat said, 'Although we may or may not understand it, a great mission is beginning through the Master's illness.'

Brother Shashi said: 'Sweet Jesus allowed himself to be crucified for humanity's sake. Our Master too, is suffering excruciating pain in order to remove man's burden of sin.'

"Balaram Babu once said to the Master: 'Sir, I am tired of hearing people's critical remarks about your illness. They say, "Your Master is suffering from disease!" '

The Master answered, 'Listen, he who forbears, survives and becomes great.'

Many people held different opinions about his illness. I don't remember them all.

"The Master used to say, 'Let the body and the disease take care of each other: O mind, be happy.'

He felt no pain. I saw that he was floating in bliss. If he had really suffered, could he have given us such joy?

He told us: 'Brahman is stainless. Though the three gunas [sattva, rajas, and tamas] are in Brahman, he is separate from them, as the air carries odours but still remains different from and untouched by them. Brahman is Existence-Knowledge-Bliss Absolute. In Brahman there is no sorrow or pain, no disease or death, no decay or growth. I see everything within this [Sri Ramakrishna pointed to himself]. Brahman and the One who is within the heart are the same.'

Where is the suffering of one who, though sick, can maintain such a high level of spirituality? You people identify yourselves with the body, so when the body suffers you are frightened."

24 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON THE TRUTH OF BRAHMAN

Biharilal Sarkar: "Maharaj, the scriptures say that Brahman is seated in the heart of man. What does that mean?"

Latu Maharaj: "It is just a figure of speech. Words cannot really encompass the truth of Brahman, although the scriptures have tried to describe it in that way. Brahman is everywhere. There is no in or out, high or low, east or west with him. He is one, inherent in everything. He is all-pervading, limitless, eternal.

Various attempts have been made to describe Brahman, but what is beyond thought cannot really be expressed in language. He is in everything and, again, is beyond everything.

Sri Ramakrishna used to say, 'Everything has been defiled by the lips of man except the truth of Brahman."

Bihari Babu: "Maharaj, you monks are inscrutable! Instead of making positive statements, you speak only in vague terms!"

Another devotee: "Maharaj, please tell us what you have understood of this truth."

Latu Maharaj: "You see, this realization cannot be expressed. One uses language to express an idea, but so far no adequate language has been discovered for talking about Brahman.

The Master used to say, "My boys, I would like to tell you many things, but the Divine Mother presses my lips, as it were, and does not allow me to talk.'

25 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON THE TRUTH OF BRAHMAN

Latu Maharaj: "You speak thousands of words every day. Have you ever thought about where these words come from?"

The devotee: "They must come from the mind."

Latu Maharaj: "Can you say, then, from which part of the mind they come and in what form? And then, where is the mind itself?"

The devotee could not reply.

Bihari Babu ventured: "There is a neural connection between the brain and the tongue, so the mind must be in the brain."

Latu Maharaj: "In what form?"

Bihari Babu: "As vibration."

Latu Maharaj: "Now tell me whether that vibration is continuous or whether it stops and starts."

Bihari Babu was surprised: "Maharaj, I haven't thought about it."

Latu Maharaj: "Then please think it over."

Bihari Babu: "Perhaps it stops and then starts again, exciting the nerves of the brain and bringing out the response."

Latu Maharaj: "If the vibration does stop, can you tell me what makes it start again, especially in the case where there is no external stimulus?'

Bihari Babu: "No, Maharaj, we really can't say."

Latu Maharaj: "So, you see. you can express these things up to a point, but no further."

After some time both Bihari Babu and the other devotee saluted Latu Maharaj and took leave of him.

As they were approaching their carriage, Bihari Babu said: "I have never heard such words before. This unlettered monk has thought over even such subtle things as these. It is really amazing! We are proud of our scholarship, but in reality he is more learned than we are."

26 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

MAYA AND FREEDOM

Bihari Babu: "But Maharaj, the scriptures say that God is guiding man: so, the responsibility is God's, not ours."

Latu Maharaj: "Yes, the scriptures are right. It is the responsibility of the operator, not the instrument.

But tell me. who is guiding the individual soul who is bound by maya? Maya herself is acting as the operator.

Do you know the nature of maya's game? She loves to play and wants to play always. She enjoys ups and downs, pleasure and pain, creation and destruction.

She loves to raise waves of desire in the mind and does not like to still them.

But God takes charge of the soul which is not bound by maya. When God guides a man, an uninterrupted current of happiness, peace, and bliss flows in his mind and no other waves of thought can be raised there. He becomes one with that un-fathomable, waveless. ocean of Satchidananda."

Bihari Babu: "Yes, Maharaj, I know the scriptures have compared Brahman with the ocean and maya with the waves on its surface. Now let me ask, what is the difference between the waves and the ocean when both are water?

In that case wouldn't being guided by maya and being guided by God be the same?"

Latu Maharaj: "Yes, from one point of view they are the same, but there is another point of view, too.

The Master used to say, The waves belong to the ocean, but no one can say that the ocean belongs to the waves. Similarly, maya belongs to God, but maya is not God. So, you cannot say that being guided by maya is the same as being guided by God. Nevertheless, the ultimate purpose of maya's guidance is certainly to take the individual soul to God."

Bihari Babu: "But everybody says that maya deludes the individual soul and leads him astray."

Latu Maharaj: "Maya wants to play constantly. Because maya's play goes on and on, man cannot see where he is being taken on his journey, so he thinks maya is taking him in the wrong direction.

But look, how can she misdirect us? Isn't God everywhere? Maya has become manifest by God's will and she is working for him."

27 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

Bihari Babu: "What! Maya is working for God?"

Latu Maharaj: "Yes, what other motive can she have?"

Bihari Babu: "But the scriptures describe maya as illusory and world-bewitching; she makes the unreal appear to be real, and her main concern is the delusion of mankind."

Latu Maharaj: "Do you know why people say so? The scriptures speak harshly against maya because she has qualified the unqualified Brahman.

And there is another reason: God alone is real; maya, by comparison, is unreal, illusory. But maya is unreal only in relation to God. From man's standpoint, maya is avidya, ignorance, which is neither real nor unreal.

If you watch maya carefully, you will see that she is pushing man toward God step by step. With one hand she is deluding man and with the other she is unveiling consciousness before him. She works in a balanced way, without any motive of her own. She balances both happiness and misery, both goodness and evil.

Do you know the intention behind all this? To teach us. If maya's purpose were to lead man astray, she would show us only one aspect, not both. But because maya shows us two aspects, she simultaneously deludes and enlightens.

True, she causes man much trouble and her path is very roundabout and time-consuming, but eventually it will lead one to God.

After you suffer repeated blows and much torment in this world and come to understand maya's ways, maya won't be able to hold you anymore. Then you will be released by her sattvic power. That is why she is called the one who makes the impossible possible."

28 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

MAYA AND FREEDOM

Bihari Babu: "Does maya have a benign power too?"

Latu Maharaj: "Certainly. Maya is God's power, and can that power be all bad?"

Bihari Babu: "Maharaj. from the way you are talking, maya seems to be something great."

Latu Maharaj: "Yes. that is true. Maya is great and that greatness is God himself. The other day a monk explained it nicely: 'Man has already attained God: to try further for realization is useless. This universe belongs to God and man is living in it: thus, he has attained salokya-mukti, liberation by living in the same region as God.

God made man in his own image: and thus, man has attained sarupya-mukti, liberation by having a form similar to God's.

God is everywhere, so man is always near him: and thus, he has attained samipya-mukti, liberation by living close to God.

The only thing that he has not yet attained is sayujya-mukti, becoming one with God.'"

REMOVING THE COVERING OF IGNORANCE

One day Shashadhar Ganguli, a teacher from Malda, asked Latu Maharaj. "Can the Atman be an object of knowledge?"

Latu Maharaj: "An object is something which cannot be known without the help of something else, but the Atman is self-revealing. So, you cannot say the Atman is an object of knowledge."

The teacher: "Then why should we want to know the Atman?"

Latu Maharaj: "Because the Atman is our real nature."

The teacher: "If the Atman is our real nature, then why are we not aware of it?"

Latu Maharaj: "Listen, can anyone deviate from his real nature? If he does; it cannot be called his real nature: for it is changeable. Man's real nature is covered by a dense cloud of ignorance, and consequently he appears to be something different, but that does not mean he has deviated from his real nature."

29 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

REMOVING THE COVERING OF IGNORANCE

The teacher: "If the Atman is our real nature, then why are we not aware of it?"

Latu Maharaj: "Listen, can anyone deviate from his real nature? If he does; it cannot be called his real nature: for it is changeable. Man's real nature is covered by a dense cloud of ignorance, and consequently he appears to be something different, but that does not mean he has deviated from his real nature."

The teacher: "I couldn't follow you. Would you please explain this a little more?"

Latu Maharaj: "All right. Suppose here is a brass pot covered with stains. Looking at it. one may think it is made of something other than brass, but that thought cannot change its nature; the brass pot still remains brass. It is like that."

The teacher: "But Maharaj, that analogy is not suitable here. The brass pot never thinks of itself as not being brass, but man thinks of himself as being something other than the Atman."

Latu Maharaj: "That is not so. Man does not think that he is something else. He may say, 'my body,' 'my mind,' 'my intellect.' but he never says. 'I am the body.' or I am the mind.' He knows that what he calls 'his' is not the same as 'himself.'

Man's I-consciousness is always there, he is not devoid of it. only he cannot express it. You can feel hungry or sleepy, but can you tell me who you really are?"

The teacher: "No. Maharaj. But I do feel hunger or fatigue."

Latu Maharaj: "That is what I mean. You are aware of your consciousness, but you are unable to express it."

30 June 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

REMOVING THE COVERING OF IGNORANCE

The teacher: "Why can't I express it?"

Latu Maharaj: "Because your mind is so deeply covered with desires, doubts, and ignorance that your real nature is unable to express itself.

Haven't you seen those polishing shops at Mechuabazar in Calcutta where they have glass jars filled with coloured liquids?

The metal worker takes a tarnished brass pot and dips it into ajar, and instantly all the tarnish goes away and the pot starts to glitter. Then he dips it into another jar and it turns a golden colour. Similarly, the cloudy stuff which has been covering our I-consciousness must first be washed away: then we shall see the brilliance of the inmost Self."

The teacher: "How can we wash it away, Maharaj?"

Latu Maharaj: "Dip your mind in the jar of the Lord's name, and all the unclean stuff will be washed away. Then dip it in the jar of the Lord's grace. You will see how beautifully your real nature will shine forth. You will have to clean your mind first. There is no other way.

If you want happiness in this world, think of yourself as pure gold and not as gold-plated.

The idea of 'mine' produces misery, while the knowledge of the real ‘I’ [the higher Self] brings bliss. The knowledge of the Self removes ignorance, and this Self is the Atman. the real nature of man."

1 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

REMOVING THE COVERING OF IGNORANCE

The teacher: "But the Atman is all-pervading while the ‘I’ [the lower self] is limited."

Latu Maharaj: "It does not matter. You have seen the jasmine flower; how small it is! On its tiny petal you may find a dewdrop in the morning, and in that dewdrop you can see the reflection of the infinite blue sky. Likewise, the ‘I’ may be limited, but by the grace of God it can catch the reflection of the infinite Atman."

The teacher: "How can we attain God's grace. Maharaj?"

Latu Maharaj: "Control lust and greed. Practice japam and be charitable. If you can do this, you will find the Lord showering his grace upon you."

ON MEDITATION

A devotee: "Maharaj, is there any difference between the meditation of a jnani [one following the path of knowledge] and that of a bhakta [one who follows the path of devotion]?"

