In the midst of activities, see that there is a constant force which will keep your inner state always divine, equipoised and spiritual. You must develop the technique that you must not react. It is when man reacts to the actions of external forces that he fails and trouble comes.

The secrets of Yoga Sastra can only be imparted to that student who is Jita-Indriya and Abhyasa-sura, who has devotion to Guru, who has Vairagya, discrimination, who is firm in his determination and who has strong conviction in the existence of God.

Swami Sivananda knew all the answers.

How do we learn not to react? We practice breath awareness. Visualize our inhalation and exhalation for a few minutes. Then start counting our breaths. Start counting backwards, from 54 to 0. It is 54 in and 54 out. No errors, because if one forgets, then one has to start again. This leads to awareness and detachment. One does not engage with one’s thoughts. The thoughts and emotions become enfeebled. One then learns to be proactive.

Jit-Indriya is to conquer one’s senses. The practice of pratyahara leads to withdrawal of one’s senses.
Abhyasa-sura means dedicated spiritual practice.
Vairagya means to be detached and dispassionate.

Dear ones, our universal Guru tells us to be free of our thoughts, to be non-judgmental and dedicated to the spiritual path.

Aim Hrim Klim