THE VISION, December 2025, Vol 93, Issue 3:
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Beloved Readers,
Every endeavour succeeds only when we pause to analyse and evaluate it — a simple trial-and-error process which we have practised since childhood. We observed what we did and if the outcomes led to success, we retained it; if they pointed towards failure, we corrected ourselves, either through our own effort or by seeking guidance. Mahatmas remind us that this same approach is essential on the spiritual path. Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas says: “Watchfulness should be the principal trait in the Sadhaka, who is striving to purify and direct his mind towards the indwelling Reality. He should be alert, awake and heedful. He should closely watch the movements of his mind and gradually wean it away from the path of ignorance and guide it on the path of knowledge.”
Self-discipline begins with creating order around us — not for display, but to free the mind. Order gives freedom; what we call spontaneity without it is usually chaos. True spontaneity arises only after order is established. Our room, books and work — whether household or professional — should reflect this harmony. Even our eating and sleeping habits deserve order. Yet order must be firm without becoming rigid; firmness in conviction should go hand-in-hand with flexibility towards others.
This month’s issue of THE VISION shares insights on self-analysis and self-discipline from various Mahatmas.
— EDITOR
AS WE SCROLL DOWN...
- ‘Self-Analysis and Self-Discipline’ — as Swami Ramdas teaches, are essential tools for true spiritual growth, which begins by turning the torch of judgment inwards. By recognising our own weaknesses, ego and inner impurities, and by cultivating prayer, self-discipline, holy company and acts of love, we remove the obstacles that veil the Truth within and awaken to its peace, power and joy.
- ‘Words of Beloved Papa Swami Ramdas’ — reminds us that criticism, instead of provoking hurt, can become a blessing when received in a spirit of humility. By honestly recognising our own defects, cultivating simplicity, childlike openness and inner freedom, and by seeing God in all beings beyond external appearances, we grow in true beauty — the beauty of the heart.
- ‘Words of Pujya Mataji Krishnabai’ — reveal how true Sadhana begins by seeing Papa in all. By honestly pointing out lapses, reflecting inwardly and asking ourselves, “If this were Papa, would I react in the same way?”, the ego gradually dissolves. This practice transforms our vision, enabling us to see Papa in everyone and relate to all with the same love and reverence; this is the dawn of God-realisation.
- ‘Words of Pujya Swami Satchidananda’ — make us aware that although we have tasted the rare peace of spiritual life, we often still stand with one foot in the world and the other in the spiritual realm. Swamiji urges us not to reject worldly life but to Divinise it — to unite both into one by performing every worldly action in a spiritual way. With earnest effort and perseverance, worldly and Adhyatmic life become one seamless, God-centred journey.
- ‘Editor Answers’ — highlights that self-analysis and self-discipline become natural only when rooted in a higher purpose. With a clear “why,” a gentle and loving attitude, and small, consistent daily steps, these practices transform from burdens into joyful tools for inner growth, helping us refine our thoughts, behaviour and awareness with quiet steadiness and grace.
- ‘The Gita Touch in Daily Life’ — through a real-life incident of a child’s narrow escape, illustrates the importance of pausing before acting. Just as Arjuna sought a moment to observe and reflect before the battle, taking a simple pause — such as closing a gate or assessing a situation — can prevent harm and bring clarity, turning impulsive action into thoughtful, conscious choice.
- ‘Seeking the Deeper “I”’ — Eckhart Tolle explains that the “I” we usually identify with is a fleeting, mind-made story shaped by past conditioning and future desires. By becoming aware of this egoic self and giving full attention to the present moment, we awaken to the deeper “I” — the timeless awareness that observes everything. In this shift from seeking to Presence, a greater Intelligence begins to guide our life.
- ‘Self-Enquiry’ — Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi explains is constantly inquiring “Who am I?” and tracing all other thoughts back to the Source. The mind’s origin is the ‘I’ thought arising in the heart, which gradually becomes quiescent through this enquiry. With persistent practice, the seeker realises the Self, as the mind returns to its Source and all other thoughts dissolve.
