April 23, 2025
In the ashram, I had the job of recording Swami Sivananda’s dialogues with visitors, and in the course of my work, as I listened, my doubts were forestalled. Over a period of time something happens within you, as you go on inhaling this perfume, and you become that perfume. It's a process from within to without, quite different from the cosmetic approach.
When I learn something intellectually, it is an external thing, which I apply. It is also possible that, if I go on applying it thickly enough, some of the juice enters into me; possible, but a bit tricky.
The other way is to swallow or inhale it so that, from within, it blossoms out like a lotus. When this opportunity is not available though, I must try to apply it, and the scriptures guide me by providing the landmarks, the teacher helps me by correcting the errors. The spirit that says, “My yoga is cosmetic,” is a healthy, living spirit that has the courage to deal with that fault.