Swami Premananda - Teachings

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AN INVITATION TO EXPERIENCE
SWAMI PREMANANDA

There is a famous Hindu saying, Ekam Sat Vidprah Bahutha Vadanthi, which means that truth is one but the saints call it by various names. It is only the presentation of the truth that differs. Swamiji says, "The truth is presented by all great teachers whether in the East or West, in their own language and to suit the people who listen according to their own culture or background. All great religious leaders teach the universality of religion. They see unity in diversity. All religions and religious philosophies lead man to the same goal, although they may differ in their dogmas, teachings, doctrines and modes of worship. Just as all the rivers ultimately flow into the mighty ocean, so too all religions lead man to the Almighty Principle - call it Truth, Atman, God, Nirvana or what you will. The paths are many according to the temperaments, capacities and culture of the individuals."

Swamiji gives many teachings for a happy, healthy and wholesome life. Those who follow his practical and down to earth guidelines come from all over the world, from all walks of life and levels of consciousness. He teaches each one individually and with the beauty of simple awareness. His teaching is universal. It encompasses all religions and cannot be attributed to any particular method or system. He encourages everyone to pursue the teaching of their own religion or philosophy, diligently and sincerely.

His main principles are love for the Divine in whatever form we prefer, purification of the mind through service or simple spiritual practices. All his advice centres around constantly remembering the Divinity within our own heart in every action and at all times. He says that we are all divine, only we do not know it, and that he is here to help us re-discover this Divinity and make us realise that we, too, are divine… Ultimately Swamiji concentrates on the importance of meditation as the means to self-realization. He discusses the nature of the impermanent physical body and explains that we can know the summit of human potential if we can link the permanent Self - which Swamiji prefers to call the atma - with our own spiritual reality. Throughout his words of love, guidance, humour and common sense runs a golden thread - that the road to enlightenment is one of non-attachment and mental cleanliness. (continue on next page)