- ‘Introspect: “Who Am I”’ — urges Nisargadatta Maharaj. Self-knowledge begins not by finding what we are, but by recognising all that we are not. As we drop fixed ideas about ourselves, our natural state of Pure Awareness shines forth. Through sincere enquiry — asking “Who am I?” or resting in the simple feeling “I am” — and by living a pure, orderly life that watches thoughts, feelings and actions, clarity dawns and the truth of our own Being becomes self-revealing.
- ‘Epistles Of Swami Ramdas’ — reveals that when the Divine Name takes root in the mind, peace naturally settles and all actions arising from this calm state become pure and beneficent. By maintaining watchfulness over our actions and accepting God-given situations without fretting, we cultivate enduring inner peace and live in the boundless love and joy that flow from communion with the Divine.
- ‘In Memoriam’
- ‘Anandashram News’:
- ‘Book In Focus’
- ‘Thought For The Month’
- ‘Download THE VISION’ in PDF format and the Audio Book.
SELF-ANALYSIS AND SELF-DISCIPLINE
By Swami Ramdas
A man in his ego-centric attitude sits in judgment on other’s conduct and ways, while, in himself, he has innumerable defects and frailties which need to be scrutinised and eradicated. Introspection and direct examination of his own heart are essential for a man who wishes to make himself pure and thereby prepare himself for obtaining eternal peace and happiness which his soul thirsts for. It is rightly said, ‘judge not lest ye be judged.’ Let the torch of criticism aimed at others be directed against oneself. Let the pride with which one is obsessed, be laid in the dust. Let him know where he stands, what he is, what his inner cravings are, what is the disease that has seized his soul, what are the impurities lurking in his mind, what is the great obstacle that stands between him and the immortal bliss and peace, and what are the bonds that keep him tied down to the low levels of life and prevent him from soaring into the heaven of his real life and being — the Eternal Truth. When he has thus, by deep reflection, discovered what he is, he can through prayer, self-discipline, company of great souls, and acts of love and compassion, get rid of all impediments, mental obsessions, nay, darkness that envelops his soul, and realise the splendour, power, peace and joy of the great Truth that dwells within him.
WORDS OF BELOVED PAPA SWAMI RAMDAS
One Maharashtrian saint says, “Oh God, give me a neighbour who is a slanderer.” Why? “Because,” he says, “he is apprising me of defects. Then I can get those defects removed by praying to God. My friends always extol my good qualities only and do not dwell on my shortcomings. So the slanderer is my real friend.”
Ordinarily, you flare up when anybody talks ill of you. Whereas a saint takes such criticisms in the best spirit. If you look into yourself, you will find you have more defects than others find in you. By self-analysis you can discover where your defects lie and how to remedy them. There is virtue in humility; there is vice in pride. Be simple; be free from egoistic feeling of any kind, be childlike, open and frank. Do not give up inner freedom. Do not bind yourself by any ties. Give love to all alike. Above all, see God in all beings and creatures and things. Do not be beguiled by external appearances. In his Western tours Ramdas was put, so many times, the question: “What is beauty?” Ramdas said, “Handsome is as handsome does.” Beauty of the heart is beauty. Not mere external beauty. See God in all beings. That is the way of seeing beauty.
WORDS OF PUJYA MATAJI KRISHNABAI
In the past, when anybody did something wrong before my very eyes, I used to gloss over the incident but, nowadays, I make it a point to tell the person concerned about his lapse, then and there, so that he may not only correct himself but also use this opportunity to draw closer to Papa. What Sadhana will you do if you do not, in the first place, learn to see Papa in all forms? Papa did the same thing to me. He used to tell me to see Him in whosoever did me any wrong or whosoever I did a wrong to. At first, Papa asked me to think of anyone nearest and dearest to me in my circle of relations. But, I could not think of anyone. I realised that nobody was dear to me now except Papa Himself. Then, Papa said, “All right, see Ramdas in the people around you. And, whenever you go wrong anywhere, just reflect to yourself — if it were Ramdas, would you have felt sore towards that person or done the same wrong.” By this process of self-analysis, the ego dropped away and I began to see Papa in all, as all. This was the beginning of God-realisation. Seeing Papa in all and behaving towards everybody as we would towards Papa is indeed the means of overcoming our sense of injury or sore feelings towards anyone.”
