Be At Peace with Yourself

Bhakta: When there is no peace of mind where can one get rest?

Swami: Well my boy, rest is for the sake of peace of mind. Once you have that peace, where is the need for rest? There is need for a bandage until the wound heals; after that, what is its use?

Bhakta: Swami, right now my mind is restless. I cannot decide upon anything. I do not know what is the reason. What shall I do?

Swami: Well, there is no effect without a cause. You do certainly know the cause of your present condition… Well, nothing else need be done. At such times of mental pain, do namasmarana [repetition of the Lords name] for a while sitting in a lonely place; or sing bhajans [devotional songs] in a loud voice; or, if that is not possible, spread the bed and go to sleep for some time. Thereafter you can think about all this.

Bhakta: How then can I have peace of mind when another person disrespects the one I love the most, or finds fault with it?

Swami: Well, a good person who has understood what is atmavichara [self enquiry] will not blame the things that others love. Nor will he even associate with such men. For he would argue within himself, that when he blames another’s Ishtam [chosen deity], he will feel as much pain as he himself feels when his own Ishtam is blamed. Therefore, be at peace with yourself, realizing that such people are ignorant of atmavichara. As you are engaged in atmavichara, you should have nothing to do with ignorant people.