Become a gardener

One has to become a gardener. We have been given a barren piece of land and through our effort we have to convert it into a beautiful garden. We have to work hard to achieve that. We have to remove the rocks and weeds, cultivate the earth and prepare the soil by adding the necessary nourishment and nutrients. Only then do we plant the seed. Once we have planted the seed, we take care of it. We don’t allow animals to dig our spiritual seed. Jealousy, anger, hatred, envy and greed are animals. The negative emotions which disturb us are as powerful as animals and they disturb our peace and harmony. They disturb the seed we are trying to plant. If we plant seeds and rabbits dig them up, what can we do? We may pick up a gun and shoot the rabbits. Can we do the same with our anger, envy, hatred and jealousy? We should be able to shoot them and protect the seed we have planted, look after it until it grows into a tree and can manage itself. Just as a small child needs care and protection when young and can be free and independent only when grown up, you are all in the early stages of looking after your seed or child. Just as you protect the child from cold, heat, sun and wind, in the same manner protect your spiritual life from sun and wind. Protect it from the positive and the negative and allow it to grow naturally. Through discipline, ensure that the tree grows straight. There may be times when you need to use secateurs to trim the tree.

At that time, come to the ashram and we will provide you with secateurs and tell you which branch to lop off, but the protection and nurturing has to be done by you all the time, and one day your efforts will bear fruit. Be the gardener of your life and ensure that all that is beautiful, good and uplifting finds a spot in your garden. Make a sankalpa to become the gardener of your life. We can provide you with the seeds, but you have to look after your garden and be the best gardener. Experience the flowering and beauty of your nature by integrating yoga into your lifestyle and daily routine.

From the book “Yoga Sadhana Panorama Volume Six”, pg. 28, Sw Niranjanananda Saraswati

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You are welcome to come and unite in our efforts to help us accomplish our aims and goals. Our association needs people who are ready to offer their hearts, their skills and ideas as well as monetary contributions, and to integrate their ‘head, heart and hands’ in service.

If you consider the needs of others, we need you.
If you have a generous heart, we need you.
Ιf you have large hands, we need you.
If you have bright ideas, we need you.

Your contributions allow us to reach out to more and more people. Your contributions enable us to support and work towards the fulfilment of the vision of Swami Satyananda, Swami Niranjanananda and their lineage – that of peace and prosperity for all humankind.

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Become a gardener

Become a gardener

One has to become a gardener. We have been given a barren piece of land and through our effort we have to convert it into a beautiful garden. We have to work hard to achieve that. We have to remove the rocks and weeds, cultivate the earth and prepare the soil by adding the necessary nourishment and nutrients. Only then do we plant the seed. Once we have planted the seed, we take care of it. We don’t allow animals to dig our spiritual seed. Jealousy, anger, hatred, envy and greed are animals. The negative emotions which disturb us are as powerful as animals and they disturb our peace and harmony. They disturb the seed we are trying to plant. If we plant seeds and rabbits dig them up, what can we do? We may pick up a gun and shoot the rabbits. Can we do the same with our anger, envy, hatred and jealousy? We should be able to shoot them and protect the seed we have planted, look after it until it grows into a tree and can manage itself. Just as a small child needs care and protection when young and can be free and independent only when grown up, you are all in the early stages of looking after your seed or child. Just as you protect the child from cold, heat, sun and wind, in the same manner protect your spiritual life from sun and wind. Protect it from the positive and the negative and allow it to grow naturally. Through discipline, ensure that the tree grows straight. There may be times when you need to use secateurs to trim the tree.

At that time, come to the ashram and we will provide you with secateurs and tell you which branch to lop off, but the protection and nurturing has to be done by you all the time, and one day your efforts will bear fruit. Be the gardener of your life and ensure that all that is beautiful, good and uplifting finds a spot in your garden. Make a sankalpa to become the gardener of your life. We can provide you with the seeds, but you have to look after your garden and be the best gardener. Experience the flowering and beauty of your nature by integrating yoga into your lifestyle and daily routine.

From the book “Yoga Sadhana Panorama Volume Six”, pg. 28, Sw Niranjanananda Saraswati