Swami Sivananda considered human birth as a rare opportunity for the individual soul to evolve itself to perfection and merge into the Supreme Soul. He even treated trials, tribulations and difficulties as stepping-stones in this ladder of evolution. His wonderful positive approach makes his views on life a treasure to be preserved very carefully. Here are some of his teachings on this subject...
Life is God in expression. Life is a voyage in the infinite ocean of time. Life is journey from impurity to purity, from hatred to cosmic love, from death to Immortality, from imperfection to perfection, from diversity to unity, from ignorance to eternal Wisdom, from pain to eternal Bliss.
Life is a great opportunity provided by the Lord for His children to evolve into Himself.
Study the book of books - the book of life - again and again. The opening words of this book are: "You are all-pervading Soul." Live in the Eternal. Tat Tvam Asi. Thou art That. Realise this and be free.
Make it a habit to see the brighter side of life, when reverses make their impact on you.
In times of strifes and struggles, you must learn to withdraw inward, and find solace in God within yourself.
Everyone, without exception, can find something to be grateful, if only he will search for it.
Trials, tribulations and difficulties are stepping-stones to success. Out of defeats and failures wring victory.
God has planned what is best for you. You need not plan anything. Your life is in His hands. Do not be anxious for tomorrow.
Live in the present. Forget the past. Give up hopes of the future. Take hold of each day as if it were the last day and utilise every second in prayer, meditation and service. Let your life become a continuous sacrifice to God.
The body is a gift to thee from God. Utilise this body well in the service of the Lord in (the form of) humanity and constant spiritual endeavour.
Be kind to all. Love all. Serve all. Be generous and tolerant towards all. Serve the Lord in all. See the Lord in the poor, the downtrodden and oppressed, and serve them with Narayana bhava. The Lord will be highly pleased with you. You can attain Immortality
Like Him, you are Divinity, goodness, purity and truth.
The salt of life is selfless service. The bread of life is universal love. The water of life is purity. The sweetness of life is devotion. The fragrance of life is generosity. The goal of life is emancipation.
Live the life divine. Live a life of service and love. Stand steadfast in the pursuit of Truth.
Serve, love, give, purify. Be good, do good. Be kind, be compassionate. Be generous, be charitable. Be tolerant, be patient, be persevering. Be pure, be wise. Concentrate. Meditate. You will soon attain God-realisation.
Success comes to those who dare and act. It seldom comes to the timid. May you all attain success in life!