Latu Maharaj: "Yes. A bhakta meditates on the name and form of the Lord, while a jnani meditates on the identity of the individual soul and Brahman.

But whatever the object of meditation may be, eventually both aspirants will reach the same goal. When meditation deepens, both the name and form of the Lord and also the knowledge of the identity of the individual soul and Brahman disappear. That is certain. At that time, only a current of experience which is indescribable remains.

One day the Master told us, intensified meditation brings the knowledge of Oneness of ‘I’.

A devotee: "What is meant by the knowledge of Oneness?"

Latu Maharaj: "Can it be expressed in words? When that knowledge dawns, body consciousness disappears, the mind stops and even the intellect vanishes: only an uninterrupted Consciousness flows."

2 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

THE MYSTERY OF SAMADHI

Latu Maharaj: "Is samadhi merely a figure of speech? The human mind gets a little glimpse of God only after long and constant practice of concentration and meditation, and only then can one realize God's attributes and powers.

Infinite are his attributes, and infinite are his powers! Who can transcend them? One could spend millions of lives concentrating on just the glories of God, but what would he gain from it? He might comprehend God's glory and power, but that does not mean he has truly experienced him.

Realization of God means that one becomes absorbed in him, transcending his attributes and powers. It is not an easy thing!

An aspirant can reach God only if, out of his mercy, God helps him to go beyond his attributes and powers.

It is God's grace alone that enables an aspirant to stop the waves of the mind and dissolve the intellect; otherwise, who can stop the functioning of his mind and intellect by his own efforts? And know for certain that one attains samadhi only after the dissolution of his mind and intellect."

A devotee: "Maharaj. do you mean to say that an aspirant cannot attain samadhi through self-effort? We have heard that one attains samadhi by practicing concentration and meditation."

Latu Maharaj: "What you have heard is true. The samadhi achieved through concentration and meditation is termed by Sri Ramakrishna as 'chetan samadhi.' In this samadhi there is an interplay of ecstasy and power.

But the Master also used to speak of another kind of samadhi in which the mind dissolves and the ego disappears. I am telling you the truth, no one can attain that samadhi without divine grace."

3 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

THE MYSTERY OF SAMADHI

A devotee: "Maharaj, people say practice brings siddhi (success)."

Latu Maharaj: "Yes, you may attain siddhi. but not real samadhi. An aspirant attains siddhi and prosperity through exertion and power, but he realizes God through samadhi.

Nobody can express the experience of samadhi. One can hint at God's attributes in words or speak of his power, but God is not limited by these.

Infinite are his glories and infinite are his powers! Who can limit God? All spiritual powers and supernatural powers together cannot reveal him. God is in everything and again he is beyond every-thing. Just as you have many good qualities and you can do many things, so also you have many powers which you can either show or hide; but these do not reveal your real nature. Your real nature permeates through your qualities and powers, and again, it is beyond them.

An aspirant can have a glimpse of the glory and power of God. but this does not mean he can comprehend God fully. An aspirant realizes God only when God reveals himself to him."

4 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

SPIRITUAL COUNSEL

One evening Dr. Mello, who had spent some time at the Advaita Ashrama at Mayavati, came to see Latu Maharaj.

As he approached the Swami, he could hear him saying to himself, "God is formless and with form too."

Strangely enough, that had been the thought uppermost in Dr. M's mind, and he asked. "If God is with form, then can one see him?"

Latu Maharaj: "Yes, by all means."

Dr. M: "Maharaj, when I was at Mayavati I kept a picture of Jesus Christ on my desk and meditated on him. One day I saw that picture as a living form. All of a sudden that form vanished, and in its stead I saw Sri Ramakrishna. Then that form also disappeared, giving place to Buddha. Was this a hallucination?"

Latu Maharaj: "Oh, no, no. It was not a hallucination. That is quite common. You are on the right track; continue your practice. One who has seen one great soul may see many others. Sri Ramakrishna used to see many divine forms."

Dr. M: "Maharaj, I get confused sometimes. I do not know on whom I should meditate."

Latu Maharaj: "Whom do you love the most?"

Dr. M: "I love Jesus Christ and Ramakrishna equally."

Latu Maharaj: "Whom have you loved all along?"

The doctor then told a little of the history of his family, which had been Christian for the four preceding generations.

Then Latu Maharaj advised him: "Meditate on Christ. Have faith in him and pray to him. You will reach your goal."

5 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON PREACHING

"Can one preach religion simply by beating a drum? Is religion something external to us, something one person speaks about and another person accepts?

Religion is realization, and one cannot realize the truth through noise and fanfare. The more a preacher shouts, the more people's minds turn outward; and unless the mind is turned inward, God-realization is not possible.

"What an upsurge of religion there was here in Calcutta a few years ago! Preachers of the Salvation Army were found speaking on religion at almost every crossroads of the city. The Brahmo leaders used to preach their doctrines in their temples. The Vaishnavites would sing kirtan in their worship halls. Just think of all those meetings!

But what has come of all that? Where are they now? Those religious leaders tried to attract people through their preaching.

Meanwhile, another group was devoting their time to silent meditation and prayer and directing their energies to the realization of God. And now don't you see multitudes gathering around this second group?

"Inevitably, if there is no substance inside, a man's words are empty and carry no conviction. There must be renunciation, dispassion. and genuine love for God. Only then will people believe you. The Lord's will works in this peculiar way.

Look at Swami Vivekananda's life. After practicing hard spiritual disciplines, he got the command from the Master to preach, and people have accepted what he said. With one lecture Swamiji became world-famous."

6 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON THE GURU

A devotee: "Is it absolutely necessary to have a guru in order to make spiritual progress?"

Latu Maharaj: "If you are in earnest about spiritual practices, you should have a teacher, a guru. You can accept the Lord himself as your guru, if you have that much faith in him.

But it is better to have a great devotee of God as your guru. Do you know why? What do you do when you feel thirsty and are looking for water? Don't you go to the nearest place where water is available?"

A devotee: "Yes, Maharaj."

Latu Maharaj: "You surely don't go to the ocean which is far away. Isn't that so?"

A devotee: "Yes. If we can get water near by, why should we go all the way to the ocean?"

Latu Maharaj: "So, your question is answered. The human guru is like the water in the river near us, and the Lord is like the water in the ocean.

When the thirst for God arises, one should go to a human guru who is near at hand, for he can satisfy your thirst very quickly."

ON CULTIVATING SPIRITUAL QUALITIES

A devotee: "Maharaj, what are the duties of a householder?"

Latu Maharaj: "If you want to live a happy, contented life, stop criticizing others. Do not find fault with others. It is better to pass the time sleeping than gossiping and criticizing. Keep away from places where you find such talk going on.

Try to see the good qualities in others. This is the way to get rid of the habit of fault-finding. Evil qualities pollute the mind of a person who searches for the lapses and shortcomings of others.

"Feel others' sufferings as you feel your own. Take every opportunity to serve people, and do not injure anybody.

"Be grateful to all who help you. Be charitable to all, even to a person who abuses you. And do not run into debt, for debts bring worries.

"Try to be pure and discriminate between good and evil.

Do not perform any action which will prick your conscience.

"Do not forget God. Chant his name in the morning and evening, and, if you can, try to meditate at night."

7 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON SADHANA

Latu Maharaj: "Without question, whatever I have now has come through the Master's grace. I am an unlettered man. How can I practice austerities? What do I know about sadhana [spiritual discipline]?

At first I simply wanted to be the Master's attendant, but then he taught me how to meditate and practice spiritual disciplines. At that time, I did not know the value of sadhana.

He also taught me the mystery of Lord Ramachandra."

A devotee: "What is the mystery of Lord Ramachandra?"

Latu Maharaj: "One day I was massaging the Master's feet. He asked: My boy, can you tell me, what is your Ramachandra doing now?'

I was surprised at his question. How could I know what Ramachandra was doing?

He noted my silence and said, 'Your Ramji is now passing an elephant through the eye of a needle.'

A devotee: "What does that mean?"

Latu Maharaj: "Don't you understand? I was such a small receptacle, yet he was pouring sadhana into me."

A devotee: "Maharaj, is it possible to pour sadhana into another person?"

Latu Maharaj: "Yes. But not everyone can do that. He who has seen God and been absorbed in his bliss, he can."

8 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON SADHANA

A devotee: "Maharaj. please pour a little sadhana into us."

Latu Maharaj: "The Master could do that. That does not mean I can."

The devotee said with feeling: "Yes you can, Maharaj. Please bless us. Please help us to make spiritual progress in this life."

Latu Maharaj: "You people always say the same thing. When you come here you are sure that you will pass the rest of your days in sadhana. but once you return home you think, 'Why should I care?'

In the world all your energy is spent in earning money. Remember, you will attain perfection in whatever you practice. You don't like to practice sadhana, so you do not attain God."

A devotee: "One needs money to live in the world. You know that nothing can be done without money."

Latu Maharaj: "Yes. I know. Whatever you want you will get. But if you want to be spiritual, you cannot want anything else. The Master used to say. 'Whatever you want from God you will receive. But if you want him only, then all your other wants will be fulfilled as well.' "

A devotee: "Maharaj, we are unfortunate, for we cannot call on the Lord wholeheartedly. Do our prayers reach him?"

Latu Maharaj: "Yes, they do. But your prayers are mixed with the desire for money, so that is what he is sending.

The day when you can pray: I do not want money, name, or fame. I want thee and thee alone'—on that very day he will come to you.

The Master would say, 'The more you have bhoga [enjoyment], the less you will have yoga and the more you will burn in the world.'

The Master continually taught us: 'Always be awake in the practice of yoga. Call on God in the dead of the night, remember him during the hours of the day, and serve him always.'

9 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

SPIRITUAL DISCONTENT

Latu Maharaj: "Contentment is an obstacle to spiritual progress."

A devotee: "What do you mean, Maharaj? People practice sadhana (spiritual disciplines) to find peace of mind, and you are saying it is an obstacle to the aspirant's progress."

Latu Maharaj: "It is true, people do practice sadhana to find peace. But if the aspirant forgets God after finding some peace, how can he make any further progress, If there is no dissatisfaction, longing for God does not come."

A devotee: "Is there any higher state than the attainment of peace?"

Latu Maharaj: "Look, is peace the end of sadhana? There are many states higher than peace. But if you want to experience those states, you need to attain peace first.

Do you know what that peace is? One is then, as it were, satisfied with his life, and external trials and tribulations do not disturb the mind.

The door to the spiritual path does not open unless the aspirant is filled with peace externally and internally. But once the door to the spiritual realm opens, discontentment again begins. However, this is a mysterious kind of discontentment which I cannot explain to you. In this state the aspirant can neither sit idle nor can he progress quickly."

A devotee: "Maharaj, I do not understand what you are talking about. Please explain."

Latu Maharaj: "Spiritual disciplines and austerity are necessary to understand this. You have practiced very little austerity. Hence, I may explain it to you a thousand times, but it will still remain a mystery to you."

10 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON AUSTERITY

In I902 Latu Maharaj was staying at the Belur Monastery at the time of Shiva Ratri, an all-night vigil dedicated to Lord Shiva and observed by worship and fasting. That night he went to offer worship to Shiva at the nearby Kalyaneswar temple, accompanied by a number of devotees.

He said to one of the devotees: "I think fasting is too difficult for you. You should take a little food."

The devotee responded, "No, I don't want to take anything before performing the worship."

Latu Maharaj said: "Such determination is good: but if fasting takes your mind away from God, what use is it? Rather, be determined to perform the worship with devotion. Do not place a higher value on fasting. That is mere obstinacy, which is of no real benefit. If your mind is dwelling on food instead of God, how can you perform the worship with love and devotion? Devotion is impossible if the mind is disturbed."

