At the Ashram we are in a transition time, which the season of fall is mirroring. Each day there is change—the snowline creeps down from mountain tops, a cool wind stirs up waves on the lake, the golden and flame coloured leaves fall from trees, vibrant against the billowing dark blue grey clouds.
Reflecting about this time of transition at the Ashram, I recognize we have entered a new season. As elders, many of us have devoted years of service to Swami Radha, the teachings and the Ashram. Swami Radha’s example of selfless service, love and dedication has sparked a deep desire to keep these sacred teachings present and alive in the world.
Working with the next generation, we are all involved in preparing for the change that is coming. For another season in the life of the Ashram.
A steady constant in all of this is the practice of karma yoga—the path of selfless service. Understanding what it actually means to put the ideals of selfless service into practice is a lifetime’s learning.
I’ve come to understand that the real work of karma yoga is not so much about the actual work I do, but about what is happening on the inside and how I approach whatever I am doing. What is my motivation? Is my heart in what I am doing? Where am I in putting my ideals into practice? Are my speech and actions benefiting and contributing to the welfare of others, inspiring them to lead a life of service?
Karma Yoga, Swami Satyananda, Yasodhara Ashram, 1983.
Living in a spiritual community intensifies the learning—revealing whatever gets in the way of being kind, considerate, patient, forgiving. It gives a way to put these ideals into action.
Teachings of the Bhagavad Gita and Daily Life
The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian spiritual text, has guided me for many years, its teachings woven into the fabric of my life. It is a text that I turn to often—to understand the deeper meaning of life and the path of selfless service—and how to put this into action.
The Gita, which translates as The Song of God, is a dialogue that takes place in the heart —between Arjuna, symbolizing the human self and Krishna, the Divine Self within. The setting is in the midst of a battlefield, the opposing sides symbolizing the eternal battle between the forces of light and dark that take place within the heart of each human being.
One of my favourite passages is where Arjuna asks Krishna “Tell me of those who live established in wisdom, ever aware of the Self, O Krishna. How do they talk? How sit? How move about?” (2:54)
Arjuna’s question brings the mystical teachings right into the practical everyday world that we live in. How do we recognize wisdom in action?
Krishna speaks of those who live in wisdom as being able to “see themselves in all and all in them, who have renounced every selfish desire and sense craving tormenting the heart“ (2:55).
He goes on to say, “Use all your power to free the senses from attachment and aversion alike, and live in the full wisdom of the Self.”
Like Arjuna, I have wanted to know what it means to be ‘established in wisdom’ – what does it look like in action, in the world and in my own life.
To those steadfast in love and devotion I give spiritual wisdom, so that they may come to me. Out of compassion I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives (Bhagavad Gita 10:/11).
My questions and desire to know brought me to the Ashram and a lineage of teachers who embody this wisdom through their dedication and example, living lives based on selfless service.
Grace of the Guru – Wisdom Embodied
When Swami Radha went to India in 1955, she observed Swami Sivananda in his day-to-day life. She wanted to know how he lived the teachings, how he spoke, how he interacted with people, and ignited the desire to live a life of service.
Through questioning, observing, letting go of her resistance and going beyond her personal comfort she began to see and experience the wisdom, compassion and love that was embodied in Sivananda. Her heart and mind opened and she was able to receive the teachings, and then offer them back to the world in a way that has affected the benefit and welfare of many people’s lives.
Being with Swami Radha was to see wisdom in action. Like Sivananda, she taught through example. She shone the light on my own resistance, pride and attachments to comfort. She opened the way to step into and experience another way of being—my mind and heart focused on serving a higher purpose.
It is a different time now, but the essence of the teachings is the same. Witnessing the movement of the next generation as they come closer to living lives dedicated to serving a greater purpose brings a deep feeling of joy—to know that these sacred teachings will continue to be present and available in the world.
Swami Radha would sometimes tell a story from the Eastern teachings about Divine Mother’s compassion. When She saw “how Her people harm themselves through their own jealousy, self-justification, greed, pride and selfishness, She begins to cry tears of sorrow. Her teardrops fall to earth and each one becomes a devotee, willing to do Her work, the highest and most blissful aspiration there is.” – Living The Practice
Divine Mother Prayer: Essence of Selfless Service
Below is a beautiful prayer to Divine Mother from the Ananda Lahari – The Wave of Bliss that I turn to often throughout the day, to keep focused on the purpose of my work.
O Divine Mother,
May all my speech and idle talk be mantra
All actions of my hands be mudra
All eating and drinking be the offering of oblations unto Thee
All lying down prostrations before Thee
May all pleasure be as dedicating my entire Self unto Thee
May everything I do be taken as Thy worship.
– Swami Satyananda