GO SLOW
Swami Shivananda. one of the direct disciples of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa, wrote letters to seekers giving them abundant love and encouragement.
Excerpts from one of his letters, from the book, ” Letters for Spirit
ual Seekers” published by Advaitashram, Kolkata.
I was very glad indeed to hear that by the grace of the Lord you have peace of mind and are also happy. It is my sincere prayer that you may always remain filled with faith, love, devotion, and purity. Donalt39t hurry too much. Go slow.
This is a path in which your progress will be stalled if you are impatient. Everything depends on his grace. If he is gracious, then only will you find your mind always fixed on his feet. Love alone can do this. Even if this happens for a short while, it is a matter of good fortune. It will not do to be impatient. You have to go forward step by step. Suppose you urge your mind too much, the result will be that mental unrest will soon follow. You now have peace of mind and also much joy. But all this will disappear. In its place you will be drowned in an ocean of unhappiness.
My advice to you is that you pray like this: alt39 Lord, please attract my mind to your feet and keep it fixed there. That is the only way I can be saved. There is no other way.alt39 There is a song that says: alt39 Who can see you unless you reveal yourself to him? The mind does not want to go to you unless you call it to you.alt39 Why should you be impatient? Do whatever gives you peace and joy. Meditate on him as long as you can.
Pray that you may meditate for a longer time.
Whenever anybody complained, saying, alt39 Sir, I cannot concentrate on my prayer and meditation,alt39 Sri Ramakrishna would reply: alt39 Never mind.
Beg. Appeal to Mother. She will give you everything you want.alt39 I have the same thing to say to you: pray for her grace.