WORDS OF PUJYA SWAMI SATCHIDANANDA
You have all come here today because you are clearly interested in a spiritual life. This also shows you have understood the futility of merely running after the transitory worldly pleasures. You must also have tasted the sweetness of the spiritual life. By sweetness I mean the unearthly peace you enjoy the moment you take to it. But the paradox is that in spite of having experienced this unearthly peace, we are not able to stick to it, i.e. take to it whole-heartedly. In other words, we are now having our legs in two boats, viz., the Samsaric — worldly — boat and the Adhyatmic — spiritual — boat. It may be all right for sometime but ultimately we have to keep both our legs in one boat or make the two boats into one by placing two planks and tying them together, meaning, instead of rejecting the worldly life in favour of the Adhyatmic life, we should be able to divinise the worldly life. In other words, there will be no difference between the Adhyatmic life and worldly life. When two boats are tied together, it can carry more passengers and more weight. It may appear to be difficult in the beginning but it is certainly possible if efforts are put forth with earnestness and perseverance.
EDITOR ANSWERS
Question: Though it is inspiring to speak of self-analysis and self-discipline, practising them is far more challenging. How do we make these ideals practically applicable in daily life?
Answer: Self-analysis and self-discipline become difficult only when they are treated as tasks or burdens. They become natural and joyful when they are rooted in a higher purpose. Three things can guide us and make the practice steady:
- A Clear “Why”: When the purpose is strong, the discipline becomes effortless. If we remember: “I am refining myself to express greater peace, clarity and love,” the mind cooperates willingly.
- A Loving Attitude, Not Harsh Control: Discipline is not suppression. It is self-care and self-respect. Self-analysis is not finding faults but finding direction. When approached gently, the practice becomes nourishing.
- Consistent Small Steps: Transformation happens not through big plans, but through small, regular touches. A drop every day fills the vessel:
- A few minutes of reflection at night,
- One conscious change in behaviour,
- One thought refined each day.
Ultimately, what sustains self-analysis and self-discipline is love for our own inner growth. When the goal is clear, the effort becomes a joy.
THE GITA TOUCH IN DAILY LIFE
Chapter 1, Shloka 21 — Evaluate
Devan, a lively six-year-old, was playing joyfully in his front yard when his ball rolled out of the open gate and bounced onto the main road. Acting on pure instinct, Devan dashed after it, unaware of the danger that awaited him. At that very moment, a speeding car came hurtling down the road. Pradeep, the alert driver, slammed on the brakes, stopping just in time — mere feet from the little boy. Devan, blissfully unaware of his brush with danger, picked up his ball and ran back inside the gate.
Shaken, Pradeep parked his car and approached the house. When Devan’s grandfather answered the door, Pradeep gently explained what had happened and suggested, “He’s too young to grasp the danger, but a simple act of keeping the gate shut could prevent a serious accident.”
The grandfather listened, his initial concern giving way to deep gratitude. He realised that Devan’s impulsive dash for the ball could have ended in tragedy — and that a small pause, a moment of awareness, or even the simple act of closing a gate, could make all the difference.
As Devan’s grandfather reflected, he recalled this Shloka, where, before the battle of Kurukshetra, Arjuna asks Krishna to pause and place his chariot in the middle of the two armies to observe, reflect and fully understand the situation before acting.
सेनयोरुभयोर्मध्ये रथं स्थापय मेऽच्युत
यावदेतान्निरीक्षेऽहं योद्धुकामानवस्थितान्
“Place my chariot in the midst of the two armies, O Achyuta,
that I may observe those who stand here eager to fight.”
Before rushing into action, whether in play, work or life’s great battles, it is wise to pause, observe and assess the situation, just as Arjuna did before the war. Pradeep similarly pointed out that before the child is allowed to play in the garden, it is essential to take the relevant precautionary measures, like closing the main gate, etc.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us that clarity and safety come from thoughtful reflection and conscious choices. Sometimes, a small pause can make all the difference between danger and safety, regret and gratitude, confusion and wisdom.
