THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 41. HINTS TO ASPIRANTS - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control.

Sri Swami Sivananda's Guidance on the Path of Yoga
In The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Chapter 41, Sri Swami Sivananda provides profound guidance for spiritual aspirants, offering insights that serve as a roadmap for those striving to reach higher states of spiritual awareness. The chapter categorizes aspirants into three degrees: Arurukshu, Yunjana, and Yogarudha. Each level represents a distinct stage on the journey of spiritual growth, from an individual just beginning to approach the path of Yoga, to one who has achieved its ultimate purpose. Through this progression, Swami Sivananda outlines the key elements necessary for success: inner purity, moral courage, and a disciplined daily routine.

The Three Degrees of Aspirants: Arurukshu, Yunjana, and Yogarudha
Swami Sivananda classifies aspirants into three categories based on their level of spiritual practice:

1. Arurukshu: This is the stage of the beginner, someone who has taken the first steps toward Yoga but is still learning the foundational principles. The Arurukshu is primarily focused on the desire to climb the spiritual ladder, often experiencing confusion, uncertainty, and difficulty in practice.
2. Yunjana: The second level is for the aspirant who has committed to the rigorous practice of Yoga. A Yunjana is someone engaged in constant effort, performing the discipline diligently. However, the journey remains challenging, as the mind continues to wander and the practices may seem arduous.
3. Yogarudha: The highest level of a Yoga aspirant, a Yogarudha has reached a state of mastery. This person has attained a profound connection with the Divine, remaining steadfast and unwavering in their practices and experiences. The Yogarudha represents the ideal state of a spiritual practitioner who has successfully transcended the limitations of the mind.

These stages represent a natural progression of spiritual development, each requiring increasing levels of commitment, discipline, and insight. Aspirants must move from one stage to the next with patience, perseverance, and a deep understanding of the nature of the mind and its tendencies.

Inner Purity: A Prerequisite for Realization
Swami Sivananda emphasizes that inner purity is indispensable for true spiritual realization. While many aspirants long for the realization of the Supreme Divine, they may not be prepared for the intensity and brilliance of the Divine Light when it manifests. The mind, tainted by impurity, is often not strong enough to withstand the overwhelming light of God. In this context, Sivananda compares the experience of divine realization to Arjuna’s trembling fear upon seeing the cosmic vision of Lord Krishna. Arjuna’s request for Krishna to revert to his usual form symbolizes the human capacity to be overwhelmed by the divine radiance when one is not sufficiently purified. To be ready for such a vision, the aspirant must undergo rigorous purification of both the body and mind. Realization of Brahman, the Supreme Cosmic Spirit, requires a mind that is subtle, clear, and determined. It demands patience, perseverance, and the ability to maintain cheerfulness in the face of challenges. The path is difficult, as the mind’s habitual tendencies—its attachments and distractions—are strong. However, the aspirant must steadily cultivate a calm, focused, and pure mind to withstand the divine light and experience true realization. 

The Need for Moral Strength and Courage
The path of an aspirant is often fraught with challenges, including misrepresentation, criticism, and misunderstanding from others. Spiritual aspirants who rise above conventional societal norms or seek to transcend material desires may face hostility from those who remain attached to worldly pursuits. Swami Sivananda underscores the importance of moral strength and courage in dealing with such opposition. In the face of adversity, a spiritual aspirant must remain steadfast in their convictions, regardless of the opinions or actions of others. The path of Yoga is not for the faint of heart; it requires the strength to endure insults and injuries with a cool, detached mind. Developing an indifference to the opinions of others—whether positive or negative—is a vital step in progressing spiritually. By rising above the ego’s attachments to friend or foe, the aspirant can remain centered in their own truth and moral convictions. Furthermore, as one advances on the spiritual path, it becomes essential to live according to one’s pure conscience and reason, rather than conforming to societal expectations or rules. This inner integrity supports spiritual growth and enables the aspirant to rise above the pettiness of worldly concerns. 

Tailoring the Spiritual Practice to the Individual
Swami Sivananda acknowledges that no single spiritual practice is universally suitable for all aspirants. Just as each person is unique, the path to spiritual growth must be tailored to suit the individual’s nature and temperament. Some may find Raja Yoga, with its emphasis on meditation and control of the mind, to be the most suitable path, while others may be drawn to Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge) or Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion). Swami Sivananda notes that different forms of austerity and discipline may appeal to different individuals. The key is to find the practice that aligns with the individual’s mind and spiritual inclinations. Whether it involves meditation, selfless service, or intellectual study, each aspirant should cultivate a practice that resonates with them, while maintaining a steady focus on spiritual progress. 

Daily Spiritual Routine: Structure and Discipline
A consistent and structured daily routine is essential for spiritual growth. For full-time aspirants, Swami Sivananda offers a comprehensive daily schedule that balances meditation, study, physical activity, and service. He suggests the following:

• Muttering a Mantra and Meditation: 4 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening.
• Self-Study: 3 hours.
• Physical Posture and Breath-Control (Pranayama): 1 hour in the morning and 1 hour at night.
• Service: 1.5 hours.
• Bathing, Eating, and Rest: Allocate time for physical needs, ensuring that the body remains healthy and strong for spiritual practice.

For those with less time, such as individuals with jobs or family responsibilities, Swami Sivananda suggests modifying the schedule accordingly, while maintaining the essential elements of daily practice. Meditation, study, and service must always be prioritized. Swami Sivananda also highlights the importance of balancing rigorous spiritual practice with periods of relaxation and recreation. While meditation and study are vital for spiritual growth, engaging in service to others, especially the sick and poor, provides both spiritual benefits and a sense of fulfillment.

Overcoming Challenges: The Power of Devotion
Swami Sivananda encourages aspirants to remember that even the most impure and sinful individuals can attain liberation through sincere devotion to God. The key is undivided focus and genuine faith in the Divine. Quoting from the Bhagavad Gita, he reminds aspirants that even those who have committed grave sins can attain the highest bliss if they devote themselves wholeheartedly to God, with purity of heart and mind. The path of Yoga is open to all, regardless of past mistakes or failures. Through sincere effort, anyone can purify their mind, transform their nature, and attain the highest realization.

Conclusion: The Path of Devotion and Purity
Swami Sivananda’s teachings in this chapter underscore the importance of inner purity, moral courage, and the discipline of a well-structured daily routine for anyone seeking to achieve the highest spiritual realization. The aspirant must purify the mind and body, face adversity with resilience, and remain steadfast in their devotion to God. Ultimately, success on the spiritual path is guaranteed for those who maintain unwavering faith, discipline, and perseverance. Swami Sivananda’s timeless guidance offers practical wisdom for those who seek to control the mind, transcend worldly attachments, and reach the ultimate goal of self-realization and union with the Divine.