Renunciation and Surrender

The life of renunciation is the only life that can make us truly happy. No other life can ever do so. It is certain that one day we shall have to give up everything whether we want to or not. It is much better to give it up gladly and freely before we are compelled to do so. But if one cannot do that, the next best course is to turn everything over to Mother and abide by her decree. Know her to be the only guide in life under all conditions. Pleasure and pain pass away. They do not last long. We gather knowledge through experience; and by not identifying ourselves with pain or pleasure we gain freedom. Be always content with what Mother ordains. She knows what is best for us. Such a life also brings peace and consolation; and then the world can do us no harm.

You are Mother's children; you need not be afraid of the world. Be devoted to her and she will take care of you. She alone is Real. All else is vanity and vexation. Did not Jesus say, "What shall it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?" Mother is the Soul of our souls. If we have her we no longer care much for the things of this world.

The world goes on in its way and will continue to do so for all eternity. But he who sees Mother in everything and knows for certain that it is all her play will have rest for his soul and peace within. May we see her hand and guidance in everything. May she bless us.

Yours in the Mother,
Turiyananda

(Written from Rishikesh on 17 February 1914 to a student from California.) From: Spiritual Treasures: Letters of Swami Turiyananda, trans. and ed. Swami Chetanananda (St Louis: Vedanta Society, 1992), 251.

Gaining Control of the Passions

You need not take to such awful measures to get control over your passions. Such drastic and cruel means are for the tamasic—mudha. Mother will not put you to such violent methods in order to gain mastery over carnal desires. They will go away of themselves when your desire for realizing the Mother would increase, as a man would not care to have treacle after he has tasted candy. So when you get real taste for divine pleasure all craving for sense pleasure will cease to trouble you anymore. One thing that is needful for you just now is to think of Mother and Mother alone and to look to nothing [else] for help or guidance. Have absolute faith in Mother that she will protect you and lead you aright, and you will be saved for certain. …
For you is the path of love and not torture. Love for Mother will take away the love for the flesh from your mind.
(Written from Almora on 3 November 1916 to Dr D'Mello)
From: Spiritual Treasures: Letters of Swami Turiyananda, trans. and ed. Swami Chetanananda (St Louis: Vedanta Society, 1992), 255.