Surgeon Sivananda’s Egodectomy by Swami Venkatesananda INTRODUCTION Even a child can tell us what is right and what is wrong; but even the wisest among men might fail to do the right and to resist what is wrong. Anyone who knows anything about Yoga and Vedanta, knows too, that the ego is the only thing that keeps us from realising that we are, in truth, the Omnipotent, Omniscient, Omnipresent Self! But it needs Surgeon Sivananda to give us the details of the most delicate operation�Ego-dectomy�that is the vital part of spiritual endeavour. MONEY FEEDS THE EGO This happened on a pleasant August morning. A young foreign student of Yoga was chosen as the instrument to convey this lesson. Swamiji elicited the information from him that he had with him, a few hundred rupees which he had meant to utilise “in case of need.” He was a zealous worthy and earnest spiritual aspirant; a ripe case for “egodectomy.” “Give away all your money in charity. Now you identify yourself with the money. Your ego feeds upon it. That money is your strength; you lean on it and not on God. You feel that it is yours; and not that all humanity is your own Self. Give it away. Your ego will be curbed. The pride of wealth will go,” said Swamiji. But that is not all. It is like removing cancerous tissue. You cut it off in one place; it grows in another! So, Swamiji continued “But, you have to be careful. The ego will take the form of pride of renunciation. This is worse than pride of wealth. People will admire your spirit of renunciation. Your reputation will grow. Name and fame will come. You will become a famous Yogi. Money orders will come. The old pride of wealth also will return by and by. The ego is ever ready to assume new forms�sometimes gross, sometimes subtle, but ever dangerous.” How is success assured then in this operation? POSITIVE THOUGHT-FORCE TO BE BUILT UP Swamiji is as thorough and practical in this as in every other aspect of his teaching. A positive, vigorous, thought-force is to be built up within: “I am Akarta, Abhokta, Asanga, Sakshi.” During a recent discourse, Swamiji himself remarked: “There is a great power in these four words: Akarta (I am non-doer), Abhoktha (I am non-enjoyer), Asanga (I am unattached), Sakshi (I am a witness only).” And, then there is the negative but equally potent aspect which Sri Swamiji exalts very often and of which he sings: “Bear insult; bear injury: (this is) highest Sadhana.” This forbearance is the touchstone to ascertain the extent to which the inner personality has been purified by reflection over the Four Great Words of Power. These two�positive and negative�aspects are inevitable counterparts of this highest Sadhana. Without the positive aspect, the negative one of bearing insult and injury might make one effeminate and cowardly, weak and weary of life, a walking-talking beast. Without the negative aspect, the positive one might merely be wishful thinking, without the least actual progress. WORKING OUT THE WILL OF GOD If the saint says “I am Akarta, Abhokta,” how does he work? Swamiji lives and serves, not because, in the words of the Bhagavad Gita, he has anything to gain thereby, but because it is His Will, calculated to promote the welfare of all beings. A thousand times he has declared thus. Not when fortune smiles on him and on the Ashram, but when the cloud of ill-health and financial break-down blurs the vision of everyone else. “It is His work; He will carry it on as long as He wills.” When his radiant physical body emerges triumphant after a serious accident (as in January 1950), or a serious illness (as in August 1954), he re-iterates that the precious life has been prolonged to do His Will and to carry on His Work. Is this resignation or surrender, entirely passive? No, that would be vegetation! The Divine Will will not choose a human instrument, merely to vegetate. Swamiji recognises that he himself and the institution over which he presides are instruments chosen by the Lord to do His work. The instruments have to be looked after; they are to be kept in working order; but they should not be allowed to rust, and the maximum use should be made of them. A significant incident comes to mind. INSTRUMENT OF THE DIVINE It happened during the All-India Tour of Swamiji in 1950. The first procession (on arrival in the town) had been elaborately planned and advertised in one of the centres. The organisers wanted Swamiji alone to travel in an open car; but Swamiji wanted two of his disciples to be also there. The organisers consented, but were reluctant to starve these disciples. The procession had commenced. All eyes were focused on the holy car. The organiser was whispering to the two disciples, a request to drink a cup of cocoa. The disciples were unwilling. Through the corner of his eye, Swamiji noticed this. “Bring it here,” said he. The organiser joyously passed the cup on to him. Swamiji merely took a sip: but only to say to the disciples: “Take it. You know your body needs it. Why are you afraid of public criticism? It is here you should apply the dictum. ‘There is no world in the three periods of time.’ Take it, because you have to work, to serve humanity.” The vital lesson came later. When, at the Vani Mahal at Madras, Swamiji running high temperature, went on addressing the audience, even though his throat was hoarse with acute inflammation, the organisers had to plead with him to have a little more mercy for his body. The doctor-Mayor of Colombo (the late Dr. Kumararatnam) begged of Swamiji to give his throat complete rest for three days, and “merely give Darshan to people.” Swamiji smiled: “Even if the worst is to happen, I shall not cease from singing His names and delivering the

My Years With the Master by Swami Vishnudevananda I was an arrogant boy on leave from the army. It meant that I had to travel a day and a night from my army base in Jullunder. I would have only a few hours at the Ashram-just to see the Master and then go right back. As if by chance, I had found a piece of paper that intrigued me. One night when I was working late and was searching for a misplaced paper, I found a small pamphlet in the trash basket. It was called “Sadhana Tattva” and was by Swami Sivananda of Rishikesh. As soon as I read it, my body began to shake. It began with “An ounce of practice is worth tons of theory.” Here was a teacher who was down-to-earth and practical. There was nothing mysterious about his teachings; I felt that I had to meet him for myself. I got a few days leave from the army. The first time I saw Swami Sivananda he was sitting with about 30 or 40 people around him. He looked like an ordinary man among them. The look on his face and manner of speech were simple and straightforward. Each word came from his heart. There was no kind of religious hypocrisy, no sitting on a tiger skin with ashes smeared all over his body. He had an extraordinary spiritual glow. The second time, I saw him, Swami Sivananda was coming up the stairs in my direction. I didn’t want to bow my head to him. I was young and arrogant and never wanted to bow my head to anybody-Swami, God-realised soul or whoever, I didn’t care. But it is the tradition in India that you should bow your head to a holy man. To avoid the situation I just moved out of his path. The Master saw me and headed in my direction. He asked me who I was and where I was coming from. Then he bowed down and touched my feet!! My whole body began to shake violently. With all my heart, with all my life and love, I learned to bow without any type of reservation. He touched my heart not with miracles or shows of holiness, but with his perfect egoless nature. He didn’t consider that I was just a stupid boy standing there, though I was just that. He touched my heart and broke the ego. That was my first lesson, and if I could attain one millionth of the state of egolessness of the Master, it is His Grace. Before leaving, I went down the Ganga where it was the custom of the Ashram to do Aarati (waving of lights) every evening. All the devotees and inmates of the Ashram assembled by the banks of the Ganga to watch Master perform this evening worship. I was sceptical. I was of a scientific temperament and knew that a river is only water, H2O-imagine worshipping H20!! But as I stood there and watched Master waving the lights, I saw the river become a mass of flowing lights. At that instant the river assumed a divine flow, a manifestation of the Grace of the Lord. Master turned and looked at me and in my mind I heard his message, “God pervades everything; this too is His Special Form.” This entirely changed my outlook on life. I returned to my army base and after discharge went home to South India and underwent teachers’ training. It was my mother’s wish that I should become a teacher. But even while living and working at home, I remained immersed in Sadhana. In my heart I knew that I must return to see my Master. One fine morning in August 