NOTES FROM A SWAMI Swami Nisreyasananda Ramakrishna Vedanta Society Salisbury, Rhodesia [Harare, Zimbabwe]
During the summer of 1972, while visiting family in Zimbabwe, I was blessed to meet and receive teachings from Swami Nisreyasananda.  In his 70s at the time [he lived to 92] he was always the most supple in mind and body amongst a yoga class of students in their 20s.  Swami, a fine example of matured Hindu spirituality, touched the live of many, many thousands during his almost 75 years of missionary work. He preferred the practical to the theoretical, and much of his emphasis was in helping ordinary people resolve ordinary problems. One of his devotees wrote to HINDUISM TODAY to say, "Swami Nisreyasananda was always humble. People of all religions sought his guidance. In keeping with the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna Paramahansa and Swami Vivekananda, he gently stoked the fire of divinity latent in all beings. He exemplified the rishis of ancient India in leading a life of compassion, wisdom and austerity."	By Barbara Scott
We corresponded for many years.  Swami's personally typed airletters would arrive at long intervals [intervals just matching the time I took to answer them], with his comments and encouragements as I achieved milestones in my life: University, Master's degree in Wildlife Biology, moves and birthings--advice and comfort and a relentless drumming on his theme:	"Create a very clear vision, make an imaginary drama, hold the thought, repeat the mantra 'Peace, Truth, Free, Full', 'Home, Country, God,' fill yourself with Happy, Loving thoughts etc. etc., HAMMER THAT A FEW MILLION TIMES AND SEE WHAT HAPPENS !"
Swami's recommended steam bath setup--twice a week for 20 minutes.
"Address your mind thus: 'Mind, what do you think is really NOBLE  and DIGNIFIED? You are not really so lonely or human as you imagine.  You are God's Sitting Room.  All that God has is INVISIBLY PRESENT within you...All knowledge and goodness is within you, O mind! Tune in by mentioning in a confident, playful way what you WANT.   STRONG, WISE, PURE, TRUE, FULL, FREE, CALM, SWEET, ALERT, KEEN:--Are these not the qualities you and all others desire?  Then mention these words, and dwell for a short time on the meaning of each word.  As you dwell on their meanings, your cells vibrate with the feeling and power meant by the Words."	Gradually follow up each negative thought or memory by positive and God-inspired meanings.
Thank You Swamiji!