11 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON DISCRIMINATION

A devotee: "Maharaj, you monks advise us to give up attachment to lust and gold, but we are householders. How can we renounce? Please tell us the way. Our minds are filled with worldly attachments. We see no possibility of fighting against them. The attachments are so strong that they will not allow us to develop ways and means to defend ourselves against them.

You have asked us to chant the name of the Lord and to discriminate, but we are overpowered by attachments. Now please tell us the secret: How did you overcome them?"

Latu Maharaj: "You people don't practice japam sincerely, so you always complain and make excuses. Look, if one makes a habit of repeating the holy name, the name itself will take hold of the mind. The mind craves the intoxication of worldly enjoyments.

Attachments are troublemakers; they fasten the mind with a noose, as it were, and drag it in all directions.

"Lord Krishna agreed with Arjuna that the mind is restless. He told Arjuna that the restless mind can be stilled by the renunciation of sense enjoyments and by repeated practice.

Whenever your mind runs after sense enjoyments, use your discrimination. Look, the sense objects are impermanent. They come and go. Be satisfied with whatever you need for your daily living and do not desire more.

Too many worldly belongings displace the thought of the Reality from the mind. The Reality is one, and that is Brahman. Brahman alone is real and everything else is unreal. Impress these thoughts again and again upon the mind, and gradually true discrimination will arise.

12 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON DISCRIMINATION

"Listen to a story. Once Rama presented a pearl necklace to his devotee Hanuman. Hanuman examined the necklace carefully, broke open one of the pearls with his teeth, and, not finding the name of Rama there, threw the necklace away.

This upset Lakshmana, who said: 'How can a monkey appreciate the value of a pearl necklace? He destroyed such a valuable thing with his teeth!'

Rama then asked Lakshmana to inquire about the reason for Hanuman's action. Upon being questioned. Hanuman replied: I opened the pearl to see if the holy name was there. The necklace is worthless if Rama is not in it.'

"You will have to discriminate between the real and the unreal. To keep one's discrimination alert is a great austerity. He who has learned to discriminate can successfully overcome lust and greed.

So, cultivate your discrimination and conscience. How can you struggle against evil tendencies if your intellect is not trained to differentiate between good and evil?

First clear out the rubbish which has entered the mind through the gates of the sense organs and then put a ‘NO ADMITTANCE' sign in front of each gate.

Those bad thoughts which ignore the notice and still come in, you will have to hand over to the police, which is your conscience. With the help of the police, you must evict the impure tendencies from the mind and then install the Lord there. This is the way to conquer lust and desire.

13 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON DISCRIMINATION

"The seed of lust is in the mind. That seed is nurtured by the sense organs within and the sense objects without, and thus it grows and produces innumerable fruits. These fruits are to be chopped off and the seeds are to be destroyed. Afterward, you must sow the seed of the Lord's name, and you will reap the harvest accordingly.

Now you are reaping the harvest of desire.

The Master used to say, 'Where desire is. God is not; and where God is, there is no desire.'

ON PURITY

"Be pure. Be pure. Be pure. You cannot comprehend God without purity. If you are not pure, you will not realize God, who is the embodiment of purity. In order to serve God, the true Master of all, one must purify one's mind."

ON LOVE

A householder devotee of Sri Ramakrishna once conveyed his love to Latu Maharaj in a letter.

Latu Maharaj remarked: "Is it so easy to convey love to a person? A lot of spiritual discipline is needed to be able to really transmit love. What do ordinary people know about love? Only God can truly love, and only illumined souls are really able to transmit love."

On another occasion he said: "Your love springs from worldly attachment. Dogs play together and also fight for food among themselves. Your love is like that. You people embrace each other and exchange sweet words, but the moment someone encroaches upon your self-interest, you become angry and are ready to hit him. Don't express that kind of love."

14 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON HUMILITY

One day a wealthy devotee saluted Latu Maharaj in the customary manner - that is, folding his hands and raising them to his head.

At this Latu Maharaj said: "Look here. sir. One should bow down to gods, to monks, and to holy people with reverence. Sri Ramakrishna used to say. There is no merit in this sort of axe-raising salutation.’ “

Another devotee who was present asked. "Maharaj. what is an axe-raising salutation?"

Latu Maharaj: "Touching the forehead with folded hands as you usually do is what the Master called an axe-raising salutation."

The wealthy devotee: "Maharaj, please forgive me. We don't know the real significance of the salutation. We merely follow the custom."

Latu Maharaj: "I don't mind. It is not your fault. But remember what the Master said: Between equals one should exchange salutations as you have just done: but if the person is superior to you in learning, intellect, fame, power or spirituality, you should bow down to him with reverence. You should be humble before him and do what he says. Let your thoughts and your words be united when you are paying respect to others. Salutations that are merely for show have no value."

ON THE NAME

"Sri Ramakrishna used to say that before starting to chant the name of the Lord, one should salute the name. One should take refuge in the name of the Lord.

The name and the named, that is, the Lord, are one. If one prays wholeheartedly to the name, one's prayer reaches the Lord.

"Look here. The name of the Lord itself is shakti, God's power, and the named is God himself. Without worshiping Shakti, one cannot realize God."

15 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ASPECTS OF GOD

A devotee: "Maharaj, is it good to have visions of gods and goddesses other than the Chosen Ideal?"

Latu Maharaj: "It is always good to see divine forms. You will find that during meditation your Chosen Ideal will appear to you in many forms. That is his divine play. Since all forms are contained within him, why are you making distinctions between them?"

A devotee: "The scriptures have described the various forms of God differently, and for each deity there is a prescribed meditation, a method of worship, and certain mantras. So, how can it be possible to see other forms of God when one is meditating on one's own Chosen Ideal? Are these visions conducive to one's spiritual progress?"

Latu Maharaj: "You people think of the gods and goddesses as distinct from each other, but in reality they are all the same. What is wrong if the forms are many?

Look. You are a man. When you are angry, your face takes on one expression; when you laugh it assumes another; and when you cry it looks still different. Your facial expression changes with your emotions, but you, as a man. always remain the same. If someone calls you by name, you respond regardless of your mood.

Sri Ramakrishna used to say: 'The chameleon changes its colour. Sometimes it is red, sometimes green, yellow, gray, violet, blue, and so on. One may think that the chameleon is always the same colour as he sees it. But the man who stays under the tree where the chameleon lives knows that the chameleon changes colour at different times."

Similarly, the man who meditates deeply on his Chosen Ideal ultimately realizes that the various names and forms are actually but different aspects of the same reality."

16 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON PRAYER

A devotee: "Maharaj, which is the easier method to dispel doubts about God. prayer or reasoning?"

Latu Maharaj: "Sri Ramakrishna used to say: 'Who can know God through reason? His powers and glory are infinite. Too much reasoning can create confusion and, moreover, may lead to an atheistic attitude. So, it is better to call on God with a longing heart."

The Master said further: 'If you can become drunk with one bottle of wine, why should you bother to know how many barrels of wine there are in the grogshop? If your thirst is quenched with one glass of water, why should you rack your brain calculating how much water there is on the earth?" "

A devotee: "Whom should we call on, Maharaj, the guru or the Chosen Ideal?"

Latu Maharaj: "You may call on either: it is the same. The guru and the Chosen Ideal are the same. Doubt arises in the mind of an aspirant if he does not practice spiritual disciplines, and doubt is the root of all troubles.

Have faith in your guru. Be loyal to him, even like a cow that never leaves its master, whether it is fed or not.

Say, 'I am your servant and you are my Master.’

17 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

ON WORSHIP

"Do you know what worship is? Everything belongs to the Lord, so what is there to offer to him? But the Master used to tell us: 'Once a rich man went to visit his orchard. He saw the gardeners busy with their work. The caretaker approached him and presented him with a ripe papaya, saying: "Sir, I picked this ripe fruit for you yesterday. Please accept it."

Now the owner knows that the garden, the tree, the fruit all belong to him: but won't he appreciate the love and thoughtfulness of the caretaker? Worship is like this.’

On another occasion, a devotee bought a small piece of cheap cloth for the Divine Mother's worship. Latu Maharaj was very upset. He remarked: "Throw away that cloth. It is too short. Why did you buy such a cheap one? Always offer a good cloth to the Mother, and if you cannot afford it, say with tears: 'Mother, I am unable to offer anything to you. Please forgive me.'

Some people buy cheap, flimsy cloth, rotten fruit, or stale sweets for the worship of the Lord. Why do you offer the Lord these things which you yourself don't want to use or eat? It is better not to worship at all than to do worship negligently. He who offers the Lord's things to the Lord with joy and love is really fortunate. The Lord does not accept anything that is not presented with devotion."

18 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION

A devotee: "Maharaj, we have not seen God: how can we depend on him? We do not know how to surrender to him. Is it enough just to say, "Lord, be kind to us. bestow your grace on us?’

Latu Maharaj: "Look, he is showering his grace on us unceasingly. It is through his grace that you even exist in this world. You are asking about prayer. Well, you know God's name: you can begin with his name as your guide.

Don't you send your application for a job to the manager of a company without ever having seen him? Your interview with the manager depends upon sending your application to him. You write the application thus: 'Sir, please appoint me for the job; I shall be extremely happy to serve you: I promise my unswerving obedience to you,' and so on.

And you write all this without having seen the manager, don't you?

"Similarly, you can send an application to the Lord. However, this application is not to be written on paper, but on the pages of one's heart. You must be careful about the wording and the address must be correct; otherwise, the letter will not reach its destination.

Write the application like this: 'O Lord, may I never forget your name. I take refuge in you. Please assign me to your service and destroy my ego and my doubts. You are my master, guru, father, mother, and all in all. I am your child. Please guide me to the path of blessedness. Make me your instrument. Do not delude me with your bewitching maya.

O my sweet Lord, I have not seen you; I have only heard your name. Please make me your own.'

You will have to pray like this daily. Only then will he choose to bestow his grace on you. Once you are chosen by him. you will not have to worry any more. He will guide you at every step and will tell you what to do."

19 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

AFTER GOD-REALIZATION

A devotee: "Maharaj, you have realized God. Could you tell us what your understanding of the world is now?"

Latu Maharaj: "I have understood this much: If you keep a bowl filled with water somewhere by itself, the water will eventually evaporate, but this is not so if the bowl is immersed in the river Ganga. Likewise, if we can surrender our minds at the feet of the Lord, the wind of worldliness will not be able to dry our minds and make them dreary. Then the world no longer seems an unhappy place."

A devotee: "Maharaj, do you feel now that the world is a burden?"

Latu Maharaj: "Look, when you dive deep into the Ganga, though there are thousands of pounds of water above you, you don't feel that weight.

Similarly, if you plunge into God's creation yet still hold onto him, you will not feel its burden. Then the world becomes a place of merriment.

Remember this beautiful saying of Tulasidas: 'He who takes refuge in God is protected by him. A huge elephant may be swept away by the current of the river, but the small fish who lives in the river can even swim against its current.' Remember that if you depend on God, he will take care of you in all circumstances."

20 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

BRIEF TEACHINGS

"Be attached to no one but God. Only if you hold onto God will your life be meaningful."

"Who is a man of knowledge? Not he who has read a lot of books, studied scriptures and acquired some degrees, but he who knows the path to God and can direct people toward him."

"A man can attain peace if he gives up worldly enjoyment, for such enjoyment is the source of sorrows and sufferings, disease and despair."

"Don't be ungrateful to a person who has helped you. An act of kindness, however small it may be, can never be repaid."

"See your own faults. Never criticize anyone; it is a great sin. It contracts the mind and pollutes the heart. Always look for the good qualities in others. If fault-finding becomes your habit, you will always see faults in them. Everyone has both good and bad in him. Only God is free from fault and full of divine qualities."