SEEKING THE DEEPER ‘I’
By Eckhart Tolle
When you think or speak about yourself, when you say, “I,” what you usually refer to is “me and my story.” This is the “I” of your likes and dislikes, fears and desires, the “I” that is never satisfied for long. It is a mind-made sense of who you are, conditioned by the past and seeking to find its fulfilment in the future. Can you see that this “I” is fleeting, a temporary formation, like a wave pattern on the surface of the water? Who is it that sees this? Who is it that is aware of the fleetingness of your physical and psychological form? I am. This is the deeper “I” that has nothing to do with past and future.
***
The egoic self is always engaged in seeking. It is seeking more of this or that to add to itself, to make itself feel more complete. This explains the ego’s compulsive preoccupation with the future. Whenever you become aware of yourself “living for the next moment,” you have already stepped out of that egoic mind pattern, and the possibility of choosing to give your full attention to this moment arises simultaneously. By giving your full attention to this moment, an intelligence far greater than the egoic mind enters your life.
Source: Stillness Speaks
SELF-ENQUIRY
By Bhagavan Ramana Maharshi
Questioner: What is the path of inquiry for understanding the nature of the mind?
Maharshi: If one inquires as to where in the body the thought ‘I’ rises first, one would discover that it rises in the heart. That is the place of the mind’s origin. Even if one thinks constantly ‘I’ ‘I’, one will be led to that place. Of all the thoughts that arise in the mind, the ‘I’ thought is the first. It is only after the rise of this that the other thoughts arise.
Questioner: How will the mind become quiescent?
Maharshi: By the inquiry ‘Who am I?’. The thought ‘who am I?’ will destroy all other thoughts, and like the stick used for stirring the burning pyre, it will itself in the end get destroyed. Then, there will arise Self-realisation.
Questioner: What is the means for constantly holding on to the thought ‘Who am I?’
Maharshi: When other thoughts arise, one should not pursue them, but should inquire: ‘To whom do they arise?’ It does not matter how many thoughts arise. As each thought arises, one should inquire with diligence, “To whom has this thought arisen?” The answer that would emerge would be “To me”. Thereupon if one inquires “Who am I?”, the mind will go back to its Source; and the thought that arose will become quiescent. With repeated practice, the mind will develop the skill to stay in its Source.
Source: Who Am I? - (Nan Yar?)
INTROSPECT: ‘WHO AM ‘I’
By Nisargadatta Maharaj
Q: What does it mean to know myself? By knowing myself what exactly do I come to know?
M: All that you are not.
Q: And not what I am?
M: What you are, you already are. By knowing what you are not, you are free of it and remain in your own natural state. It all happens quite spontaneously and effortlessly.
Q: I do not understand!
M: It is your fixed idea that you must be something or other, that blinds you.
Q: How can I get rid of this idea?
M: If you trust me, believe when I tell you that you are the Pure Awareness that illuminates consciousness and its infinite content. Realise this and live accordingly. If you do not believe me, then go within, enquiring ‘What am I?’ or, focus your mind on ‘I am’, which is pure and simple being.
Q: On what does my faith in you depend?
M: On your insight into other people’s hearts. If you cannot look into my heart, look into your own.
Q: I can do neither.
M: Purify yourself by a well-ordered and useful life. Watch over your thoughts, feelings, words and actions. This will clear your vision.
Source: I Am That
EPISTLES OF SWAMI RAMDAS
Beloved Ram,
…When the Name begins to work in the mind, automatically peace settles upon it. All actions proceeding from this calm state of mind become naturally pure and therefore beneficent… A constant watch upon our actions is still necessary, lest we might do such acts as would throw us into forgetfulness of God… Let us not fret over situations that God has given us… It is a mistake to think that by mere change of situation or activity we can attain to peace…
Ramdas, by His will, now stays in a newly built Ashram, called “Anandashram.” As usual, Ramdas is swimming in a veritable ocean of love and joy. His kindness and love are boundless…
IN MEMORIAM
- Smt Gouramma (aged 80), an old and ardent devotee of the Ashram from Bangalore and the wife of Sri BC Sannappa was called by Beloved Papa on the 4th of November 2025.
- Smt Kamini Gupta (aged 77), another ardent devotee of the Ashram from the Sagarlal Gupta family of Hyderabad, dropped her mortal coil on the 11th of November 2025.
