Cover Story

Unfold Thy Divine Nature - HH Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj

Peaceful, auspicious and beautiful, radiant, ever-pure and immortal is the nature of the inner Consciousness, the Atman, that pervades all creation. It is on account of the wrong superimposition of multiple unreal traits upon himself that man becomes ensnared, miserable and imperfect. A little reflection, introspection and inquiry will reveal that in the heart of every human being there is an impulse for self-awareness, an urge to know, to be happy and to be deathless. This reveals that man’s real nature is Sat-Chit-Ananda, or Existence, Knowledge and Bliss Absolute. This is your birthright. If you deny yourself this, then you abrogate the very purpose of life.

The occasion of the New Year should remind you that yet another year has gone by without your having realized the goal of life and that you are still shackled by the pairs of the opposites, by attachment, desire, imperfection and sorrow. The New Year, should, therefore, be an occasion to pledge yourself anew to develop and consummate the inner, fundamental, spiritual urge to progress towards the infinite source and origin of life—God, the only Reality.

All aspects of the human consciousness such as that of the libido, race, parentage, intelligence and power are not representative of what one really is. These aspects depend upon the factors that are not permanent. They change when things change. They also change when the individual alters his thoughts, mode of living, or his philosophy and view of life. One can easily see how the outer layers of inhibitions, habits and aptitudes are shed and acquired from time to time in accordance with the changing circumstances and self-effort. But the Soul-Consciousness, however dormant it may be, cannot be shaken off by anyone, since it springs from the depth of one’s real nature within.

To manifest this inner Consciousness is the essence of spiritual life. This is the goal of every human being. The purpose of life is to eliminate all that is negative and evil in man’s personality and to develop in himself all that is sublime, good, auspicious and noble. This is done through the means of self-discipline and righteous living.

Moral rectitude and ethical perfection form the universal basis of all spiritual endeavors. Be good, do good, be kind, be pure, be compassionate, be tolerant; serve, love, give, purify, introspect, reflect, meditate and realize God. This constitutes the essence of all religious teachings.

Cultivation of positive traits such as purity, truthfulness, nobility, unselfish love, forbearance, humility, absence of anger and greed and lust, spirit of brotherhood, self-sacrifice, integrity, composure of the mind, and restraint of the senses, form the various disciplines in spiritual life. Renunciation of attachment, pride, egoism and all worldly desires are the basic requisites for Self-realization.

Blessed Self, on the occasion of the New Year resolve anew to lead the spiritual life with utmost sincerity and perseverance. You should ever endeavor to correct your defects and mistakes, not under the burden of shame or a guilty-complex, but with an earnest desire to evolve yourself ethically, morally and spiritually, so that you need no longer be tormented by mental conflict, sorrow and suffering, but instead set upon a new vista of joyous experience and spiritual fulfillment.

May there be peace, prosperity, and well-being all around. May all be happy. May the blessings of God be upon all.

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