We are not going to change the whole world, but we can change ourselves and feel free as birds. We can be serene even in the midst of calamities and, by our serenity, make others more tranquil. Serenity is contagious. If we smile at someone, he or she will smile back. And a smile costs nothing. We should plague everyone with joy. If we are to die in a minute, why not die happily, laughing? (136-137)
Swami SatchidanandaIf you do not pour water on your plant, what will happen? It will slowly wither and die. Our habits will also slowly wither and die away if we do not give them an opportunity to manifest. You need not fight to stop a habit. Just donโt give it an opportunity to repeat itself. (67)
Swami Satchidananda[O]ur own bodies are changing every second. Yet we take the body to be our Self; and, speaking in terms of it, we say, โI am hungryโ or โI am lameโ; โI am blackโ or โI am white.โ These are all just the conditions of the body. We touch the truth when we say, โMy body aches,โ implying the body belongs to us and that therefore we are not that. (87)
Swami SatchidanandaWe donโt exhaust the Bible even after reading it hundreds of times. Each time we read it we see it in a new light. That is the greatness of the holy scriptures. They are that way because they were created by holy prophets who experienced the truth. Each time we read these works we elevate ourselves to see a little more. (81)
Swami SatchidanandaDevotion gradually progresses to higher levels. . . . One type goes to God and asks Him to remove his suffering. Another one will ask for money or material things. A third will request liberation or release from his bondage. And the fourth will not ask for anything. He will just enjoy praying and praising his Lord. That is the highest form of prayer. (Beyond Word, 119)
Swami Satchidananda