Every spiritual seeker must cultivate the quality of self-control or self-restraint. The seeker who practises self-control is like a steady lamp that does not flicker as it is kept sheltered from the blowing wind. The mind is fickle and very difficult to tame, but with sincere and dedicated practice it can be brought under control. In order to progress on the path of spirituality, one must work towards eradicating all cravings and desires. If your longing for spirituality is not strong enough, you will not be able to make much spiritual progress. For all of you who want to achieve spiritual heights, it is important to note that it is your sincerity and dedication that will help you to succeed in your mission.

Renunciation and practice of self-control will help you to maintain an unwavering mind. Renounce all your desires and possessions. Running away from the world or giving up all your duties is not renunciation. Renunciation begins with an earnest feeling from the depth of your heart to free yourself from all kinds of cravings and desires. It is freedom from greed, jealousy, obsessions, falsities, hypocrisy, etc. Renunciation is freedom from desire for comfort and ease, freedom from “I” consciousness, and also freedom from body-consciousness.

When one has renounced all desires, one becomes truly spiritual. The mind that is free from material desires, can be controlled and conquered and it then becomes free to concentrate upon the Universal Self. When one desires nothing but wisdom and spiritual insight and when one has conquered the senses, then the path towards God becomes clear and easy. A spiritual seeker who obtains control over the senses and maintains it, will certainly attain peace and equanimity. He or she will be unmoved by pleasure or pain, honour or dishonour, friend or enemy, and likes or dislikes. If you desire to be successful on the spiritual path, and even in your day-to-day life, cultivate self-control and desireless-ness. Eat moderately, sleep moderately, and be balanced in all your actions, and engage yourself in meditation.

As cited in the Bhagavad Gita: “Meditation is not for him who eats too much, not for him who eats not at all; not for him who is over much addicted to sleep, not for him who is always awake. But for him who regulates his food and recreation, who is balanced in action, in sleep and in waking, it shall dispel all unhappiness.”

Carve out a suitable time from your daily routine and try to live in seclusion, absolutely alone, with a composed mind, free from desires and possessions.

Choose a place for yourself, sit in a firm and erect posture, motionless and steady, with head and neck straight, and look fixedly at the tip of your nose. With love and peace in your heart, contemplate upon your ‘Ishtadevata’, for at least fifteen minutes, or for as long as you wish to. Continue this practice ceaselessly every day, with discipline. By and by, you will find yourself looking forward to this daily session.

As you find yourself enjoying the state of joyousness that encompasses you, as you find yourself resting in the Divine within you, you will realise the transformation that has occurred to you, and never again will you stray from the path of meditation and spirituality.

Once you are established in your Higher Self, you will observe that you are completely free of all your sorrows and pains that had seemed to trouble you. This complete freedom from pain and misery is the fruit of meditation. So, practise meditation with determination and strength. Do not let anything or anybody come in the way of your spiritual practice. Make all your efforts to secure your spiritual goals. Always be sincere in your spiritual practices. Never stop or slow down, for if you do so there is every danger of slipping back to your old ways. Although Vishwamitra Muni practised severe austerities, he was disturbed by his senses when he came across Menaka, the Apsara.

Control of mind is a life-long process because the senses have outgoing tendencies, and always try to drag the mind towards external objects. All spiritual practices consist of disciplining and purifying the mind. Only a mind that is completely clear of all impurities can attain enlightenment. Only a mind that has achieved equanimity – a state of balance under all circumstances, can achieve the Divine. There may be occasional glimpses of Truth during meditation or other spiritual practices but there will be permanent consciousness of Truth only when complete mastery of the mind is achieved and one is free of all negative traits.

Remember that my blessings are always with you, but unless you pursue your path with determination and strength, my blessings will be of no use at all. Never miss meditation or your spiritual practices even for a day. Along with spiritual practices, cultivate the right understanding and thinking. Engage yourself in selfless service, without expecting any reward for the work you do. Surrender the fruits of your labour to God. Do not slacken your spiritual practices unless and until you reach your goal of Self-Realisation or God-Realisation.