The Chambers of Bliss

Swami Sivananda Saraswati

You have made your life complex and intricate. You have entangled yourself in this quagmire of samsara. You have multiplied your wants and desires. Every day you are forging an additional link in the chain of bondage. Simplicity has vanished. Luxurious habits and ways of living are embraced. No wonder there is unemployment and people are dying of starvation. There is unrest everywhere. One nation is afraid of another.

Life has become a matter of uncertainty. It has become a mass of confusion, chaos and bewilderment. It has become stormy and boisterous. It is full of under currents, subterranean currents and mixed currents. Is there no way of escape from these troubles and difficulties?

There is only one way. Lead a life of dispassion, self-control, purity, selfless service and cosmic love. Develop the habit of taking the right point of view, right thinking, right feeling, right acting with the right mental attitude or bhava. Practise devotion and meditation.

Having Rolls Royces, skyscrapers, helicopters, abundant wealth, titles and honours is not civilization. Being honest and humble, saintly and compassionate, endowed with devotion and wisdom and having the spirit of service and sacrifice is civilization.

We have to get back to nature and natural living. We have to adopt the simple life and high thinking of our forefathers. Lead a simple, natural life. Be self-reliant. Reduce your wants. Be honest in your dealings. Develop noble qualities. Remember God. Sing His name. Feel His presence. Speak the truth. Learn to discriminate. Learn how to lead a divine life while remaining in the world. Serve society with atmabhava.

Then the whole question is solved. You have regained your Godhead. You have regained your lost paradise. All miseries will come to an end. You will have success in every walk of life and undertaking. Keep this master key with you and open the chamber of bliss.