From the Gospel – 8

M. (humbly): "How, sir, may we fix our minds on God?"

MASTER: "Repeat God's name and sing His glories, and keep holy company; and now and then visit God's devotees and holy men.  The mind cannot dwell on God if it is immersed day and night in worldliness, in worldly duties and responsibilities; it is most necessary to go into solitude now and then and think of God.  To fix the mind on God is very difficult, in the beginning, unless one practises meditation in solitude.  When a tree is young it should be fenced all around; otherwise it may be destroyed by cattle.

"To meditate, you should withdraw within yourself or retire to a secluded corner or to the forest.  And you should always discriminate between the Real and the unreal.  God alone is real, the Eternal Substance; all else is unreal, that is, impermanent.  By discriminating thus, one should shake off impermanent objects from the mind."


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Editor’s note:  To those readers who may ponder, “I am too busy, where do I have the time to search for holy men or God’s devotees? Where will I find a secluded corner for meditation?”, our answer will be the following: (i) whenever and wherever possible, recite the name of God; (ii) avoid worldly talk (gossip) or leave the place where such talk is happening. Do not do either of these openly, do them discreetly (without being noticed, your behaviour should appear natural). Soon, holy people will come by themselves and befriend you, and you will find a secluded place to meditate. Everything will happen gradually, in course of time. In the spiritual journey, do not expect instant results. Have complete faith in the Almighty and soon you will find how He takes complete responsibility of your life.