"Don't be concerned whether someone agrees with your opinion or not. Don't argue unnecessarily just to prove your point. It ruins the spiritual atmosphere. Let people do whatever they like: you should live according to your own ideal."

"Don't ask for anything from God, for he knows everything. It is sometimes amazing how he fulfills the needs of his devotees."

"Desire begets wants in the mind of man. If he has no desire, he has no wants. Love for God destroys desire."

"He who follows the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna, will be saved by the Mother from the trials and tribulations of the world. If you want peace, read The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna."

21 July 2026

(Teachings of Swami Adbhutanandaji)

BRIEF TEACHINGS

"It is easy to fool human beings, but not God. He knows your shortcomings in spite of your best efforts to hide them. Pray to the Lord with a guileless heart. 'O Lord, please remove all my faults and weaknesses.'

Man becomes stainless only after God-realization."

"Jealousy is a deadly poison. A jealous person cannot bear others' welfare and happiness. His heart breaks to see others progressing. If one can give up jealousy, one will understand God."

"On a moonless night one man cannot recognize another, however close they may be standing: similarly, a man cannot see his innermost self due to the dark covering of delusion."

"Dissatisfaction and craving for worldly enjoyments are signs of a diseased mind."

"If you always think of a holy person, you will become holy and pure: if you think of a thief, you will become a thief. Pure character is formed by close association with the holy."

"Do you think we salute trees and stones? We salute the Supreme Being, who pervades every atom of the universe. He who sees God in all creatures and all things attains the knowledge of Brahman."

"Although God is formless, he takes form according to our mental conception of him. It is because the formless Sat-chit-ananda dwells in our hearts that we can meditate on one of God's blissful forms. God appears in whatever form the devotee meditates on him."

"God gives power to those who are pure in heart."

22 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

Serenity and Joy

DRINK deeply.

Live in serenity and joy.

The wise person delights in the truth.

And follows the law of the awakened.

The farmer channels water to his land

The fletcher whittles his arrows.

And the carpenter turns his wood.

So, the wise direct their mind.

The Path of Mindfulness

“O MONKS,” said the Buddha, “there is a most wonderful way to help living beings realize purification, overcome directly grief and sorrow, end pain and anxiety, travel the right path, and realize Nirvana.

This way is the Four Establishments of Mindfulness.

“What are the Four Establishments?

“Monks, a practitioner remains established in the observation of the body in the body, diligent, with clear understanding, mindful, having abandoned every craving and every distaste for this life.

“One remains established in the observation of the feelings in the feelings, diligent, with clear understanding, mindful, having abandoned craving and every distaste for this life.

“One remains established in the observation of the mind in the mind, diligent, with clear understanding, mindful, having abandoned every craving and every distaste for this life.

“One remains established in the observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind, diligent, with clear understanding, mindful, having abandoned every craving and every distaste for this life.”

23 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

“And how does a practitioner remain established in the observation of the body in the body?

“One goes to the forest, to the foot of a tree, or to an empty room, sits down cross-legged in the lotus position, holds one’s body straight, and establishes mindfulness in front of oneself. “Breathing in, one is aware of breathing in.

Breathing out, one is aware of breathing out. Breathing in a long breath, one knows, ‘I am breathing in a long breath.’ Breathing out a long breath, one knows, ‘I am breathing out a long breath.’ Breathing in a short breath, one knows, ‘I am breathing in a short breath.’ Breathing out a short breath, one knows, I am breathing out a short breath.’

“Moreover, when walking, the practitioner is aware, ‘I am walking’; when standing is aware, ‘I am standing’; when sitting, is aware, ‘I am sitting’; when lying down, is aware, ‘I am lying down.’ In whatever position one’s body happens to be, one is aware of the position of the body.

“When one is going forward or backward, one applies full awareness to one’s going forward or backward.

When one looks in front or looks behind, bends down or stands up, one also applies full awareness to what one is doing.

One applies full awareness to wearing the robe or carrying the alms bowl. When one eats or drinks, chews or savors the food, one applies full awareness to all this.

When passing excrement or urinating, one applies full awareness to this. When one walks, stands, lies down, sits, sleeps or wakes up, speaks or is silent, one shines his awareness on all this.

24 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

“Monks, how does a practitioner remain established in the observation of the feelings in the feelings?

“Whenever the practitioner has a pleasant feeling, one is aware, ‘I am experiencing a pleasant feeling.’ Whenever one has a painful feeling, one is aware, ‘I am experiencing a painful feeling.’ Whenever one experiences a feeling which is neither pleasant nor painful, one is aware, ‘I am experiencing a neutral feeling.’

When one experiences a feeling based in the body, one is aware,

‘I am experiencing a feeling based in the body.’ When one experiences a feeling based in the mind, one is aware, ‘I am experiencing a feeling based in the mind.’”

“Monks, how does a practitioner remain established in the observation of the mind in the mind?

“When one’s mind is desiring, the practitioner is aware, ‘My mind is desiring.’ When one’s mind is not desiring, one is aware, ‘My mind is not desiring.’ When one’s mind is hating something, one is aware, ‘My mind is hating.’ When one’s mind is not hating, one is aware, ‘My mind is not hating.’

When one’s mind is in a state of ignorance, one is aware, ‘My mind is in a state of ignorance.’ When one’s mind is not in a state of ignorance, one is aware, ‘My mind is not in a state of ignorance.’ When one’s mind is tense, one is aware, ‘My mind is tense.’ When one’s mind is not tense, one is aware, ‘My mind is not tense.’ When one’s mind is distracted, one is aware, ‘My mind is distracted.’

25 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

“When one’s mind is composed, one is aware, ‘My mind is composed.’ When one’s mind is not composed, one is aware, ‘My mind is not composed.’ When one’s mind is free, one is aware, ‘My mind is free.’ When one’s mind is not free,

one is aware, ‘My mind is not free.’”

“Monks, how does a practitioner remain established in the observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind?

“First of all, one observes the objects of mind in the objects of mind with regard to the Five Hindrances. How does one observe this?

1. “When sensual desire is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Sensual desire is present in me.’ Or when sensual desire is not present in oneself, one is aware,

‘Sensual desire is not present in me.’ When sensual desire begins to arise, one is aware of it. When already arisen sensual desire is abandoned, one is aware of it.

When sensual desire already abandoned will not arise again in the future, one is aware of it.

2. “When anger is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Anger is present in me.’

When anger is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Anger is not present in me.’

When anger begins to arise, one is aware of it. When already arisen anger is abandoned, one is aware of it. When anger already abandoned will not arise again in the future, one is aware of it.

3. “When dullness and drowsiness are present in oneself, one is aware,

‘Dullness and drowsiness are present in me.’ When dullness and drowsiness are not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Dullness and drowsiness are not present in me.’ When dullness and drowsiness begin to arise, one is aware of it. When already arisen dullness and drowsiness are abandoned, one is aware of it. When dullness and drowsiness already abandoned will not arise again in the future, one is aware of it.

26 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

4. “When agitation and remorse are present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Agitation and remorse are present in me.’

When agitation and remorse are not present in oneself, one is aware, Agitation and remorse are not present in me.’

When agitation and remorse begin to arise, one is aware of it. When already arisen agitation and remorse are abandoned, one is aware of it.

When agitation and remorse already abandoned will not arise again in the future, one is aware of it.

5. “When doubt is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Doubt is present in me.’

When doubt is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Doubt is not present in me.’

When doubt begins to arise, one is aware of it. When already arisen doubt is abandoned, one is aware of it. When doubt already abandoned will not arise again in the future, one is aware of it.

“This is how the practitioner remains established in the observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind.

observation of the objects of mind from inside the objects of mind or outside the objects of mind, or observation of the

objects of mind from both the inside and the outside.

One remains established in the observation of the process of coming-to-be in the objects of mind or the process of dissolution in the objects of mind or both in the process of coming-to-be and the process of dissolution. Or one is mindful of the fact, ‘There is an object of the mind here,’ until understanding and full awareness come about.

One remains established in the observation, free, not caught up in any worldly consideration. That is how to practice observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind with regard to the Five Hindrances, O monks.

27 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

“Further, monks, the practitioner remains established in the observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind with regard to the Seven Factors of Awakening.

“How does one remain established in the practice of observation of the Seven Factors of Awakening?

1. “When the factor of awakening, mindfulness, is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Mindfulness is present in me. When mindfulness is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Mindfulness is not present in me.’ One is aware when not-yet-born mindfulness is being born and when already-born mindfulness is perfectly developed.

2. “When the factor of awakening, investigation-of-phenomena, is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Investigation-of-phenomena is present in me.’ When investigation-of-phenomena is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Investigation -of-phenomena is not present in me.’

One is aware when not-yet-born investigation-of-phenomena is being born and when already-born investigation-of-phenomena is perfectly developed.

3. “When the factor of awakening, energy, is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Energy is present in me.’ When energy is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Energy is not present in me.’ One is aware when not-yet-born energy is being born and when already-born energy is perfectly developed.

4. “When the factor of awakening, joy, is present in oneself, one is aware,

‘Joy is present in me.’ When joy is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Joy is not present in me.’ One is aware when not-yet-born joy is being born and when already-born joy is perfectly developed.

5. “When the factor of awakening, ease, is present in oneself, one is aware,

‘Ease is present in me.’ When ease is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Ease is not present in me.’ One is aware when not-yet-born ease is being born and when already-born ease is perfectly developed.

28 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

6. “When the factor of awakening, concentration, is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Concentration is present in me.’ When concentration is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Concentration is not present in me.’ One is aware when not-yet-born concentration is being born and when already-born concentration is perfectly developed.

7. “When the factor of awakening, letting go, is present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Letting go is present in me.’ When letting go is not present in oneself, one is aware, ‘Letting go is not present in me.’ One is aware when not-yet-born letting go is being born and when already-born letting-go is perfectly developed.

“This is how the practitioner remains established in the observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind with regard to the Seven Factors of Awakening, observation of the objects of mind from inside the objects of mind or outside the objects of mind, or observation of the objects of mind from both the inside and the outside.

One remains established in the observation of the process of coming-to-be in the object of mind or the process of dissolution in the object of mind or both in the process of coming-to-be and the process of dissolution.

Or one is mindful of the fact, ‘There is an object of mind here,’ until understanding and full awareness come about. One remains established in the observation, free, not caught up in any worldly consideration.

That is how to practice observation of the objects of mind in the objects of mind with regard to the Seven Factors of Awakening, O monks.

29 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

“How, monks, does the practitioner remain established in the observation of the Four Noble Truths?

“A practitioner is aware, ‘This is suffering,’ as it arises. One is aware, ‘This is the cause of the suffering,’ as it arises. One is aware, ‘This is the end of suffering,’ as it arises. One is aware, ‘This is the path which leads to the end of suffering,’ as it arises.”

“Monks, one who practices in the Four Establishments of Mindfulness for seven years can expect one of two fruits—the highest understanding in this very life or, if there remains some residue of affliction, he can attain the fruit of no-return.

“Let alone seven years, monks, whoever practices in the Four Establishments of Mindfulness for six, five, four, three, two years, one year, or one month, can also expect one of two fruits—either the highest understanding in this very life or can attain the fruit of no-return.

“Let alone a month, monks, whoever practices the Four Establishments of Mindfulness one week can also expect one of two fruits—either the highest understanding in this very life or the fruit of no-return.”

The monks were delighted to hear the teaching of the Buddha. They took it to

heart and began to put it into practice.