1947, the postman brought the Call from the Himalayas in the form of an invitation to the Diamond Jubilee Celebration of Sri Gurudev’s birthday. I knew that I had to go; it was the Divine Message for which I had been waiting. Though I planned to go for only a few days, as I took leave from my mother at the bus, I heard a voice saying that I would not be returning. I tried to still the voice, but could not. Upon arriving at the Ashram, I was asked to assist with the Ashram chores. In India, it is necessary to wash lentils before cooking. They are then set out in the sun to dry, but often the monkeys come and steal them. I was given the Karma Yoga of protecting the lentils from the monkeys. One day as I was doing this, Master passed by and said, “Stay here”. “Yes, Swamiji,” I replied without thinking. Then I realised what I had done. I had given my word to my Master and I could never go back on it. So Sri Gurudev accepted me as a new disciple and welcomed me to the Ashram as a permanent staff member. On Sivaratri, March, 1948 I took Sannyas and became Swami Vishnudevananda. When my parents learned of this they wrote a distraught letter. I showed it to Master, who coolly handed it back with the words “Maatha Naasti, Pitha Naasti” (There is neither mother nor father for you). My troubled heart found instantaneous peace. It was the special capacity of Sri Gurudev to find out the capabilities and special talents of each of his disciples. He would encourage and nourish this. Under his expert guidance, imperfect and unripe aspirants matured and developed their latent talents. Master saw in me the tendency towards Hatha Yoga and that I was a good organiser. Thus Swamiji’s training was directed in developing these inherent qualities. He appointed me Professor of Hatha Yoga at the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Forest Academy. Master touched me and opened my intuitive eye. All my knowledge of Asanas, Pranayama, Mudras, Bandha and Kriyas returned to me from past lives. People from all over India and the entire world came to the Sivananda Ashram. Master would send them to me

Pre-Determined Maha Samadhi by Swami Venkatesananda It was the year 1960. In the Sivananda Ashram, after Arati in the night Satsang, a few visitors were gathered around Gurudev. Sivananda made kind enquiries of each one by turn, and one of them told him that he was about to retire from service. This set Gurudev in an introspective mood and he suddenly exclaimed, “Have I retired? Or am I retiring?” The words were spoken softly, but they had an ominous ring. In May 1962, coming out of the Ashram office, Sivananda posed for the camera with a visitor. After the photograph was taken, the visitor thanked Gurudev, took leave and went away. All at once he turned to a close disciple who was standing nearby and said, “Na Ham, Na Tum, Daftar Gum�Neither I, nor you, the office has vanished.” It was a favourite expression of Gurudev. He had voiced it many times before to many persons, to convey the ultimate Vedantic truth that the world ceases to exist for the man who attains the Turiya state; but strange to say, that day his abrupt utterance, intentionally directed perhaps, made such a mark on the disciple that the latter felt absolutely uncertain and unhappy. In September 1962, during his birthday festivities, Sri Gurudev displayed extreme hesitancy in inviting the assembled devotees to the succeeding year�s birthday celebrations, though each year it was his usual habit to do so. The devotees thus got one more clue to what was in store for them. The official monthly magazine of the Institution, The Divine Life, had from its inception regularly carried on its second cover page a short letter of spiritual instructions by Gurudev in his own hand-writing. He used to give this matter, every time, in December itself for the twelve months of the following year. Besides, these twelve letters were also separately printed serially in a booklet form every year as Spiritual Awakeners. When Sri Gurudev gave the matter for 1963 in December 1962, Sri Narasimhulu of the Press found that it was incomplete, as it was from January to September only, with July matter distinctly missing, too. When it was pointed out, Gurudev had simply said: “You print whatever I have given.” This proves that he was a Trikala Jnani (one who has the knowledge of past, present and future) of the highest order. He could foresee his Mahasamadhi long before it occurred. Narasimhulu