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Samarth Ramdas Teachings

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A small collection of teachings of Samarth Ramdas.

Real knowledge is Self Knowledge – Vision of the Self by the Self.

Real knowledge consists in knowing God, in recognizing His eternal form, in distinguishing the real from the unreal.

Real Knowledge goes beyond the mind, beyond the intellect, beyond all argumentation. It goes even beyond the Beyond, and beyond the highest stage of speech.

It is good to give advice to others that they should meditate on the supreme sentence, “That art thou”; but this does not mean that they should take a rosary in their hands and count the sentence in their minds.

What is wanted is meditation on the substance of that great Sentence…

Difficult indeed is that knowledge by which one attains to one’s Self, to one’s original Form, which is self born and eternal.

That indeed is the Form from which all this comes out. That is indeed the Form, by knowing which all ignorance comes to an end.
Samarth Ramdas

Samarth Ramdas, a 17th-century Indian saint, spiritual poet, and philosopher, is revered for his teachings that focus on devotion (bhakti), duty (dharma), self-discipline, and patriotism. His philosophy is encapsulated in his writings, most notably the "Dasbodh" and the "Manache Shlok," which offer practical guidance for leading a virtuous and purposeful life. Below are 30 of his important teachings and their relevance in the modern day:

1. Self-Discipline (Swa-Anushasan)

  • Teaching: Discipline your mind, speech, and actions. Control over oneself is the first step towards achieving anything in life.
  • Modern Relevance: In a world filled with distractions, self-discipline is essential for achieving personal and professional goals. It helps in maintaining focus, managing time effectively, and leading a balanced life.

2. Devotion to Duty (Kartavya Bhakti)

  • Teaching: Performing one’s duty with dedication and without attachment to the results is a form of devotion.
  • Modern Relevance: This is akin to the modern concept of work ethics. Doing one’s job with commitment and integrity, regardless of recognition or reward, leads to personal fulfillment and societal progress.

3. Detachment (Vairagya)

  • Teaching: Cultivate detachment from material possessions and pleasures to attain true freedom.
  • Modern Relevance: In today’s consumer-driven society, practicing detachment helps reduce stress, anxiety, and fosters a more meaningful life not based solely on material success.

4. Continuous Learning (Nitya Abhyasa)

  • Teaching: Always strive to learn and improve. Knowledge and wisdom are ever-expanding.
  • Modern Relevance: In an era of rapid change, continuous learning is crucial for personal and professional growth, adaptability, and staying relevant.

5. Selfless Service (Nishkama Karma)

  • Teaching: Engage in actions that are beneficial to others without expecting anything in return.
  • Modern Relevance: Acts of selfless service promote social harmony and community development, reducing societal inequalities and fostering a spirit of empathy and cooperation.

6. Mind Control (Manobala)

  • Teaching: Control your mind to avoid being swayed by emotions and desires.
  • Modern Relevance: Mindfulness and mental resilience are essential in the modern age to deal with stress, anxiety, and emotional turbulence.

7. Unity and Brotherhood (Ekta and Sahodarya)

  • Teaching: Foster unity among people and promote a sense of brotherhood.
  • Modern Relevance: In a world divided by race, religion, and nationality, promoting unity and understanding is essential for global peace and cooperation.

8. Truthfulness (Satya)

  • Teaching: Always speak the truth and stand by it, even in adversity.
  • Modern Relevance: Truthfulness builds trust and integrity in personal relationships and professional environments, which is foundational for any stable society.

9. Humility (Vinaya)

  • Teaching: Be humble in your thoughts, words, and actions.
  • Modern Relevance: Humility allows for open-mindedness, encourages learning from others, and fosters positive interpersonal relationships.

10. Courage and Strength (Sahas and Shakti)

  • Teaching: Cultivate courage and inner strength to face challenges.
  • Modern Relevance: The modern world is full of uncertainties and adversities. Courage helps in facing challenges head-on, while inner strength supports perseverance.

11. Patriotism (Deshbhakti)

  • Teaching: Love and serve your country selflessly.
  • Modern Relevance: Patriotism encourages responsible citizenship, promotes social welfare, and inspires people to contribute positively to national development.

12. Righteous Living (Dharma)

  • Teaching: Live righteously, adhering to moral and ethical principles.
  • Modern Relevance: Ethical living is essential in a world facing corruption and moral degradation. It helps in building a just and equitable society.

