Be What You Are Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha Be What You Are Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha Narayanashrama Tapovanam www.swamibhoomanandatirtha.org Be What You Are Author: Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha Published by © Managing Trustee Narayanashrama Tapovanam Venginissery, Paralam, P.O. Paralam Thrissur, Kerala 680 563, INDIA Email:
[email protected] Website: http://www.swamibhoomanandatirtha.org First Edition 1991 eBook Reprint Jun 2013 All rights are reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior written permission of the publisher. Foreword The association we seek, in ignorance, with worldly minded people leads to bondage. But the same association, if cultivated with holy men, leads to non- attachment .... [Srimad Bhaagavatam, Canto 3, Chapter 23, Shloka 55] A distinct urge to seek clear and correct answers to genuine questions is an indication that a person is now ready to tread the path of seeking and eventual fulfillment. The only requirement is that the seeker must develop genuine sraddha (attention) to find answers and do sadhana regularly. In our age-old Guru-sishya parampara (teacher- student tradition), involved in the ancient Gurukula mode of imparting spiritual wisdom, it is enjoined on the students to approach the Guru with utmost humility and earnestness. The Gita says: “With reverential salutations do you approach them- the wise men who have known the Truth. Serve them, and enquire from them with due respect, until your doubts are clarified. These wise men will impart the knowledge of this divine Truth to you.” (Chapter 4, sloka 34).