could only understand this event, this miracle, after the Master�s Mahasamadhi, as he was one day, by chance, glancing through the booklet, Spiritual Awakeners, for the year 1963. The clearest indication came early in 1963, when, at a night Satsang, Gurudev openly invited all who wanted Sannyas to get initiated on the Sivaratri Day of 1963 itself. “Who knows what may happen next Sivaratri?” he remarked. A disciple protested that Gurudev should not speak in that strain, but Sivananda summarily silenced her, saying, “Ohji, keep quiet. You don�t know a thing.” About April 1963, Gurudev became unaccountably serious-minded in his attitude to men and matters. His deeds began to take on an unusual complexion�for instance, the economy drive which he instituted in the Ashram administration. It was difficult to understand how the large-hearted Sivananda could impose cuts even in the petty allowances of the Ashram workers. But he did it. And he slashed many other items of Ashram expenditure, large and small, with such meticulous care that the institution�s debts fell steeply in just a month. But Gurudev did it all so jokingly. “Economy, sir, economy!” he used to say, whenever anyone went to him with an indent for something or the other. No one, however, could sense a deeper purpose behind his actions. The truth was that Gurudev was preparing to leave. On several occasions during May and June that year, Gurudev called for the calendar, each time from a different person. Once he flung the sheets up to June at one stroke and started looking into July. When a disciple wondered what it was all about, Gurudev exclaimed, “Oh, you don�t know,” and after fingering through the dates, returned the calendar to him. Few could guess at that time that Gurudev was fixing the auspicious date and time for his own Mahasamadhi! Starting from May 1963, Gurudev began to give daily tape-recordings on returning from the office. He would read loudly, forcefully, inspiringly�unmindful of the strain�from his printed books and typed sheets, and a disciple would record them on the tape. The Master was very particular about this work. Once in ten days he would ask, “How much matter have I given? How long will it run?” He was so intensely eager to serve humanity even after he was gone from physical view. This inordinate desire to serve people found its outlet in many ways. While Gurudev had all along been regularly contributing articles to journals as a vital part of his programme for dissemination of spiritual knowledge, during the months preceding his Mahasamadhi, he sent an unusually large number of articles to an equally large number of journals. Service unto the last! The maximum good to the maximum number! Several times during the tape-recording days, Gurudev expressed sentiments such as these: “The sight is getting dim: take whatever you want on the tape now itself. The hearing is getting dull: tell whatever you want to tell now itself. The tongue is getting inarticulate: ask whatever you want to ask now itself.” As Gurudev was signing the letters one day, he said rather jokingly, “Sight is getting dim. Hereafter I can�t sign, sir,” and he glanced at the disciple who held the signature pad, as if to ascertain whether the latter had understood the implication of what he said. June 21, 1963 was to prove the last day that Gurudev attended the office in the Ashram�s Diamond Jubilee Hall. After work he came out as usual, and as he neared the neem tree outside the Cash Office, he stopped and deliberately looked around at

Sadhana Tattva by Sri Swami Sivananda (a) An ounce of practice is better than tons of theory. Practice Yoga, Religion and Philosophy in daily life and attain Self-realization. (b)These thirty-two instructions give the essence of the Eternal Religion (Sanatana Dharma) in its purest form. They are suitable for modern busy householders with fixed hours of work. Modify them to suit your convenience and increase the period gradually. (c) In the beginning take only a few practicable resolves which form a small but definite advance over your present habits and character. In case of ill-health, pressure of work or unavoidable engagements replace your active Sadhana (spiritual practice) by frequent remembrance of God. HEALTH CULTURE 1. Eat moderately. Take light and simple food. Offer it to God before you eat. Have a balanced diet. 2. Avoid spicy and hot foods, like chilies, garlic, onions, tamarind, etc., as far as possible. Give up tea, coffee, smoking, betels, meat and wine entirely. 