13. Contentment (Santosh)

  • Teaching: Be content with what you have; avoid unnecessary desires.
  • Modern Relevance: Contentment reduces stress and fosters a sense of gratitude, leading to mental peace and happiness.

14. Spiritual Practice (Sadhana)

  • Teaching: Engage in regular spiritual practices to connect with the divine.
  • Modern Relevance: Spiritual practices like meditation, prayer, and mindfulness contribute to mental well-being and inner peace, essential in today’s fast-paced life.

15. Self-Realization (Atma Jnana)

  • Teaching: Strive for self-realization to understand your true nature beyond the ego.
  • Modern Relevance: Self-awareness is key to personal development, emotional intelligence, and meaningful relationships.

16. Wisdom (Prudence)

  • Teaching: Use wisdom and discretion in all actions.
  • Modern Relevance: In a complex world, wisdom is necessary for making sound decisions and navigating life's challenges effectively.

17. Overcoming Laziness (Alasya Nivaran)

  • Teaching: Avoid laziness; be proactive and diligent in your efforts.
  • Modern Relevance: Laziness hinders progress and productivity. Overcoming it leads to personal achievement and societal contribution.

18. Avoiding Bad Company (Durjana Sang Nivarana)

  • Teaching: Stay away from negative influences and bad company.
  • Modern Relevance: Associating with positive, like-minded individuals enhances personal growth and fosters a supportive community.

19. Non-Violence (Ahimsa)

  • Teaching: Practice non-violence in thoughts, words, and actions.
  • Modern Relevance: Non-violence promotes peace, reduces conflict, and fosters harmonious relationships in diverse societies.

20. Balanced Mind (Sthira Chitta)

  • Teaching: Maintain a balanced and stable mind, free from extremes of emotion.
  • Modern Relevance: Emotional balance is crucial for mental health and effective decision-making in personal and professional spheres.

21. Service to Guru (Guru Seva)

  • Teaching: Serve your teacher or mentor with devotion and respect.
  • Modern Relevance: Respect for educators and mentors fosters a culture of learning and gratitude, essential for personal and societal growth.

22. Renunciation of Ego (Ahamkara Tyaga)

  • Teaching: Let go of ego to achieve true wisdom and peace.
  • Modern Relevance: Ego often leads to conflict and misunderstanding. Renouncing it fosters humility, cooperation, and better relationships.

23. Charity and Generosity (Daan)

  • Teaching: Be generous and charitable to those in need.
  • Modern Relevance: Charity promotes social welfare, reduces inequality, and fosters a sense of community and compassion.

24. Seeking the Company of the Wise (Satsang)

  • Teaching: Spend time with wise and virtuous individuals.
  • Modern Relevance: Positive influences and mentorship help in personal growth, learning, and character building.

25. Moderation in Speech (Vaani Niyantran)

  • Teaching: Speak with caution and avoid excessive or harmful speech.
  • Modern Relevance: Thoughtful communication is crucial in preventing misunderstandings, fostering respect, and building effective relationships.

26. Purity of Heart (Shuddha Hriday)

  • Teaching: Maintain purity of heart and intention.
  • Modern Relevance: A pure heart leads to sincerity in actions and relationships, fostering trust and integrity.

27. Perseverance (Dridhata)

  • Teaching: Be persistent in your efforts, regardless of difficulties.
  • Modern Relevance: Perseverance is essential in achieving long-term goals and overcoming challenges in both personal and professional life.

28. Faith in God (Ishwar Bhakti)

  • Teaching: Have unwavering faith in the divine, regardless of circumstances.
  • Modern Relevance: Faith provides comfort and strength in difficult times, fostering resilience and hope.

29. Gratitude (Kritajnyata)

  • Teaching: Be grateful for what you have and express gratitude regularly.
  • Modern Relevance: Gratitude enhances well-being, promotes positive emotions, and strengthens relationships.

30. Conquering Fear (Bhaya Nivaran)

  • Teaching: Overcome fear through knowledge, faith, and courage.
  • Modern Relevance: Conquering fear is essential for taking risks, making bold decisions, and pursuing growth opportunities in life.

Samarth Ramdas’s teachings are timeless and offer a robust framework for leading a balanced, ethical, and purposeful life. In today's fast-paced and often chaotic world, these principles are highly relevant and provide practical wisdom for personal and societal well-being.