Swami Nirmalananda (1924 – 1997) of Vishwa Shanti Niketan Ashram. Swamiji lived a quiet life but his decision to enter into prayopavesa (fast to death) was made into an issue by secularists.
What is Prayopavesa? And Why It is Not Suicide?
There is a world of difference between prayopavesa and
suicide.
Suicide is a violent form of voluntary sudden death, inflicting pain
to the body. It's born out of dejection and disorientation of mind. It's
escapist in nature.
Prayopavesa is a nonviolent, spiritual form of voluntary,
slow dissolution of the body. It is done in quest of communion with Him after
fulfilling one's responsibilities in full. The extinction of life progresses
very slowly. To ensure slow, painless and conscious dissolution, the fasting
progresses in stages.
Swami Nirmalananda Teachings and Quotes
Wisdom to me is not a set of words, but freshness and emptiness of the mind. Empty the mind by self-observation, self-awareness and inner attention. Thus make the mind shine like a mirror. Then nothing is seen or known but the limitless radiance of eternity. This is a wonderful source of ever-renewed joy and inspiration beyond words.
Our modern society is engaged in polishing and decorating the cage in which man is kept imprisoned.
If you desire to live in peace, hear all that falls on your ears, see all that appears before your eyes, realize that everything is in accordance with the eternal law of nature, and be silent.
Smile shows that our goal is happiness. Wisdom to me is not a set of words, but freshness and emptiness of the mind! Empty out the mind by self-observation, self-awareness and inner attention. Thus make the mind shine like a mirror! Then nothing is seen or known but the limitless radiance of eternity! This is wonderful and a source of ever-renewed joy and inspiration beyond words!
Both time and space are a myth and the play-things of the mind. We should learn to live in the nameless, the spaceless and the timeless Reality which is the instant, precise and the priceless moment, otherwise known as Eternity.
The universe needs no correction. God's world is not
mismanaged by Him. First change yourself, then the world around would have
already changed for you.
If a man turns his attention within, he will be able to see
that a constant warfare is going on within his own mind between opposing ideas,
urges and desires. It is the sum total of all such conflicts that erupts as
open war between nations.
Swami Nirmalananda Thoughts on Self Awareness
Self-awareness or God-awareness means awareness of oneself, a condition which is free from thoughts.
One should be aware of oneself, but not thinking of oneself, all the time. When the mind is free from thoughts, the light of Heaven falls on us without any obstructions, bringing ineffable peace and inestimable joy.
Awareness is the eternal Presence. Awareness is not an act of our will. In simple self-awareness, we are able to find our wholeness and harmony. The impact of constant self-awareness is wonderful beyond words.
The sole aim of a spiritual aspirant is to bring about the annihilation of the mind or the slaying of the mind or the dead state of the mind by total attention, alertness and self-awareness. We then abide in Brahman by eliminating the mind-made miseries and problems.
Man is not only the cause of sorrow to himself but to others by his thoughtless words and actions. A totally harmless person alone can be absolutely free, fearless and happy.