Swami Shivapadananda

Celibacy only part of brahmacharya

 

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

[2nd President and Spiritual Head; The Ramakrishna Centre of South Africa]

DAILY READINGS

From Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji

796

 

Brahmacharya and celibacy [sexual continence] are two different things. Purity [abstinence] of the act of procreation is called celibacy. Complete control [of body, mind and senses] is brahmacharya. That is the goal. But to get to it you have to start practising. On holy days you sleep on a mat on the floor [for purposes of austerity or tapasya], you eat sattvic [non-stimulating, bland, vegetarian] food. On certain days in the week you do prayers and again sleep on a mat on the floor. Don't see [or look at] things that will awaken your senses. TV is the worst thing for this. It transcends all visions and you see something which maya [God's power of seeming illusion/delusion] makes you see.

Get your senses under control. If you are drinking a lot, maybe gambling a lot, you borrow money and you're in trouble all the time, then your mind is not yet under control. If you are amongst sadhakas [spiritual aspirants], you mustn't think, 'I am the special one'. You should always think, 'That man is the special sadhaka [spiritual aspirant, devotee] of God.' No sooner do you say, 'I am the special one' than you are putting yourself on a pedestal. Always admire the other person's good qualities. By admiring other people's good qualities you naturally become good. You don't become 'touch me not' [i.e. unapproachable or 'superior']. I keep drawing this to your notice.

Adi Shankaracharya [the Hindu philosopher and father of Vedanta, conceptual,picture above] was so great and yet he forgot this even after God-realisation. He was given the greatest blow when a chandala [lowest caste or 'untouchable' person] gave him a lesson. Can you imagine that a great man like that, who went through all the different stages of desire - even lust – got bogged down in the caste system and tradition. He said everything is Brahman [the One, indivisible universal consciousness] but he forgot for a little while that the other person was also Brahman [the One, indivisible universal consciousness]. Then he remembered and prostrated. If the knowledge of Brahman comes from a chandala, he is my guru [spiritual preceptor], God himself. So watch that very carefully.

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:

Sri Ramakrishna    Sri Sarada Devi     Swami Vivekananda  

Swami Nischalananda  Swami Shivapadananda 

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

 

 

 

 

Tradition and marital relationships

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

From Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji

639

 

You must carry your own asan [seat for meditation]. Our gurus have told us sannyasis that when we sleep anywhere else we must carry a little bit of clothing and put it on top of anyone else's bed. But I have a beautiful way to do it: I put a handkerchief under my pillow. I am trying to keep to tradition and the advice given.

Later avatars [incarnations], as far as Sri Krishna, all had responsibility and they transformed that responsibility into tapasya when they realised God.

Householders [lay devotees] must observe brahmacharya to get mind and sense control. How? On ekadasi you fast; you sleep in separate rooms on holy days, on the birthdays of certain saints and sages and on your birthday. All this you practise yourself. Do not tell anybody. Just keep doing this and suddenly, as love for God grows, you will love each other to love God. And you will not hate each other. Sri Ramakrishna did not hate Sarada Devi nor did Sarada Devi hate Sri Ramakrishna. There is a kind of vow that the householders take when they want to live like that.

A true guru always wants to give, he never wants to hide anything. All others are not gurus because they do not have anything to give. A guru never gets jealous of his chelas. [disciples, devotees, followers] Did you see a mother getting jealous of her own child?

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.

Sri Ramakrishna, Sri Sarada Devi, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Nischalananda Puri, Swami Shivapadananda

Click Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna to read online...

Reference websites (please mouse-over the name to connect): Ramakrishna Math and Mission, Ramakrishna Centre of SA, Ramakrishna Centre of Southern Africa, Ramakrishna Dham, Swami Shivapadananda 2

Swami Shivapadananda on regulating sexual activity

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

From Mother Radha's recordings of Swamiji.

Day 498

(Pictured: The cover of the Dakshineswar Kali Temple guide book gives an accurate image of Ramakrishna's room in its current semi-museum state.)

 

Swamiji continues to talks on Yama and Niyama:

Four: Refrain from incontinence. Observe brahmacharya. The householders [lay devotees] may want to know how to observe brahmacharya: They must abstain on holy days, on full moon days, new moon days, birthdays of saints and sages, and when the wife is menstruating. If you do not abstain at these times you break your brahmacharya, you are not a brahmachari. But at other times, when you do it as a [sacred] duty, it can be converted into worship because it is a God-given thing. Then, if you restrain yourself, you are observing continence, you are still a brahmachari.