30 July 2026

(Teachings of Lord Buddha)

Pith of the Matter

SUPPOSE, friends, a person in need of sound timber, in quest of sound timber, going about searching for sound timber, should come upon a mighty tree, upstanding, all sound timber, and pass it by; but should cut away the outer wood and bark and take that only, thinking it to be sound timber.

Then another, more discerning person might say, “This person surely cannot tell the difference between sound timber and outer wood and bark, branch-wood and twigs; but being in need of sound timber this person passes it by and goes off with the outer wood and bark, thinking it to be sound timber. Now, such a way of dealing with sound timber will never serve this person’s needs.

Thus, friends, the essentials of the holy life do not consist in the profits of gain, honour, and good name; nor even in the profits of observing moral rules; nor even in the profits of knowledge and insight; but the sure heart’s release—that, friends, is the meaning, that is the essence, that is the goal of living the holy life.

Radiant Presence

HOWEVER young,

The seeker who sets out upon the way

Shines bright over the world.

But day and night

The person who is awake

Shines in the radiance of the spirit.

Meditate.

Live purely.

Be quiet.

Do your work, with mastery.

Like the moon,

Come out from behind the clouds!

Shine.

31 July 2026

(Teachings of Dhammapada)

O Bahiya, thus you must train yourself: In the seen there will be just the seen, in the heard just the heard, in the sensed just the sensed, in the imagined just the imagined. Thus, you will have no “thereby.” That is how you must train yourself.

Now, Bahiya, when in the seen there will be to you just the seen, in the heard just the heard, in the imagined just the imagined, in the cognized just the cognized, then, Bahiya, as you will have no “thereby,” you will have no “therein.” As you, Bahiya, will have no “therein,” it follows that you will have no “here” or “beyond” or “midway between.” That is just the end of Ill.

Sutra on Full Awareness of Breathing

WHEN the full moon day arrived, the Buddha, seated under the open sky, looked over the assembly and said:

“O followers of the way, the method of being fully aware of breathing, if developed and practiced continuously, will have great rewards and bring great advantages. It will lead to success in the practice of the Seven Factors of Awakening.

The Seven Factors of Awakening, if developed and practiced continuously, will give rise to Understanding and Liberation of the Mind.

1 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

The Abandoning of Sorrow

THUS, have I heard, once in the Jeta Grove the Buddha addressed the monks thus:

“Monks, I say that the elimination of the causes of sorrow is for one who knows and sees wisely, not for one who does not know and see wisely.

“Monks, there are causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by not paying attention to them. There are causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by restraining. There are causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by using. There are causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by enduring. There are causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by removing. There are causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by developing.

“What causes of sorrow should be abandoned by not paying attention to them?

They are those things which, when dwelt upon, give rise to sorrow and which increase existing sorrow.

“Monks, a well-taught noble disciple, is skilled and disciplined in their Dharma, understands what things are fit for attention and what things are unfit for attention. Since that is so, such a person does not dwell upon those things unfit for attention and attends to those things fit for attention.

“What causes of sorrow should be abandoned by restraining? Here a person, reflecting wisely, abides without wanting, with the senses restrained. While causes for sorrow, vexation, and fever might arise in one who is lost in sense experience, there are no causes of sorrow, vexation, or fever for the one who does not become lost in sense experience.

2 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

“What are the causes of sorrow that should be abandoned by using?

Here a person, reflecting wisely, uses food neither for amusement nor for intoxication nor for the sake of physical beauty and attractiveness, but only for the endurance and continuance of this body, for ending discomfort, and for assisting the holy life, considering: ‘Thus I shall complete old feelings without arousing new grasping and I shall be healthy and blameless and shall live in comfort.’

“Reflecting wisely, one uses one’s resting place only for protection from cold, for protection from heat, protection from insects, wind, the sun, creeping things, dangers, and for enjoying retreat.

“Reflecting wisely, one uses the medicinal requisites only for protection from arisen afflictions and for the benefit of good health.

“What causes of sorrow should be abandoned by enduring?

Here a person, reflecting wisely, bears cold and heat, hunger and thirst, insects, wind, sun, and creeping things; one endures ill-spoken, unwelcome words. One bears bodily feelings that are painful, racking, sharp, piercing, disagreeable, and distressing.

While causes of suffering, vexation, and fever may arise in one who does not endure such things, there are no causes of sorrow, vexation, and fever in one who endures them.

“What causes of sorrow should be abandoned by avoiding? Here a person, reflecting wisely, avoids a wild elephant, a wild horse, a wild bull, a wild dog, a snake, a stump, a bramble patch, a chasm, a cliff, a cesspit, and a sewer.

Reflecting wisely, one avoids sitting on unsuitable seats, wandering to unsuitable resorts, and associating with bad friends.

While causes of sorrow, vexation, and fever might arise in one who does not avoid these things, there are no causes of sorrow, vexation, or fever in one who avoids them.

3 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

“What causes of sorrow should be abandoned by removing?

Here a person, reflecting wisely, does not tolerate an arisen thought of sensual desire; one abandons it, removes it, does away with it, and ends it.

One does not tolerate an arisen thought of ill will. . . .

One does not tolerate an arisen thought of cruelty. . . .

One does not tolerate an arisen evil, or unwholesome states; one abandons them, releases them, does away with them and ends them.

While causes of sorrow, vexation, and fever might arise in one who does not remove these thoughts, there is no taint, vexation, and fever in one who removes them.

“What causes of sorrow should be abandoned by developing?

Here a person, reflecting wisely, develops mindfulness, investigation, energy, rapture, tranquility, concentration, and equanimity. While causes of sorrow, vexation, and fever might arise in one who does not develop these, there are no causes of sorrow, vexation, or fever in one who develops them.

That is how the Buddha spoke. The monks were satisfied and delighted in the Blessed One’s words.

4 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Parable of the Lute

ONCE the Blessed One lived near Rajagaha, on Vulture Peak. At that time while the venerable Sona lived alone and secluded in the Cool Forest, this thought occurred to him:

“Of those disciples of the Blessed One who are energetic, I am one. Yet, my mind has not found freedom.”

Now the Blessed One, perceiving in his own mind the venerable Sona’s thoughts, left Vulture Peak, and, as speedily as a strong man might stretch his bent arm or bend his stretched arm, he appeared in the Cool Forest before the venerable Sona.

And he said to the venerable Sona:

“Sona, did not this thought arise in your mind: ‘Of those disciples of the Blessed One who are energetic, I am one. Yet, my mind has not found freedom.’”

“Yes, Lord.”

“Tell me, Sona, in earlier days were you not skilled in playing string music on a lute?”

“Yes, Lord.”

“And tell me, Sona, when the strings of your lute were too taut, was then your lute tuneful and easily playable?”

“Certainly not, O Lord.”

“And when the strings of your lute were too loose, was then your lute tuneful and easily playable?”

“Certainly not, O Lord.”

“But when, Sona, the strings of your lute were neither too taut nor too loose, but adjusted to an even pitch, did your lute then have a wonderful sound and was it easily playable?”

“Certainly, O Lord.”

“Similarly, Sona, if energy is applied too strongly, it will lead to restlessness, and if energy is too lax it will lead to lassitude. Therefore, Sona, keep your energy in balance and balance the Spiritual Faculties and in this way focus your attention.”

“Yes, O Lord,” replied the venerable Sona in assent.

Afterward the venerable Sona kept his energy balanced, balanced the Spiritual Faculties and in this way focused his attention. And the venerable Sona, living

alone and secluded, diligent, ardent and resolute, soon realized here and now, through his own direct knowledge, that unequaled goal of the holy life.

5 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Inclination of Mind

OTHERS will be cruel; we shall not be cruel. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will kill living beings; we shall abstain from killing living beings. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will take what is not given; we shall abstain from taking what is not given. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will engage in inappropriate sexuality; we shall abstain from inappropriate sexuality. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will speak falsehoods; we shall abstain from false speech. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will speak maliciously; we shall abstain from malicious speech. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will gossip; we shall abstain from gossip.

Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will be envious; we shall not be envious.

Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will be avaricious; we shall not be avaricious.

Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will be fraudulent; we shall not be fraudulent. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will be arrogant; we shall not be arrogant.

Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will be unmindful; we shall be established in mindfulness. Thus, one should incline the mind.

Others will lack wisdom; we shall cultivate wisdom.

Thus, one should incline the mind.

6 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Inner Peace

AS in the ocean’s midmost depth no wave is born, but all is still, so let the practitioners be still, be motionless, and nowhere should they swell.

Abandoning All Hindrances

“ENDOWED with this noble aggregate of moral discipline, this noble restraint over the sense faculties, this noble mindfulness and clear comprehension, and this noble contentment, a monk resorts to a secluded dwelling, sits down, crosses his legs, holds his body erect, and sets up mindfulness before him.

“Having abandoned covetousness for the world, he dwells with a mind free from covetousness; he purifies his mind from covetousness.

Having abandoned ill will and hatred, he dwells with a benevolent mind, sympathetic for the welfare of all living beings; he purifies his mind from ill will and hatred.

Having abandoned dullness and drowsiness, he dwells perceiving light, mindful, and clearly comprehending; he purifies his mind from dullness and drowsiness.

Having abandoned restlessness and worry, he dwells at ease within himself, with a peaceful mind; he purifies his mind from restlessness and worry. Having abandoned doubt, he dwells as one who has passed beyond doubt, unperplexed about wholesome states; he purifies his mind from doubt.

“Suppose a man were to become sick, afflicted, gravely ill, so that he could not enjoy his food and his strength would decline. After some time he would recover from that illness and would enjoy his food and regain his bodily strength. He would reflect on this, and as a result he would become glad and experience joy.

7 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Inner Peace

“Again, suppose a man were a slave, without independence, subservient to others, unable to go where he wants. After some time, he would be released from slavery and gain his independence; he would no longer be subservient to others but a free man able to go where he wants. He would reflect on this, and as a result he would become glad and experience joy.

“Again, suppose a man with wealth and possessions were traveling along a desert road where food was scarce and dangers were many. After some time, he would cross over the desert and arrive safely at a village which is safe and free from danger. He would reflect on this, and as a result he would become glad and experience joy.

“When he sees that these five hindrances have been abandoned within himself, he regards that as freedom from debt, as good health, as release from prison, as freedom from slavery, as a place of safety.”

Soma and Mara

ONCE the nun Soma, having returned from her alms round and after her meal, entered the woods for a noonday rest. Plunging into the depths of the woods, she sat down under a tree.

Then the tempter Mara, desirous of arousing fear, wavering, and dread in Soma, and wishing to cause her to interrupt her concentrated meditation, went up to her and said, “The goal is hard to reach, hard even for sages; it cannot be won by a woman with whatever wisdom she may have.”

Then Soma thought, “Who is this, a human or a non-human, who is saying this? Surely it is the evil Mara who wants to interrupt my concentrated meditation.”

Knowing that it was Mara, she said to him, “What does one’s gender matter to one whose mind is well-composed, in whom insight is functioning, and who comprehends the Dharma?”

Then the evil Mara thought, “The nun Soma knows me.”

Being sad and sorrowful, he vanished there and then.

8 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Look Within

There is no fire like greed,

No crime like hatred,

No sorrow like separation,

No sickness like hunger of heart,

And no joy like the joy of freedom.

Health, contentment and trust

Are your greatest possessions,

And freedom your greatest joy.

Look within.

Be still.

Free from fear and attachment,

Know the sweet joy of living in the way.

The Sharpest Sword

ON a certain day when the Buddha dwelt at Jetavana, a celestial deva came to him in the shape of Brahmana, whose countenance was bright and whose garments were white as snow.

The deva asked the Buddha:

“What is the sharpest sword? What is the deadliest poison? What is the fiercest fire? What is the darkest night?”