3. Fast on Ekadasi days or once in a fortnight. Take milk, fruits or roots only. 4. Practice Yoga Asana (Hatha Yoga exercises) or physical exercises for 15 to 30 minutes every day. Take a long walk or play some vigorous games daily. ENERGY CULTURE 5. Observe silence (Mouna) for 2 hours daily and 4 to 8 hours on Sundays. 6. Observe celibacy according to your age and circumstances. Restrict the indulgence to once a month. Decrease it gradually to once a year. Finally take a vow of abstinence for whole life. ETHICAL CULTURE 7. Speak the TRUTH. Speak little. Speak kindly. Speak sweetly. 8. Do not injure anyone in thought, word or deed. Be kind to all. 9. Be sincere, straightforward and open-hearted in your talks and dealings. 10. Be honest. Earn by the sweat of your brow. Do not accept any money, things or favour unless earned lawfully. Develop nobility and integrity. 11. Control fits of anger by serenity, patience, love, mercy and tolerance. Forget and forgive. Adapt yourself to men and events. WILL CULTURE 12. Live without sugar for a week or month. Give up salt on Sundays. 13. Give up cards, novels, cinemas and clubs. Fly from evil company. Avoid discussions with materialists. Do not mix with persons who have no faith in God or who criticize your Sadhana (spiritual practices). 14. Curtail your wants. Reduce your possessions. Have plain living and high thinking. HEART CULTURE 15. Doing good to others is the highest religion. Do some selfless service for a few hours every week, without egoism or expectation of reward. Do your worldly duties in the same spirit. Work is worship. Dedicate it to God. 16. Give 2 to 10 percent of your income in charity every month. Share what you have with others. Let the world be your family. Remove selfishness. 17. Be humble and prostrate yourself to all beings mentally. Feel the Divine Presence everywhere. Give up vanity, pride and hypocrisy. 18. Have unwavering faith in God, the Bhagavad-Gita and your Guru. Make a total self-surrender to God and pray: “Thy Will be done; I want nothing.” Submit to the Divine Will in all events and happenings with equanimity. 19. See God in all beings and love them as your own Self. Do not hate anyone. 20. Remember God at all times or, at least, on rising from bed, during a pause in work and before going to bed. Keep a Mala (rosary) in your pocket. PSYCHIC CULTURE 21. Study one chapter or ten to twenty-five verses of the Gita or your scriptures with meaning, daily. Learn the original language of your scripture, at least sufficient to understand it in original. 22. Memorize important and inspiring portions of your sacred scripture according to your capacity. Memorize also any inspiring quotations from other spiritual books. Keep a pocket version your scripture with you at all times. 23. Read the Ramayana, the Bible, the Quran, the Bhagavata, the Upanishads, the Yogavasishtha or other religious books daily without fail. Study more during holidays. 24. Attend religious meetings and seek Satsanga (company) with saints at every opportunity. If not, create opportunities. Listen to spiritual discourses from learned and holy people. If possible, organize such functions on Sundays or holidays. 25. Visit a temple or place of worship daily. Preferably before you leave and upon your return from work, even if only for 5 or 10 minutes. 26. Spend holidays and leave-periods, when possible, in the company of saints or practice Sadhana at holy places in seclusion. SPIRITUAL CULTURE 27. Go to bed early. Get up at four o’clock. Answer calls of nature, clean your mouth and take a bath. 28. Recite some prayers and Kirtan Dhvanis (devotional songs). Practice Pranayama (breathing exercises), Japa (repetition of the Divine Name of God) and meditation in the early morning. Sit on Padma, Siddha, or Sukha Asana throughout, without movement, by gradual practice. While you meditate, forget the outside world totally. Gradually increase the period of meditation. 29. Perform the daily prayers of your religion. Do not fail to fulfil your obligatory duties. 30. Write your favourite Mantra or Name of God in a notebook for ten to thirty minutes, daily. 31. Sing the Names of God (Kirtan) and pray for half to one hour at night with family and friends.32. Make annual resolves on the above lines. Regularity, tenacity and fixity are essential. Record your Sadhana in a spiritual diary daily. Review it every month and correct your failures.

