[2nd President and Spiritual Head: the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa]
[now a Centre of the international Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission]
DAILY READINGS
Selected from Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji.
Day 872
Swamiji telling a story about Swami Ramdas [pictured above]
Some devotees of Ram Naam [repeating the name of Lord Rama as their mantra] had been repeating Ram Naam continuously for several years. They had taken a vow to repeat it at all times. They both developed a severe headache. They were suffering intense pain and approached Swami Ramdas for a remedy. Ramdas found that they were chanting Ram Naam continuously with great strain in order to keep their vow. Although they attained stillness of mind, they continued the practice – hence the strain and headache. Ramdas asked them to stop the practice. They did so.
When they came to Ramdas after a week he found they were quite happy and free from the headache. Unless it gives you joy, it is no sadhana [spiritual practice]. When you feel any strain, you should stop it. Pranayama [yoga breathing], meditation or any spiritual practice will do serious harm if you tire yourself out in the process. You see, this is why one of Master [Sri Ramakrishna's] children [monastic, Swami disciples] said 'rather than doing that [strained sadhana] take a little walk, sing some songs.'
1) Care should be taken by the reader to understand and take Swamiji's words in these postings, in context. Every teaching or instruction that he gave was specific to the people who were with Swamiji at the time.
2) Mouse-over the words highlighted in red in the posting for further explanation or links.
There are currently available, over 100 different CDs or DVDs with mp3 files, of Swamiji speaking. Please email timhoare@webmail.co.za to order.
Click HERE for the second website on Swamiji's life and teachings.
For more about the Holy Trinity, and also the founding Swamis of the Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa, please mouse over their names below:
The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna - read online
Reference websites - please mouse over the name and click to connect:
Ramakrishna Math and Mission Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa Ramakrishna Dham
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