On the other hand the [non householder] brahmachari, the vanaprastha [senior 'post-marriage' phase] or the sannyasi [monastics] are not even allowed to do that.

Swami Yogananda's [a disciple of Sri Ramakrishna's] father and mother used to get together only if they wanted children. Why? Because the scriptures say that you must not cut the lineage if you are a householder. Sri Ramakrishna said, "After one or two children you must live like brother and sister."

In our scriptures how many children did Gandhari have? One hundred. [laughter] How many children did Sri Rama have? Two. Lord Shiva? Two. Can I go on multiplying? The higher you go the lower you become. The lower you become the higher becomes the number of children. How many children did Lord Vishnu have? He had no children. Do you see? Lord Brahma has shown you householders how to live but you do not want to do it. You are Brahma yourself, you have become a creator and you create in the house. [laughter]

You must create knowing that you are bringing a Rama or a Sita into this world - and then after that put a full stop. Lord Brahma is the best example for the householders because his creation is a controlled way of creation. Of course you can adopt a lot of children if you want. There is nothing wrong in that, you are doing good.

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.

   

 

Swami Shivapadananda in praise of householders

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

Taken from Mother Radha’s notes, written at Swamiji’s feet.

Day 212

In praise of the householder’s strength, continued:

The householder is so wonderfully great that part of his strength, in the form of money is given to charity. His strength in the form of work is put into the garden and surroundings. He visits his friends and relations to bring about good feelings. How great must that householder be. I prostrate to a householder like that again and again.

On the other hand, a brahmachari [celibate, dedicated devotee], if he is a real brahmachari, should not get any more tired than the householder. He should have three times the strength of the householder. He must have the strength to give, and give, and give and never feel tired.

But he has to live absolutely sense controlled, especially containing the vital fluid [semen]. Not even in dream does he lose it. This turns, as Swami Vivekananda, Patanjali and other yogis said, into spiritual energy called Ojas - which gives you concentration par excellence. Why must we control it? Because it can reveal God to you. It can take you towards God. It makes you control your mind, and the minds of those who are doing the wrong things, and it takes them on the right path.

If a brahmachari does not feel like this, or a sannyasi [monk, or sannyasini – nun] does not feel like this, then one of two things is wrong with him. Either he is too sick, and must get himself physically, mentally and spiritually examined - or he is cheating somewhere on the spiritual path, and in his life he is a cheat and a thief. This is the mirror.

For me the householders are great because I get inspiration from them and I feel that if I cannot reach the height of a pure brahmachari, or the pure, complete life of a Hanumanji [the great devotee of incarnation (Avatar) Lord Rama, featured in the Hindu epic, the Ramayana], then at least let me be like Lakshmana, Bharata, Satrughana [brothers of Rama]. Blessed is the householder who can live with this ideal.

Can you tell me what time Christ got up? Or what time he went to bed? No. He was ever awake in the name of God, in the consciousness of God. And anything that touches God never gets tired. Christ did not sleep.

 

Swami Shivapadananda on Chastity and Spirituality

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY

READINGS

Taken from Mother Radha’s notes, written at Swamiji’s feet.

Day 179

Excerpts from a book by Swami Yatisawarananda

Book: Brahmacharya [lit: celibacy, but more ‘constantly God-consciousness'] must be observed at all times.

[Sw.S] A householder who practices mind and sense control - once a week, and on fasts and festivals - that is brahmacharya for him.

Book: Conscious suppression of sex, with a spiritual aim, is absolutely necessary. Through love of God and meditation a true spiritual aspirant overcomes all natural difficulties. In the West they stress Vedanta but not brahmacharya.

[Sw.S] Brahmacharya must be in thought word and deed. In thought you cannot help it, but turn it higher [sublimate it] - it is beautiful. In word, turn the thoughts to higher things. In deed, do not do any of those things. You must totally control the sex instinct. We follow the rules of yama [to do] and niyama [to avoid] – but if that leaves out chastity it will be truth, but not perfect Truth.

Book: Keep the senses pure, immaculate, for God alone. Without chastity you cannot stay on higher levels of spirituality. Householders must do their duty as worship, live controlled, moderate lives, do not live like animals.

[Sw.S] Sri Ramakrishna said, “So long I live I learn.” Can you imagine about us? 

