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SELF CONTROL Kavitha in the Charotar region of the state of Gujarat. During his stay he was engrossed in his spiritual progress (Atma-Sadhana).
Once monk Mohanlal asked, "My mind is wavering all the time. What should I do to bring it under control ?"
Shrimad replied, "Do not waste even a moment. Read some good book by which detachment is enriched, ponder over its contents. In its absence, recite the name of God. Give no leisure to the mind. Let it have the food of good thoughts so that all other thoughts stop working on it. Until you come to a stage of control of the mind, behave exactly the reverse of what your mind tells you, let the mind not carry you away at its will." (2) Sadhana does not bear fruit till one is firm in observance of vows. These two incidents from the life of a sage Shree Ravishanker Maharaj indicate his firmness in observance of vows.
Ravi Shankar Maharaj was a great devotee of Mahatma Gandhiji. He lived in Gujurat in the early part of the present century. He was a symbol of selfless service to humanity. He lived a long, simple, patriotic, philanthropic life. He is remembered with great devotion and respect in the state of Gujurat.
Once during the hot summer, Maharaj was travelling through the Radhanpur area on his mission of service. In the desert area, the temperature was 120 F degrees. He was accustomed not to wear shoes, and Radhanpur was about ten miles away. On his way he felt thirsty and saw a temple on the road-side. Maharaj entered the temple for a glass of water. The care taker (Mahant) of the temple knew Maharaj and was delighted to see him. He gave him water mixed with sugar. He tasted the water and threw it out.
He asked the Mahant, "Did you mix sugar with this water?" "Yes sir."
Maharaj immediately got up and left. He did not want to break his vow of avoiding sugar in the water or other drinks. One hour later, when he reached the other town named Palanpur he drank water.
Once Maharj took a vow of not to use vehicles for travelling for some time. During this it happened that he had to see one of his relatives. The distance was thirty miles and the time at his disposal was thirty-six hours. He walked morning to evening
SAMYAMA
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