Swami Brahmdev Quotes - Aurovalley Ashram

A collection of quotes and teachings of Swami Brahmdev.

When a sculptor takes a stone, he removes all the unwanted parts and discovers the figure in that stone. Pain and pressure in life are processes that help remove all unwanted substances from our lives and realise our true Self.

What causes you pain often turns out to be the most beautiful blessing of your life. If any source gives you pain, feel gratitude for that. For suffering creates the opportunity for change. Sometimes we need pressure and pain to make us change for the better.

Aurobindo said that pain is a hammer in the hands of the Divine. Divinity is trying to make a true figure; He is removing all the unwanted substances very slowly, and all around you, for some it could also be their near and dear.

Thoughts on Relationship with Oneself – Swami Brahmdev

With consciousness we have created beautiful concepts. One of them is the idea of relationships. Whatever we create, whatever we discover, it is to make this life more comfortable, beautiful, peaceful and happy. The first relationship has to be with oneself. You must have a very clear relationship with yourself, knowing why you feel the way you do, why you think in a particular way. The first step is to be aware of your own self.

Why do we want a relationship? For happiness, for security? We have to establish a relationship with the Divine. And what is Divinity? The soul. You must have a relationship with your psyche; that relationship can give you everything you need, more than a hundred other relationships.

Swami Brahmdev is associated with the Aurovalley Ashram

An explanation of above statement

The statement 'pain is an hammer ....to their near and dear' attributed to Sri Aurobindo encapsulates a profound perspective on the nature of suffering and its role in spiritual growth. Let's delve deeper into this concept:

Pain as a Hammer: Sri Aurobindo suggests that pain serves as a tool wielded by the Divine, akin to a hammer shaping a piece of metal. This metaphor implies that pain, though often difficult to endure, has a purpose in the grand scheme of existence. Just as a hammer molds raw material into a desired form, pain may shape individuals, pushing them towards growth and transformation.

Divine Intervention: According to this viewpoint, the Divine is actively involved in the process of individual evolution. The Divine orchestrates experiences, including pain, with the intention of guiding individuals towards realizing their true selves. This perspective implies a sense of divine purpose and benevolence even in the face of suffering.

Removing Unwanted Substances: Pain is likened to a refining process, wherein the Divine gradually eliminates "unwanted substances" from individuals. These unwanted substances could represent aspects of the self such as ego, attachments, illusions, or negative patterns of thought and behavior. Painful experiences may serve to strip away these impediments, allowing individuals to move closer to their essence or higher consciousness.

Transformation and Growth: The process described suggests that pain is not arbitrary but serves a transformative purpose. By enduring and transcending pain, individuals may evolve spiritually, gaining insight, wisdom, and resilience along the way. Through this process, they may come to embody their true nature or divine potential more fully.

Suffering in Relationships: The mention of pain affecting "near and dear" suggests that suffering is not limited to individual experiences but also extends to relationships. Pain within relationships may serve a similar purpose of purification and growth, challenging individuals to confront and transcend their limitations, fostering deeper understanding, compassion, and connection.

In essence, Sri Aurobindo's perspective offers a profound interpretation of suffering as a catalyst for spiritual evolution, emphasizing the transformative potential inherent in the midst of pain and adversity. It invites individuals to perceive challenges as opportunities for growth, trusting in the guiding hand of the Divine even amidst life's most difficult moments.