“In the realm of religion, shraddha, or faith, alone is the cause of well-being. Remember that your faith is the cause of your spiritual growth. Try to practice constant recollectedness of God, and pray to him wholeheartedly so that your mind dwells on him – then he will bestow grace on you. Happiness and misery are inevitable in life. Human life will be fruitful if we have devotion to God; otherwise it is mere suffering.”
(p. 68-9, Spiritual treasures, Swami Turiyananda’s letter dt. 1 November 1913)
“Life is not meant for the pleasure of the body. Realization of God alone is the goal of life. Now that you have attained this rare human birth, do not allow your life to be spent in vain. Realize the nature of the Self. The Master is your innermost Self; try to realize him. He is not just a man three and a half cubits in length; he is God himself; he is the very Self of all creatures. Once you realize him, your worldly bondage will be cut asunder forever; you will not have to undergo the round of birth and death anymore.”
(p. 215, For Seekers of God, Swami Shivananda’s instruction to a devotee on 1 November1929)