The Buddha replied:

“A word spoken in wrath is the sharpest sword; covetousness is the deadliest poison; hatred is the fiercest fire; ignorance is the darkest night.”

The deva asked:

“What is the greatest gain? What is the greatest loss? What armor is invulnerable? What is the best weapon?”

The Buddha replied:

“The greatest gain is to give to others; the greatest loss is to receive without gratitude. Patience is an invulnerable armor; wisdom is the best weapon.”

The deva asked:

“Who is the most dangerous thief? What is the most precious treasure?”

The Buddha replied:

“Unwholesome thought is the most dangerous thief; virtue is the most precious treasure.”

The deva asked:

“What is attractive? What is unpleasant? What is the most horrible pain? What is the greatest enjoyment?”

The Buddha replied:

“Wholesomeness is attractive; unwholesomeness is unpleasant. A bad conscience is the most tormenting pain; awakening is the height of bliss.”

The deva asked:

“What causes ruin in the world? What breaks off friendships?

What is the most violent fever? Who is the best physician?”

The Buddha replied:

“Ignorance causes ruin in the world; envy and selfishness break off friendships; hatred is the most violent fever; the Buddha is the best physician.”

The deva then continued, “Now I have only one doubt to be cleared away:

What is it fire cannot burn, nor moisture corrode, nor wind crush down, but is able to benefit the whole world?”

The Buddha replied:

“Blessing! Neither fire, nor moisture, nor wind can destroy the blessing of a good deed, and blessings benefit the whole world.”

Hearing these answers, the deva was filled with joy. Bowing down in respect,

he disappeared from the presence of the Buddha.

9 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Bamboo Acrobats

ON a certain occasion, the Exalted One was dwelling in the Sumbha country, in a township of the Sumbhas, called Sedaka. There the Exalted One addressed the monks:

“Once upon a time, monks, a bamboo-acrobat set up his pole and called to his pupil, Medakathalika, saying: ‘Come, my lad, Medakathalika, climb the pole and stand on my shoulders!’

“Àll right, master,’ replied the pupil to the bamboo-acrobat. The student then climbed the pole and stood on his master’s shoulder. Then, monks, the bamboo-acrobat said to his pupil: ‘Now Medakathalika, my lad, you protect me well and I shall protect you. Thus, watched and warded by each other, we will show our tricks, get a good fee, and come down safely from the bamboo-pole.’

“At these words Medakathalika the pupil said to the bamboo-acrobat: ‘No, no!

That won’t do, master! You look after yourself, master, and I’ll look after myself. Thus, watched and warded each by himself, we’ll show our tricks, get a good fee, and come down safe from the bamboo-pole.’

“Therein that is the right way,” said the Exalted One, “Just as Medakathalika the pupil said to his master, ‘I’ll protect myself,’ so, monks, should the Foundation of Mindfulness be practiced. ‘I’ll protect others’: so, should the Foundations of Mindfulness be practiced. Protecting oneself, monks, one protects others; protecting others, one protects oneself.

10 August 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swami Ramakrishnanandaji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swami bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

(Teachings of Swami Ramakrishnananda)

STRUGGLE

Do not care if you slip occasionally. To err is human. Do not lose heart. Walk firmly onward. No one can hope to get through the slimy path of the world unscathed. And it is rank foolishness to sit down amid the mire for fear of falling in the attempt to get across.

Struggle hard and if, during that struggle, your foot slips and you must fall several times, what does that matter? Rise up again and go on struggling. Rest assured, you will conquer in the end. Never give up the struggle as long as you are not perfect, that is, as long as you are not what you wish yourself to be.

VIRTUE

The body is the first tool for the practice of virtue.

ADVERSITY

Unless one passes through the school of adversity, one cannot properly be called a human being. We learn much from our troubles. You should not lose heart in adversity. Kunti, the mother of the Pandavas, prayed to Sri Krishna to beset her with adversities, since in adversity alone is He more frequently remembered!

AIM

We must not cease to strive for the highest even though it seems unattainable. We must keep God as our ideal and aim; that will pull us on. If a man aims at the sky, at least he may strike the top of a tree. If he aims at the top of the tree, he may not get above the ground.

AMBITION

The very fact that we are dissatisfied with our finite nature shows that it is not our natural condition. The fact that we have infinite ambition, that we have insatiable hunger for more, proves that we are infinite by nature, and that is why we are always dissatisfied with whatever is finite... Wipe away the dust, arouse your ambition, stir up your activity and know that all power is latent in you. You are not limited...

ATTITUDE

Our Divine Mother does not like us to call ourselves Her servants... We are her children to Her, not servants. Always think of yourself as Her child...

CONTENTMENT

Do not be content with the little things of this world. This universe is like a baby’s toy. Throw it away. Claim your eternal heritage. This little span of life is not yours; your life has no beginning, no end.

11 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Look Within

“And how, monks, does one, in protecting oneself, protect others? By frequent practice, development, and making much of the Foundations of Mindfulness.

Thus, monks, in protecting oneself one protects others.

“And how, monks, does one, in protecting others, protect oneself? By forbearance, by nonviolence, by loving-kindness, by compassion.

Thus, monks, in protecting others, one protects onself.

“‘I shall protect myself’: with this intention, monks, the Foundations of Mindfulness should be practiced. ‘I shall protect others’: with this intention the Foundations of Mindfulness should be practiced. Protecting oneself, one protects others; protecting others, one protects oneself.”

Blessing Chant

JUST as water flowing in the streams and rivers fills the ocean, thus may all your moments of goodness touch and benefit all beings, those here now and those gone before.

May all your wishes be soon fulfilled as completely as the moon on a full-moon night, as successfully as Wish-Fulfilling Gem. May all dangers be averted; may all disease leave you.

May no obstacles come across your way and may you enjoy happiness and long life.

May those who are always respectful, honoring the way of the elders, prosper in the four blessings of old age, beauty, happiness, and strength.

12 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Parable of the Raft

“Monks, I will teach you the parable of the raft—for getting across, not for retaining. It is like a man who going on a journey sees a great stretch of water, the near bank with dangers and fears, the farther bank secure and without fears, but there is neither a boat for crossing over, nor a bridge across. It occurs to him that to cross over perils of this bank to the security of the farther bank, he should fashion a raft out of sticks and branches and depending on the raft, cross over to safety.

When he has done this, it occurs to him that the raft has been very useful, and he wonders if he ought to take it with him on his head or shoulders.

What do you think, monks? That the man is doing what should be done to the raft?”

“No, lord.”

“What should that man do, monks? When he has crossed over to the beyond, he must leave the raft and proceed on his journey. Monks, a man doing this would be doing what should be done to the raft.

In this way I have taught you Dharma, like the parable of the raft, for getting across, not for retaining.

You, monks, by understanding the parable of the raft, must not cling to right states of mind and, all the more, to wrong states of mind.”

13 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

The Kalamas’s Dilemma

ONE time Buddha was walking on tour with a large group of monks, when he came to a town of the Kalamas called Kesaputta.

The Kalamas of Kesaputta thought: “It is very good indeed to see Awakened Ones such as these.”

And so they went up to where Buddha was. Having seated themselves to one side, the Kalamas of Kesaputta said this to Buddha:

“There are, sir, many different teachers that come to Kesaputta. They illustrate and illuminate their own doctrines, but the doctrines of others they put down, revile, disparage, and cripple. For us, sir, uncertainty arises, and doubts arise concerning them: Who indeed of these venerable teachers speaks truly, who speaks falsely?”

“It is indeed fitting, Kalamas, to be uncertain, it is fitting to doubt. For in situations of uncertainty, doubts surely arise. You should decide, Kalamas, not by what you have heard, not by following convention, not by assuming it is so, not by relying on the texts, not because of reasoning, not because of logic, not by thinking about explanations, not by acquiescing to the views that you prefer, not because it appears likely, and certainly not out of respect for a teacher.

“When you would know, Kalamas, for yourselves, that ‘These things are unhealthy, these things, when entered upon and undertaken, incline toward harm and suffering’—then, Kalamas, you should reject them.

“What do you think, Kalamas? When greed, hatred, or delusion arise within a person, does it arise for their welfare or their harm?”

“For their harm, sir.”

“And when a person has become greedy, hateful, or deluded, their mind consumed by this greed, hatred, or delusion, Kalamas, do they kill living creatures, and take what has not been given, and go to another’s spouse, and speak what is false, and induce others to undertake what is, for a long time, to their harm and suffering?”

“This is true, sir.”

“And what do you think, Kalamas? Are these things healthy or unhealthy?”

“Unhealthy, sir.”

“And when entered upon and undertaken, do they incline toward harm and suffering or don’t they?”

“We agree, sir, that they do.”

“But when you would know, Kalamas, for yourselves, that ‘These things are healthy, these things, when entered upon and undertaken, incline toward welfare and happiness’—then, Kalamas, having come to them you should stay with them.

“What do you think, Kalamas? When non-greed, non-hatred, or non-delusion arise within a person, does it arise for their welfare or their harm?”

“For their welfare, sir.”

“And when a person has not become greedy, hateful, or deluded, their mind not consumed by this greed, hatred, or delusion, Kalamas, do they not kill living creatures, and not take what has not been given, and not go to another’s spouse, and not speak what is false, and induce others to undertake what is, for a long time, to their welfare and happiness?”

“This is true, sir.”

“And what do you think, Kalamas? Are these things healthy or unhealthy?”

“Healthy, sir.”

“And when entered upon and undertaken, do they incline toward welfare and happiness or don’t they?”

“We agree, sir, that they do.”

“That person, Kalamas, who is a follower of the noble path is thus free of wanting, free of harming, and without confusion. Clearly conscious and mindful, he or she abides having suffused the first direction, then the second, then the third and fourth—and so above, below and across, everywhere and in every way —with a mind dedicated to loving kindness, compassion, good will, and equanimity that is abundant, expansive, immeasurable, kindly, and free of harming.

“And so, Kalamas, the follower of the noble path whose mind is thus kindly and free of harming—their mind is not defiled, but is purified.”

14 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Patience

AT one time Shakyamuni Buddha was staying in the town of Kosambi. In this town there was one who resented him and who bribed wicked men to circulate false stories about him.

Under these circumstances it was difficult for his disciples to get sufficient food from their begging, and there was much abuse.

Ananda said to Shakyamuni, “We had better not stay in a town like this. There are other and better towns to go to. We had better leave this town.”

The Blessed One replied, “Suppose the next town is like this, what shall we do then?”

“Then we move to another.”

The Blessed One said, “No, Ananda, there will be no end in that way. We had better remain here and bear the abuse patiently until it ceases and then move to another place.

There are profit and loss, slander and honor, praise and blame, pain and pleasure in this world; the Enlightened One is not controlled by these external things; they will cease as quickly as they come.”

Criticism and Praise

The Buddha said: “If outsiders speak against me, the Teaching, or the Order, you should not be angry for that would prevent your own self-conquest.

Similarly, if they praise us. But you should find out what is false or true and acknowledge the fact. And even in praise it is only of trifling matters that an unconverted man might speak of me.”

15 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

On Conflict and Concord

The venerable Sariputra asked the Buddha, “How am I to behave, O Lord, toward those in conflict.”

“Do not reprove them, Sariputra,” said the Blessed One, “for harsh words do not serve as a remedy and are pleasant to no one. Assign them to separate dwelling-places and treat them with impartial justice.

Listen with patience to both parties. Only the person who weighs both sides is called a sage.

When both parties have presented their case, let the community come to an agreement and declare the re-establishment of concord.

“There are two ways of re-establishing concord: one is in the letter, and the other one is in the spirit and in the letter.

