Page 65 - My Father-Final Book

One lesson that my father gave me and that I did not follow it for more than 50 years of my life was that one should spend less than what one earns. My father protected me even when I did not follow this advice. However, at some points in my life, I did have to go through troubles when I did not follow this advice. After several mistakes, I took this lesson seriously and I found my life became joyful and spiritual studies became smoother when I followed this advice.
Another lesson that my father repeated several times, but that was hard to follow, was that one should have sufficient control over one’s eating. The way he stated this was, “the one who does not have control over the mouth cannot have control over the anus”. My father made most of his teaching in extremely simple words. He did not repeat one advice many times at one single sitting. And, he did not force one to follow his advice. He kept aloof in a way. However, he did protect me even when I was making mistakes. I do not know why.
Sometimes, I used to praise certain people who looked praiseworthy to me, in front of my father. My father told me that one who is spiritually great can do sacrifice for others and I should check whether the person I praise is attached to the material wealth. If the person can sacrifice for others, only then he is a real saint. This is so true!
My father taught me that spiritually average people such as myself should become financially self reliant in the modern times. Otherwise, he/she could go through a very hard time. This was one of his advices that I was able to follow and I reaped the benefits beyond any doubt. Therefore, I give the same advice to my yoga friends and students.
65