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Yes, meditation in early morning upon arising is the best time because mind is then free of thoughts, cares etc.
We must learn to find solitude (mentally) in the midst of society;
we should not give up our meditation because we are among people, but carry it on even then, but do not do it ostentatiously — do it secretly [inwardly]. Do not make a physical exhibition of the fact that you are meditating.
The latter must gain strength by repeated practice. This battle always takes place in meditation. Peace of mind is brought about by contemplation, through the absence of varying thoughts. When dhyana is well established it cannot be given up. It will go on automatically even when you are engaged in work, play or even sleep. It must become so deep-rooted that it is natural.
Pranayama is useful only in so far as it helps to get mind-control. For those who seek mental peace this is enough,
Mind is the rider and breath is the horse. Pranayama is a check on the horse.
As regards sleep, the moment you wake up, be alert, and begin to think of God (Self). Keep alert throughout the day, i.e. practise the presence of God.
Yoga is but a means to concentrate. Q. I find concentration difficult. A. Go on practising. Your concentration must come as easy as breathing. Fix yourself to some one thing and try to hold on to it. All will come right.
Man only requires one solid meal daily at mid-day, with light liquid refreshment morning and evening.
The mind having been so long used to go outwards, is not easily turned inwards.
Divestment of possessions is the highest happiness.
No one succeeds without efforts. Mind control is not one’s birthright. The successful few owe their success to their perseverance.
Q. How to meditate? A. All you need learn is to just close your eyes and turn inwards.
It is necessary to practise meditation frequently and regularly until the condition induced becomes habitual and permanent throughout the day. Therefore meditate.
When you become habitually reflective, the enjoyment of spiritual beatitude becomes a matter of natural experience.
The difficulty is that man thinks he is the doer; it is a mistake. It is the higher power which does everything and man is only a tool.
The realised man finds himself in others — they are not different from himself. With wise men he is wise, but with ignorant men he becomes ignorant; with children he will play and with the learned he will be scholarly. The meditation
Is a guru needed for spiritual progress? Yes, but the guru is within you; he is one with your own Self.
All lectures and books do little good and are of use only for beginners, to point out on the way. The real service is done in meditation.
The master is within. Meditation is for removing the ignorance that he is without.
The Guru is both exterior and interior. From the exterior he gives a push to the mind to turn inward; from the interior, he pulls the mind towards the Self and helps the quietness of the mind.
The most valuable thing in the ocean lies on its floor. The pearl is so small a thing yet so valuable and so difficult to procure. Similarly the Self is like the pearl: to find it you must dive deep down, into the silence, deeper and ever deeper, until it is reached.
The state of equanimity is the state of bliss.
