Introduction 39(rdoration) rather than for bhoga (enjoyment), that all creation is
divine, that there is divinity within himself and that the energy which
moves him is the same that moves the entire universe.
According to Sri Vinoba Bhave (the leader of the Bhoodan move
ment), svadhyaya is the study of one subject which is the basis or root
of all other subjects or actions, upon which the others rest, but which
itself does not rest upon anything.
To make life healthy, happy and peaceful, it is essential to study
regularly divine literature in a pure place. This study of the sacred
books of the world will enable the sadhaka to concentrate upon and
solve the difficult problems of life when they arise. It will put an end
to ignorance and bring knowledge. Ignorance has no beginning, but
it has an end. There is a beginning but no end to knowledge. By
svadhyaya the sadhaka understands the nature of his soul and gains
communion with the divine. The sacred books of the world are for all
to read. They are not meant for the members of one particular faith
alone. As bees savour the nectar in various flowers, so the sadhaka
absorbs things in other faiths which will enable him to appreciate his
own faith better.
Philology is not a language but the science of languages, the study
of which will enable the student to learn his own language better.
Similarly, Yoga is not a religion by itself. It is the science of religions,
the study of which will enable a sadhaka the better to appreciate his
own faith.
/Svara - pranid. hiina. Dedication to the Lord of one's actions and will is
ISvara praJ?.idhana. He who has faith in God does not despair. He has
illumination (tejas). He who knows that all creation belongs to the
Lord will not be puffed up with pride or drunk with power. He will
not stoop for selfish purposes; his head will bow only in worship.
When the waters of bhakti (adoration) are made to flow through the
turbines of the mind, the result is mental power and spiritual illumina
tion. While mere physical strength without bhakti ·is lethal, mere
adoration without strength of character is like an opiate. Addiction to
pleasures destroys both power and glory. From the gratification of the
senses as they run after pleasures arise moha (attachment) and lobha
(greed) for their repetition. If the senses are not gratified, then, there
is soka (sorrow). They have to be curbed with knowledge and forbear
ance; but to control the mind is more difficult. After one has exhausted
one's own resources and still not succeeded, one turns to the Lord for
help for He is the source of all power. It is at this stage that bhakti
begins. In bhakti, the mind, the intellect and the will are surrendered
to the Lord and the sadhaka prays: 'I do not know what is good for