Do not unto another what you do not like to be done to yourself. For the other is really ‘you.’ Even if another uses foul language against you, be calm and sweet; say, ‘Oh, I am so surprised that my behaviour has given you that impression.’ Smile in return, do not take it to heart; remind yourself that even Swami is not free from these peculiar beings who revel in falsehoods. Smile when you hear these revilings and be calm. That is a sign of your meditation progressing fast. (SSS Vol.7)
Service is the best school for training in leadership. You should eliminate in that school all traces of disgust, anger and impatience. Pride and personal prejudices will try to put spokes in the wheel as you go to serve the distressed and the diseased. But you should never give up faith In the right path you have chosen. Remind yourself that you are a sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) and that seva is the spiritual path that you have ventured upon as the easiest and the best. (SSS Vol.13)
When you are afraid of someone or something outside you, remind yourself that the fear is born, fed and fertilised in your own mind and that you can overcome it by denying it. How can fear counter the path of a spiritual aspirant? It can hide in no shadow, it can pester no sadhaka (spiritual aspirant) who has God in his heart. Faith in the Almighty God is the impregnable armour that the sadhaka can wear; and peoples of all lands are sadhakas, whether they know it or not. Be steady, do not waver, keep straight on, hold fast to the ideal without despair. Pray until God relents; do not turn away sadly if God does not shower Grace when you expect it. (SSS Vol.13)
You should constantly remind yourself: ‘I am the embodiment of the Divine consciousness. Sat-cit-ananda constitutes my form’. (SSS Vol.21)
If your conduct is devoid of humanness, then you are not a human being. Act in a manner that befits your human birth. Anger is the quality of a dog. Monkey is known for its wavering nature. When you are angry, remind yourself, ‘I am not a dog, I am man.’ When your mind wavers, tell yourself repeatedly, ‘I am not a monkey, I am man.’ Patiently think about your real nature. (SSS Vol.32 Part II)
All are the children of God. Therefore, if at any time feelings of hatred develop between you and others, remind yourself that you are not separate from them. Consider that all are one, attain unity and experience its bliss. Seeing unity in diversity is divinity and true spirituality. Study of scriptures, performing rituals, doing worship, etc., do not signify true spirituality. Recognising the unity of the Atmic principle is true spirituality. (SSS Vol. 41, pp. 102-103)
Whatever work you undertake, do it with a sense of dedication to God. Sarva Karma Bhagavad Preetyartham (do all actions to please God). Always remind yourself that God is the doer and you are just an instrument in the hands of God. You can achieve anything in life, only when there is the Will of God. You perform your duty and remain as a witness to all that goes in the world. (SSS Vol.42, p. 28)
The world itself is a cosmic drama. You must constantly remind yourself that you are playing your role in the cosmic drama and your real nature is that you are an Embodiment of Divine Self (Atma Swarupa). (SSS Vol.42, p. 228)
When you are invaded by anger, practise silence or remember the name of the Lord. Do not remind yourself of things which will inflame the anger more. That will do incalculable harm. (San Vah, p. 57)