“If the community declares the re-establishment of concord without having inquired into the matter, the peace is concluded in the letter only.

But if the community, having inquired into the matter and having gone to the bottom of it, decides to declare the re-establishment of concord, the peace is concluded in the spirit and also in the letter.

“The concord re-established in the spirit and in the letter is alone right and lawful.”

16 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Admonishing Others

One who is about to admonish another must realize within herself or himself five qualities before doing so.

[He or she must intend] thus:

“In due season will I speak, not out of season. In truth will I speak, not in falsehood. Gently will I speak, not harshly. To one’s profit will I speak, not to one’s loss. With kindly intent will I speak, not in anger.”

Conceit of Views

The Buddha said, “To be attached to a certain view and to look down upon other views as inferior—this, the wise call a fetter.”

Abstaining from Lying

Herein someone avoids lying and abstains from it. One speaks the truth, is devoted to the truth, reliable, worthy of confidence, not a deceiver of others.

Being at a meeting, or among people, or in the midst of relatives, or in society, or in the king’s court, and called upon and asked as witness to tell what one knows, one answers, if one knows nothing: “I know nothing,” and if one knows, one answers: “I know”; if one has seen nothing, one answers: “I have seen nothing,” and if one has seen, one answers: “I have seen.”

Thus, one never knowingly speaks a lie, either for the sake of one’s own advantage, or for the sake of another person’s advantage, or for the sake of any advantage whatsoever.

17 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Abstaining from Tale-Bearing

One avoids tale-bearing and abstains from it. What one has heard here, one does not repeat there, so as to cause dissension there; and what one has heard there, one does not repeat here, so as to cause dissension here.

Thus, one unites those that are divided; and those that are united, one encourages. Concord gladdens one, one delights and rejoices in concord; and it is concord that one spreads by one’s words.

Abstaining from Harsh Language

One avoids harsh language and abstains from it. One speaks such words as are gentle, soothing to the ear, loving, such words as go to the heart, and are courteous, friendly, and agreeable to many.

Abstaining from Vain Talk

One avoids vain talk and abstains from it. One speaks at the right time, in accordance with facts, speaks what is useful, speaks of the law and the discipline; one’s speech is like a treasure, uttered at the right moment, accompanied by understanding, moderate, and full of sense.

This is called Right Speech.

18 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Value of Loving-Kindness

“NONE of the means employed to acquire religious merit, O monks, has a sixteenth part of the value of loving-kindness. Loving-kindness, which is freedom of heart, absorbs them all; it glows, it shines, it blazes forth.

“And in the same way, O monks, as the light of all the stars has not a sixteenth part of the value of the moonlight, but the moonlight absorbs it and glows and shines and blazes forth: in the same way, O monks, none of the means employed to acquire religious merit has a sixteenth part of the value of loving-kindness.

Loving-kindness, which is freedom of heart, absorbs them; it glows, it shines, it blazes forth.

The Woman at the Well

ANANDA, the attendant to the Buddha, having been sent by the Lord on a mission, passed by a well near a village, and seeing Pakati, a young outcast woman, asked her for water to drink.

Pakati said, “O monk, I am too humbly born to give you water to drink. Do not ask any service of me lest your holiness be contaminated, for I am of low caste.”

And Ananda replied, “I ask not for caste but for water”; and the woman’s heart leaped joyfully, and she gave Ananda water to drink.

Ananda thanked her and went away; but she followed him at a distance.

Having heard that Ananda was a disciple of the Buddha, the woman went to the Blessed One and said, “O Lord, help me and let me live in the place where your disciple Ananda dwells, so that I may see him and minister unto him, for I love Ananda.”

And the Blessed One understood the emotions of her heart and he said,

“Pakati, your heart is full of love, but you do not understand your own sentiments. It is not Ananda that you love, but his kindness. Accept, then, the kindness you have seen him practice toward you and practice it toward others.

“Pakati, though you are born low caste, you will be a model for noblemen and noblewomen. Swerve not path of justice and righteousness and you will outshine the royal glory of queens and kings.”

19 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Treasure

A woman buries a treasure in a deep pit, thinking: “It will be useful in time of need, or if the king is displeased with me, or if I am robbed or fall into debt, or if food is scarce, or bad luck befalls me.”

But all this treasure may not profit the owner at all, for she may forget where she has hidden it, or goblins may steal it, or her enemies or even her kinsmen may take it when she is careless. Or she might not live.

But by charity, goodness, restraint, and self-control man and woman alike can store up a well-hidden treasure—a treasure which cannot be given to others and which robbers cannot steal.

A wise person should do good—that is the treasure which will not desert one.

Commitment to Virtue

IF anyone with a pure heart undertakes a commitment to virtue—to refrain from taking life, from taking what is not given, from sexual immorality, from lying speech, and from taking strong drink and sloth-producing drugs—that constitutes a sacrifice better than giving alms, better than giving shelter, and better than going for refuge.

The Five Precepts

For training I vow to refrain from taking life.

I vow to refrain from taking what is not given.

I vow to refrain from sexual misconduct.

I vow to refrain from false speech.

I vow to refrain from intoxicants which lead to carelessness.

These Five Precepts are a vehicle of happiness, a vehicle of good fortune, a vehicle for liberation.

Let our virtue therefore be purified and shine forth.

20 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Tending the Sick

NOW, at that time a certain monk was suffering from dysentery and lay where he had fallen in his own excrements.

And as the Buddha was walking about, he came to the lodging of that monk.

When he saw that monk lying where he had fallen in his own excrements, he went over to him and said, “Brother, what ails you?”

“I have dysentery, Lord.”

“But is there anyone taking care of you, brother?”

“No, Lord.”

“Why is it, brother, that the monks do not take care of you?”

“I am useless to the monks, Lord, therefore the monks do not take care of me.”

Then the Buddha said to the venerable Ananda, “Go, Ananda, and fetch water.

We will wash this brother.”

When Ananda had fetched the water, the Buddha poured it out, while the venerable Ananda washed that brother all over. Then the Buddha taking him by the head and the venerable Ananda taking him by the feet, together they laid him on the bed.

Then the Buddha, in this connection and on this occasion, gathered the order of monks together, and questioned them, saying, “Monks, is there in such and such a lodging a brother who is sick?”

“There is, Lord.”

“And what ails that brother?”

“Lord, that brother has dysentery?”

“But, brethren, is there anyone taking care of him?”

“No, Lord.”

“Why do the monks not take care of him?”

“That brother is useless to the order of monks, Lord. That is why the monks do not take care of him.”

“Monks, you have no mother and no father to take care of you. If you will not take care of each other, who else will do so?

Monks, those who would attend to me, let them attend to the sick.”

21 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Wise Householders

The wise who are trained and disciplined

Shine out like beacon lights

They earn money just as a bee

Gathers honey without harming the flowers,

And they let it grow as an anthill slowly gains in height.

With wealth wisely gained

They use it for the benefit of all.

Advice for Sustaining the Community

AS long as the followers of the way hold regular and frequent assemblies, they may be expected to prosper and not decline.

As long as they meet in harmony, break up in harmony, and carry on their business in harmony, they may be expected to prosper and not decline.

As long as they do not authorize what has not been authorized already, and do not abolish what has been authorized, but proceed according to what has been authorized by the rules of training; as long as they honor, respect, revere, and salute the elders of long standing who are long ordained, fathers and leaders of the order; as long as they do not fall prey to desires which arise in them and lead to rebirth; as long as they are devoted to forest lodgings; as long as they preserve their personal mindfulness, so that in the future the good who are among their companions will come to them, and those who have already come will feel at ease with them; as long as the followers of the way hold to these seven things and are seen to do so, they may be expected to prosper and not decline.

22 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Knowing a Better Way to Live

I heard these words of the Buddha one time when the Lord was staying at the monastery in the Jeta Grove, in the town of Sravasti. He called all the monks to him and instructed them, “Monks!”

And the monks replied, “We are here.”

The Blessed One taught, “I will teach you what is meant by ‘knowing the better way to live alone.’ Monks, please listen carefully.”

“Blessed One, we are listening.”

The Buddha taught:

“Do not pursue the past.

Do not lose yourself in the future.

The past no longer is.

The future has not yet come.

Looking deeply at life as it is

in the very here and now,

the practitioner dwells

in stability and freedom.

We must be diligent today.

To wait until tomorrow is too late.

Death comes unexpectedly.

How can we bargain with it?

The sage calls a person who knows

how to dwell in mindfulness

night and day

‘one who knows the better way to live alone.’”

Free from All Opinion

“THIS I do now declare, after investigation there is nothing among all doctrines that such a one as I would embrace. Seeing misery in philosophical views, without adopting any of them, searching for truth I discovered ‘inward peace.’

“Not by any philosophical opinion, not by tradition, not by knowledge, not by virtue and holy works can anyone say that purity exists; nor by absence of philosophical opinion, by absence of tradition, by absence of knowledge, by absence of virtue and holy works either; having abandoned these without adopting anything else, let one, calm and independent, not desire any resting place.

“One who thinks oneself equal to others, or superior, or inferior, for that very reason disputes; but one who is unmoved under those three conditions, for that person the notions ‘equal,’ ‘superior,’ and ‘inferior’ do not exist.

“The Sage for whom the notions ‘equal’ and ‘unequal’ do not exist, would he say, ‘This is true’? Or with whom should he dispute, saying, ‘This is false’?

With whom should he enter into dispute?

“An accomplished person does not by a philosophical view or by thinking become arrogant, for he is not of that sort; not by holy works, nor by tradition is he led, he is not led into any of the resting places of the mind.

“For one who is free from views there are no ties, for one who is delivered by understanding there are no follies.

23 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Do Not Grasp at Views

DO not form views in the world through either knowledge, virtuous conduct, or religious observances; likewise, avoid thinking of oneself as being either superior, inferior, or equal to others.

The wise let go of the ‘self’ and being free of attachments they depend not on knowledge. Nor do they dispute opinions or fix upon any view.

For those who have no wishes for either extreme of becoming or non-becoming, here or in another existence, there is no conflict with the views held by others.

They do not form the least notion in regard to views seen, heard, or thought out. How could one influence those wise ones who do not grasp at any views.

On Knowing Karma

“The results of karma cannot be known by thought and so should not be speculated about. Thus thinking, one would come to distraction and distress.

Therefore, Ananda, do not be the judge of people; do not make assumptions about others. A person is destroyed by holding judgements about others.”

Judging Another

ONE evening, the Buddha arose from his meditation and was seated outside the eastern gate of the park where he was staying. Then, King Pasenadi, arriving for a visit, greeted the Buddha and took a seat to one side.

Just at that time, not so far away, a large group of wandering ascetics were walking by. Carrying their alms bowls, some of these ascetics wore long matter hair, some were naked, some wore only a single robe, and some were wanderers.

When they had passed by, the king asked the Buddha, Can any of those ascetics be considered as being either arhats or on the path to arhatship?”

“The Buddha responded, “It is by living a life in common with a person that we learn of that person’s moral character; and then only if having insight ourselves, we have watched a person for a long time. It is only in conversation with a person that we learn of that person’s wisdom and clarity of heart; and then only if, having insight ourselves, we have paid attention for a long time. It is during times of trouble that we learn of another’s fortitude; and then only if, having insight ourselves, we have paid careful attention for a long time.”

24 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Self-Respect

The whole world we travel with our thoughts,

Finding nowhere anyone as precious as one’s own self.

Since each and every person is so precious to themselves Let the self-respecting harm no other being.

A Lamp unto Yourself

THEREFORE, Ananda, be ye lamps unto yourselves, be ye a refuge to yourselves.

Betake yourselves to no external refuge.

