Birth of Swami Vijnanananda (1868)
In the last years of his life, Swamiji’s mind was mostly absorbed in God-consciousness. One day Swamiji remarked: “I cannot say anything to Peshan because I see the Master in him.” To this Vijnanananda responded: “The Master dwells in every being. It is no wonder that you see the Master in me through your divine sight.” “No, Peshan,” said Swamiji. “It is not like that. I see distinctly that the Master has made his habitat in you nicely.”
(p.602, God lived with Them. Swami Vijnanananda was born on Friday, 30 Oct, 1868 in Etawah, Uttar Pradesh.)
What is the lesson of the Gita? It is what you get by repeating the word ten times. As you repeat ‘Gita’, ‘Gita’, the world becomes reversed into ‘tagi’, ‘tagi’ – which implies renunciation. He alone has understood the secret of the Gita who has renounced his attachment to ‘woman and gold’ and has directed his entire love to God.
(p.917, The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna, Thakur’s words to Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar at Shyampukur on 30 Oct, 1885)
Don’t be impatient. Go slow. Live a pure life. This is very important. The world means gold and lust. There are temptations on all sides. Always pray to the Lord” ‘Lord, please see that I do not succumb to the temptation of your power of maya, which bewitches the whole world. May I have faith and love for you, but I do not want anything in return!’ Pray like this. The Lord will than direct you along the right path. Know this for certain.
(p.90, Letters for Spiritual Seekers, Swami Shivananda’s letter from Almora on 30 Oct, 1914.)