Book: God is everywhere, God is everything.
[Sw.S] God, is above, below, before, behind. Think about it. Including you; where you are standing and what you are. Everything.

 

Swami Shivapadananda on restraint and meditation

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

Taken from Mother Radha’s notes, written at Swamiji’s feet.

Day 150

A jivanmukta can say, “I am who I am - I neither go nor come when the body falls.” The subtle body moves about. Just witness the body - it walks, it talks - the body just drops.

If you knowingly get into deep sleep, you will know who you are. The mantra will take you there.

The Ramakrishna-ites [devotees of Sri Ramakrishna] call the Vedas the essence of the scriptures.

If there is the sex act, the kundalini is dormant. The unconscious mind must slowly be changed.

A human being’s body is described as a city - God is seated in it - and that is a great light.

Light, Truth, immortality are attributes of supreme Truth, supreme Light and Absolute Bliss.

A man must discipline himself - this makes the yearning within grow to want God and God alone. 

You want something? That is craving. The day you stop wanting anything, you will get that which is all things.

The purpose of brahmacharya [continence, chastity in thought, word and deed, constant remembrance of God] is to develop the medha nadi [the spiritual 'nerve' (nadi: lit. 'river or current') of intelligence and memory] - the power of intuition and the vigour of the brain. Otherwise the brain heats up when you meditate. The higher centres of consciousness open when you dwell on higher things.

Meditation must be practised in higher [spiritual] centres [chakras]. Higher centres can’t be opened if the lower centres are active. How to observe perfect chastity, brahmacharya? Never be too violent. By an effort of will create a higher mood.

Anger is overcome by humility. It is no good living in an ashram and getting angry - because spiritual growth leaks out the other side. First: Holy thought - because of holy company - meditation and study regularly.

 

Swami Shivapadananda on the power of Brahmacharya

SWAMI SHIVAPADANANDA

DAILY READINGS

Taken from Mother Radha’s notes, written at Swamiji’s feet.

Day 115

Swami Vivekananda said that chastity is the cleanliness of sensuality – meaning because you are a brahmachari you are worshipping the Supreme Being and you develop a longing for the Atman.

Firstly we need satsang [prayer services], holy company and reading of the scriptures. Discrimination and brahmacharya lead to understanding.

What we really want in life, we seek in meditation. That is very, very important. Parents must teach their children to live a life of brahmacharya. All the saints realized God through brahmacharya. Brahmacharya grows into yearning - and yearning grows into Knowledge and the vision of Rama [God]. If you pray for yourself it is selfish. If for example you pray, “Make me better” or, “Give me this or that,” it is selfish. But if I pray for others that is unselfish; it is not for my body.

Question: How can we get the desire to do more japa? Swamiji: By having faith.

Question: How to get faith, Swamiji? Swamiji: Think of the Form, of the Name, and love God. Then you will get the faith, you will get the purity. Christ said, “Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.” See how much I love the Lord’s name?

See Sri Ramakrishna within, then no bad thoughts will come. When there are good thoughts, how will bad thoughts come? If you think of Sri Ramakrishna, how will you think of anything else?

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.

Besides these daily readings Mother Radha recorded many hours of our beloved Swamiji speaking. There are currently 40 different CDs available in sets of 10 for R200 per set. This price includes postage. Please email timhoare@webmail.co.za to order.

Posted by Clive Simpkins

 

Swami Shivapadananda on Brahmacharya

Since the word ‘Brahmacharya’ surfaced in yesterday’s daily reading with Swamiji, I thought I’d tell you what he once said on the topic. He asked us, ‘What does the word mean?’ In know-it-all student mode I swiftly answered, ‘celibacy’. To which Swamiji shot back, ‘That’s only because of where your mind is!’ Ouch. But the point was made. He went on to say, ‘If I forget my Lord for one second, then I feel that I’ve broken my Brahmacharya.’ So that’s the ultimate.

 

In the beginning of student or monastic life, the concept of Brahmacharya is often reduced to or taken as celibacy. But based on what Swamiji said, it should be taken to a higher level. Sri Ramakrishna put remembering one’s divine nature into a beautiful and simple context. He said that if a servant girl is working far from her home, looking after someone else’s children, her thoughts will keep drifting back to her own home, family or children. Ramakrishna described that as being how we should live. Be in the midst of whatever we’re doing, but regularly remember the divine at intervals.