- Smt Savitri Lalwani (aged 86), also an ardent devotee of the Ashram from Baroda and the wife of the Late Sri JP Lalwani, attained the holy feet of the Lord on the 20th of November 2025.
We pray for Beloved Papa’s unbounded blessings on the dear departed souls for eternal rest and peace at HIS lotus feet.
ANANDASHRAM NEWS
15500-CRORE NAMA JAPA YAGNA FOR WORLD PEACE:
The total Japa received in the fourth round of the 15500-Crore Nama Japa Yagna for World Peace in the month of October 2025 is 210 crores, chanted by 181633 devotees.
The grand total of the Japa done so far in this round now stands at 6040 crores.
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SESSIONS WITH CHILDREN AT ANAND KUTIR IN ANANDASHRAM:
In the month of October 2025, 9 interactive sessions were conducted at Anand Kutir, with 326 students participating from the following institutions: GHSS Kakkat, Unity Nursing School Kanhangad, Nithyananda Polytechnic Kanhangad, GHSS Hosdurg, Chinmaya Vidyalaya Kanhangad, Angel Care Nursing College Parakkalai, Udaya Nagar HS, Sri Vishnu Vidyalaya Paravanadukkam, and Chinmaya Vidyalaya Kasaragod.
As the sessions are free from teaching and preaching, they help the children bring out their own learnings:
- Aaradhya said, “It reminded me of my duties and responsibilities.”
- Tejas noted, “I understood how important others are in our lives.”
- Keerthana reflected, “I realised that patriotism can be expressed through small things.”
- Niranjan expressed, “I have become aware of the mistakes I have made in my relationship with my mother over the years.”
- Rajith said, “From now on, I will wash my clothes myself.”
- Diya shared, “I will make an effort to understand things from others’ points of view.”
- Aryaratish stated, “I understand that my behaviour towards others should be peaceful.”
- Sneha noted, “I will change the way I observe life and learn to speak, act and listen with care.”
- Aryake reflected, “I realised that my role is to foster peace within myself and in the lives of those around me.”
- Tanush said, “I will take responsibility for my own decisions and work on reducing anger.”
MOUNA SADHANA IN ANANDASHRAM:
A day-long Mouna Sadhana is scheduled on the 14th of December 2025. Devotees interested in participating may kindly inform through WhatsApp (+91-9037466744) or by email (pms.anandashram@gmail.com).
103RD SANNYAS DAY OF BELOVED PAPA SWAMI RAMDAS:
The 103rd Sannyas Day of Beloved Papa falls on the 27th December 2025. As spiritual children of Beloved Papa, we lovingly remember that it was on this sacred day that Vittal Rao renounced worldly ties, took to Sannyas, became Swami Ramdas and later our Beloved Papa.
Sannyas Day is a reminder to become more earnest in our spiritual pursuit and to reaffirm the ideals Beloved Papa placed before us: to love all and serve all, seeing the Lord in everyone. May He bless us to intensify our Sadhana and walk steadfastly on the path of Universal Love and Service.
BOOK IN FOCUS
‘In Quest Of God’ — Centenary Tribute
‘In Quest of God’ stands as the timeless classic that introduced the world to Swami Ramdas’ radiant God-intoxicated life.
This year celebrates a hundred years of a book that continues to awaken faith, courage and surrender in seekers across generations.
A vivid narrative of Papa’s first year of wandering after renouncing everything, it captures his total reliance on God alone — accepting hunger, danger, joy and grace with the same serene trust. Every episode reveals his Universal Vision, free from all sense of ‘otherness,’ and his unshakeable conviction that the Divine guides every step.
Simple yet soul-stirring, this chronicle remains a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that complete surrender to God is not only possible, but beautifully transformative.
Available in English, Hindi, Kannada, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu.
THOUGHT FOR THE MONTH
“It is essential the Sadhaka should watch every step he takes on the spiritual path. He must control his thoughts, feelings, words and actions. His thoughts should always dwell in the oneness of all objects and things. His feelings should be pure and go out in love and sympathy towards the whole creation. His actions should be a spontaneous outflow of his dynamic nature.”
— Swami Ramdas
DOWNLOAD THE VISION
Devotees can download the PDF version or the audio book of this issue of THE VISION by clicking on the relevant links.
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