Divine Kriyavan,

It has been more than a month since your initiation and we hope that you are enjoying the
benefits of your meditation. As with anything new, in the beginning there is much to think
about; hopefully by now you are becoming familiar with the techniques and going more into
the experience of the meditation. Paramahamsa Prajnanananda said, “There is no
substitute for hard work. When Self-realization or spiritual growth is considered the
highest goal in spiritual achievement, it naturally requires continuous sincere effort.”

Both Gurudev Hariharananda and Paramahamsa Prajnanananda are excellent examples of

yogis who faithfully and consistently practiced their sadhana (spiritual practice) on the
path to Self-realization. In a discourse given by Paramahamsa Hariharananda, he talks
about the importance that consistency and discipline bring to the practice of meditation.

“Regularity in life is a key to success. If we look at nature we find there is regularity

and harmony everywhere. The sun rises regularly, the seasons occur at the same
time, most plants and animals are active in the daytime and rest at nighttime. In
the similar manner, spiritual seekers should be regular and sincere in their own
practices. It is a common experience that if students do not attend class for days, can
they follow the class material? It will be difficult. If they attend the class daily and
regularly, then they will grasp the continuity of the teachings...

“Just as a farmer cultivates and takes care of the farm regularly, similarly, sincere
meditators should prepare their body fields and mental functions carefully. Through
regular practice of meditation, the body and mind get well prepared to perceive
unmanifested divinity. So you should practice the techniques of meditation with love
and faith to know God....

“You should be consistent in your practice of meditation so that you will gradually
advance in the spiritual path. The child grows gradually. A student learns daily.
Through your sincere and regular practice you enter slowly into the field of
knowledge. Go deep into the soul. You will see brilliant light, which is beyond
imagination. Calmly remain inside. Be still and know that you are God. Penetrate
deepest into it and calmly watch.”

Sage Patanjali describes nicely, in Yoga Sutra 14 from Book 1 - The Samadhi Pada, the
characteristics of practice consisting of prahara (longer practice), nairantarya
(uninterrupted practice), satkara (devoted practice), and asevita (performed nicely;
repeated and regular practice).

It is relatively easy to read books, listen to discourses, and engage in philosophical

discussions; through these mediums you can gain some rudimentary understanding, but it
is no substitute for the experience that can only be gained through practice. Gurudev often
said, “An ounce of practice is far better than tons of theories.”
In Daily Reflections, Baba Prajnanananda tells a cute story of a conversation between a fox
and a cat describing the importance of practice.

My Guru’s Guru often told a story of a fox and a cat. They were friends and lived in
a forest.

One day they were discussing different ways in which they could escape danger.

The cat said, “I know of only one way, and that is to climb up a tree. How many ways
of saving yourself do you know?”

The fox said, “Oh, I have many techniques!” and produced a book describing them
throughout numerous pages.

While they were talking, a dog came to chase them.

The cat quickly climbed up a tree and was safe, while the fox had to search through
pages and pages of his book to know which technique to follow. It is not too difficult
to guess what happened to the fox. The moral of this story is that it is good to know
a little and to practice it, rather than to know a lot, and never put it into action.

Practice regularly; this is the only certain way to achieve success.

Let us contemplate the words of Paramahamsa Prajnanananda and bring more discipline,
love, and joy into our meditation.

“O Seeker! Practice, practice, practice. It will give you perfection. It has been
emphasized by the masters since time immemorial. Even in perfecting any worldly
skills, for example, singing, dancing, cooking, and other such activities, one can
easily see how repeated practice brings mastery and success. However, mechanical
practice is not enough. There is a need for joyful practice. So practice the
instructions of the guru preceptor with love and faith. It helps to be steadier in your
evolution.”

With love,
Mother Center