Hold fast to the Truth as a lamp; hold fast to the Truth as a refuge. Look not for a refuge in anyone beside yourselves.

And those, Ananda, who either now or after I am dead shall be a lamp unto themselves, shall betake themselves to no external refuge, but holding fast to the Truth as their lamp, and holding fast to the Truth as their refuge, shall not look for refuge to anyone beside themselves—it is they who shall reach the very topmost Height. But they must be anxious to learn.

Living in the World

The Dharma of the Buddha does not require a person to go into homelessness or to resign world, unless he or she feels called upon to do so; but the Dharma of the Buddha requires every person to free themselves from the illusion of self, to cleanse one’s heart, to give up one’s thirst for pleasure, and lead a life of righteousness.

And whatever people do, whether they remain in the world as artisans, merchants, or officers of the king, or retire world and devote themselves to a life of religious meditation, let them put their whole heart into their task; let them be diligent and energetic.

And if, like the lotus flower, which grows out of muddy water but remains untouched by the mud, they engage in life without cherishing envy or hatred, and if they live in the world not a life of self but a life of truth, then surely joy, peace, and bliss will dwell in their minds.

25 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Go Forth over the Earth

ONCE the Buddha addressed his awakened followers, “My friends, I am free of all human and divine entanglements. And as you are likewise free of all human and divine entanglements, go forth into the world for the good of the many, for the happiness of the many, with compassion for the world, and for the benefit, the blessing, and the happiness of gods and humans.

Do not two of you go out on the same road. Teach Dharma that is good in the beginning, in the middle, and in the end. Reveal the spiritual life, complete and pure in spirit and in form.

Like Milk and Water

One evening the Buddha rose from meditation and went to the Park of the Gosinga Sala-tree Wood. The park keeper saw the Buddha coming and told him,

“Do not enter this park, recluse. There are three clansmen here seeking their own good. Do not disturb them.”

The Venerable Anuruddha heard the park keeper speaking to the Buddha and told him, “Friend park keeper, do not keep the Buddha out. It is our Teacher who has come.”

Then the venerable Anuruddha went to the venerable Nandiya and the venerable Kimbila and said, “Come out, venerable sirs, come out! Our Teacher has come.”

Then all three went to meet the Buddha. One took his bowl and outer robe, one prepared a seat, and one set out water for washing the feet.

The Buddha sat down on the seat made ready and washed his feet. Then those three venerable ones paid homage to the Buddha and sat down to one side.

When they were seated, the Buddha said to them, “I hope you are all keeping well. I hope you are all comfortable. I hope you have no trouble getting alms-food. I hope that you are living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.”

Anuruddha replied, “Surely, venerable sir, we are living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.”

“But how do you live thus?”

“Venerable sir, as to that, I think thus: ‘It is a gain for me, it is great gain for me, that I am living with such companions in the holy life.’

I maintain bodily acts of loving-kindness towards those venerable ones both openly and privately; I maintain verbal acts of loving-kindness towards them both openly and privately; I maintain mental acts of loving-kindness towards them both openly and privately.

I consider, ‘Why should I not set aside what I wish to do and do what these venerable ones wish to do?’ Then I set aside what I wish to do and do what these venerable ones wish to do. We are different in body, venerable sir, but one in mind.”

The venerable Nandiya and the venerable Kimbila each spoke likewise, adding: “That is how venerable sir, we are living in concord, with mutual appreciation, without disputing, blending like milk and water, viewing each other with kindly eyes.”

26 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Sharing Blessings

By the blessings that have arisen from my practice, may my Venerable Preceptors,

And Teachers who have helped me _ Mother, Father and relatives, King and Queen, worldly powers, virtuous human beings, The Supreme Beings, Demons and High Gods, the guardian deities of the world, celestial beings, The Lord of Death; people—friendly, indifferent, and hostile—

May all beings be well! May the skillful deeds done by me, Bring you three-fold bliss. May this quickly bring you to the Deathless.

By this act of goodness and through the act of sharing, May I likewise attain the cutting-off of craving and clinging.

Whatever faults I have until I attain liberation - May they quickly perish. Wherever I am born, may there be An upright mind, mindfulness and wisdom, austerity and vigor.

May harmful influences not weaken my efforts.

The Buddha is the unexcelled protector, the Dharma is the supreme protection, Peerless is the “Silent Buddha,” the Sangha is my true refuge.

By the power of these Supreme Ones, may I rise above all ignorance.

27 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

The Dharma Is Like the Ocean

The Dharma is like the ocean, having the same eight wonderful qualities.

Both the ocean and the teachings become gradually deeper.

Both preserve their identity under all changes.

Both cast out dead bodies upon the dry land. As the great rivers, when falling into the sea, lose their names and are thenceforth reckoned as the great ocean, so all the castes, having renounced their lineage and entered the Order become equals and are reckoned in the family of the Buddha.

The ocean is the goal of all streams and of the rain clouds, yet is it never overflowing and never emptier: so the Dharma is embraced by many millions of people, yet it neither increases nor decreases.

As the great ocean has only one taste, the taste of salt, so the teachings have only one flavor, the flavor of emancipation.

Both the ocean and the Dharma are full of gems and pearls, and both afford a dwelling-place for magnanimous beings.

These are the eight wonderful qualities in which the Dharma resembles the ocean.

Miracle of Awakening by Shantideva

AS a poor man feels when he finds a pearl in a dustbin, so am I amazed by the miracle of awakening rising in my consciousness. It is the nectar of immortality that delivers us from death, the treasure that lifts us above poverty into the wealth of giving to life, the tree that gives shade to us when we roam about scorched by life, the bridge that takes us across the stormy river of life, the cool moon of compassion that calms our mind when it is agitated, the sun that dispels darkness, the butter made milk of kindness by churning it with the dharma. It is a feast of joy to which all are invited.

28 August 2026

(Today is the Janma-Tithi of Revered Swami Niranjananandaji Maharaj. On this Holy day may the Swami bless us all with Bhakti and Jnana.)

Love for Truth

There was a strange mixture of tenderness and sternness in him. His love for truth was uncompromising and counted no cost.

Once a gentleman of Calcutta built a Shiva temple in the city of Varanasi. When Swami Vivekananda heard of this, he remarked, ‘If he does something for relieving the sufferings of the poor, he will acquire the merit of building a thousand such temples.’

When this remark of the great Swami reached the ears of the gentleman, he came forward with a big offer of pecuniary help to the Ramakrishna Mission Home of Service at Varanasi—then in a nucleus state. But afterwards, as the first impulse of enthusiasm cooled down, he wanted to curtail the sum which he had originally offered. This breach of promise so much offended Swami Niranjanananda’s sense of regard for truth that he rejected the offer altogether, though that meant great difficulty for the institution.

It is very hard to estimate a spiritual personality by external events. The height of spiritual eminence of a person can be perceived, and that also only to some extent, by the inspiration he radiates.

Swami Niranjanananda left the stamp of his life on many persons. Some even renounced everything for the sake of God and joined the Ramakrishna Order because of his influence. He left one sannyasin disciple.

To know Swami Niranjanananda we must turn to what the Master said about him: that Swami Niranjanananda was one of his ‘Antarangas’, that is, belonged to the inner circle of his devotees.

During the last few years of his life, he suffered from dysentery, and passed away on 9 May 1904, from an attack of cholera at Hardwar where he had gone for Tapasya.

29 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

All Things Conditioned

All things conditioned are unstable, impermanent,

Fragile in essence, as an unbaked pot,

Like something borrowed, or a city founded on sand,

They last a short while only.

They are inevitably destroyed,

Like plaster washed off in the rains,

Like the sandy bank of a river—

They are conditioned, and their true nature is frail.

They are like the flame of a lamp,

Which rises suddenly and as soon goes out.

They have no power of endurance, like the wind

Or like foam, unsubstantial, essentially feeble.

The sage knows the beginning and end

Of consciousness, its production and passing away—

The sage knows that it came from nowhere and returns to nowhere, And is empty of reality, like a conjuring trick.

The sage knows what is true reality,

And sees all conditioned things as empty and powerless.

The Eye of Wisdom

The Buddha said:

“I consider the positions of kings and rulers as that of dust motes in a sunbeam. I see the treasures of gold and gems as broken tiles. I look upon the finest silken robes as tattered rags. I see the myriad worlds of the universe as small seeds and the great Indian ocean as drops of mud that soil one’s feet.

I perceive the teachings of the world to be the illusions of magicians. I look upon the judgement of right and wrong as the serpentine dance of dragons, and the rise and fall of beliefs as the traces left by the four seasons.”

30 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

Heart Sutra

Thus, have I heard at one time. The Buddha dwelt at Vulture Peak together with a sangha of one hundred thousand monks and nuns, and seventy thousand bodhisattvas.

At that time the bodhisattva Avalokitesvara arose from her seat among the assembly and went up to the Buddha. Facing him she joined her palms together and bowed respectfully.

With reverence she said, “I wish to explain for this assembly the bodhisattva’s Heart of Perfect Wisdom which is the Universal Womb of Wisdom.”

Then the Buddha said, “Excellent, excellent, Great Compassionate One!”

Then Avolokitesvara entered into her meditation and coursing in Perfect Wisdom observed that all five aggregates are empty of own-nature.

Arising from her meditation she said:

“The nature of form is empty, emptiness is form. Form is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from form. That which is form is empty, that which is emptiness is form.

Feelings, perceptions, mental formations, and consciousness are also like this. The nature of consciousness is empty, emptiness is consciousness. Consciousness is not different from emptiness; emptiness is not different from consciousness. That which is consciousness is empty, that which is emptiness is consciousness.

“These dharmas are marked with emptiness, neither arising nor ceasing, neither tainted nor pure, neither increasing nor decreasing. Therefore in emptiness there is no form, no feelings, no perceptions, no mental formations, no consciousness, no eye, ear, nose, taste, or touch; no realm of eyes and so on up to no realm of mind-consciousness; no ignorance and no extinction of ignorance, and so on up to no old age and death and also no extinction of old age and death; no suffering, no origin of suffering, no end to suffering, no path, no wisdom and also no attainment.

“With nothing to attain the bodhisattvas depend on Perfect Wisdom and their minds are without any hindrance. Without any hindrance no fear exists. Far removed from perverted thought they are awake.

All the Buddhas in the past, present, and future depend on Perfect Wisdom in attaining their unsurpassed complete and perfect awakening.

“Therefore, know the Perfection of Wisdom is the great mantra, is the bright mantra, is the unsurpassed mantra, is the unequaled mantra that can remove all suffering, and is true, not false.

“Therefore, proclaim the Perfect Wisdom mantra.

Proclaim the mantra that says:

“GATE, GATE, PARAGATE, PARASAMGATE, BODHI, SVAHA!”

31 August 2026

(Teachings from Dhammapada)

The Dharma of the Heart

BY the Dharma is meant the heart, for there is no Dharma apart from heart.

This heart in itself is empty, and there is no such empty heart either. When the empty heart is sought after by the heart, this is making it a particular object of thought. There is only testimony of silence, it goes beyond thinking.

Therefore, it is said that the Dharma cuts off the passage to words and puts an end to all forms of mental activities.

The heart is the source, the pure Buddha-nature that is inherent in all of us. All sentient beings, however mean and degraded, are not in this particular respect different from Buddhas and bodhisattvas—they are all of one substance.

Only because of their imagination and false discrimination, sentient beings work out their karma and reap its result, while in their Buddha-nature itself there is nothing corresponding to it.

The essence is empty and allows everything to pass through; it is quiet and at rest, it is illuminating, it is peaceful and productive of bliss. When you have within yourself a deep insight into this, you immediately realize that all that you need is there in perfection and in abundance, and nothing is at all wanting or lacking in you.