"Lead a life of intense activity. Keep always a calm mind. Mentally repeat your "Mantra". Mix with all. Serve all with the feeling that all are forms of God. See God in them. Do not be afraid of difficulties and failures in the spiritual path. Difficulties will develop your will-power. Failures are the stepping stones to success. Use your intelligence, sagacity, discrimination and commonsense. You will overcome the difficulties one by one. Stand adamant. be cheerful. Dismiss fear and anxiety. March boldly on the spiritual path. Do not be discouraged. Draw courage, power and strength from within. Be cautious. Thou art invincible. Nothing can harm you. Remain serene always. Smile and rejoice in the Atman."
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"Why does man not realise the Truth easily? The scriptures say that there are three kinds of obstructions to the perception of this Truth. First is Mala (impurities), second is Vikshepa (oscillation of the mind), and the third is Avarana (veil of ignorance). Introspect and find out which of these you have got. If you find you have Mala—Kama, Krodha, Lobha,—you will have to eradicate it through the practice of Karma Yoga, or the Yoga of Selfless Service. If you have only got Vikshepa, you have to practise Upasana to steady the mind. If you have only Avarana, you will have to practise Nididhyasana or constant dwelling on the import of the Mahavakyas, till the Truth flashes within you.’
-Sri Swami Sivananda