The Miracle of Modern Age – Chapter Five by Swami Venkateshanandaji 73. SIVANANDA’S 90-YEARS’ WORK In less than thirty years, Siva has done what would have been difficult for even a man of success to do in 90 most active years. Starting from scratch, Siva has himself done what (i) he and his immediate associates, (ii) his direct disciples, and (iii) their disciples ought to have done in due course of time. This itself is proof positive of his divinity that Siva the mendicant, just a Sadhu living on alms obtained from the Swarg Ashram could give shelter to a good devotee-pilgrim to Badrinath for one night, and the next morning give him a piece of paper on which Siva had jotted down twenty points, suggesting to him (the pilgrim) that he should print and distribute the “Twenty Instructions” widely. This leaflet of Twenty Instructions guides millions all over the world today. How Siva’s works could spread so wide, so fast, is a mystery which no one but he could explain. Siva has combined in himself (a) the sage who is beyond all “organisations” and “institutions,” ever eager to give, give, and give everything away, (b) the President or Secretary of an institution who is eager to create, to build, feeling it is his for whatever he wishes to do with it, and (c) a servant of the society, bound to serve the institution, to save its properties, which he does not regard as his, but towards which he has specific responsibilities because mysteriously Siva has been able to play triple role simultaneously, has he been able to turn out such enormous work. Siva has delivered the message, demonstrated its practicability and its glory, founded an institution to perpetuate this, and strengthened this with his own divine Sat-Sankalpa and the spirit of dedication of his immediate disciples. Details of this gigantic work are given in the following page. 74. SIVANANDA’S MISSION Siva’s Mission in this incarnation is to re-establish Dharma. Siva’s Mission is just this; turning man’s gaze towards God, opening out a window in his consciousness through which man would perceive God, immanent in all creation, through transcendent, too. Siva has effectively proved by his glorious life and illuminating teaching that when man’s gaze is directed towards the world, his heart generates the undivine current of egoism, desire, hatred, and the like: and that when the gaze of the same man is turned towards God, from him flows the current of love, harmony, peace, selfless service-in short divinity. Siva’s Mission is thus not proselytization but purification. He makes a Jew a real Jew, a Christian a true Christian, a Hindu a real Hindu, a Moslem a faithful Moslem, a Buddhist an ideal Buddhist. He reminds the followers of all the religions, of the ethical bases of the religion they profess, the spiritual goal they have to achieve. Standing on the Supreme Common Ground of all faiths, viz., God-consciousness, Siva roars his message of Divine Life so that people belonging to the various sects and sections might pay attention to their ranks and strengthen their force by rousing themselves to the full realisation of their glory. Remoulding man in the image of God is Siva’s mission. Constantly he reminds each man of his divine nature, raises him to his divine stature, so that he can regain his spiritual heritage. To spiritualise the every-day activity of man, and to make Man’S Life on Earth a Life Divine-is Siva’s Mission. The Sivananda Ashram with its multifarious activities is itself Siva’s Mission on exhibition. There Sadhakas and Saints may be either cooks or clerks, typists or teachers, doctors or devotees, Sankirtanists or Scavengers, professors or proof-readers. All Work is worship if the angle of vision is changed: to proclaim this Truth is Siva’s Mission. 75. SIVANANDA’S ORDER The Sivananda Sannyas Corps forms the “Front Rank” of the Adhyatmik Divine Life Army that has its Headquarters at Shivanandanagar in the impregnable fortress of Siva’s Divine presence. Ganga’s all-purifying purity and Himavan’s mighty protecting arms. The Advance Bases are found all over the world in every home. A young child in one household, a modest housewife or an aged grandfather in another-is a member of the Divine Life Army: he or she wins others’ hearts and their allegiance to Lord Sivananda too. The Sannyas Corps launches mass awakening campaigns. A single member of Sivananda Sannyas Corps armed with the Atomic Bomb of Atmic Knowledge, shielded against “enemy” (Maya’s) onslaught by Siva’s Saving Grace, spurred on ceaselessly by Sivas Sat-Sankalpa assisted by the invisible forces of sages and saints of all ages can take sin’s citadel by storm, rout ignorance hoist the banner of Divine Life and crown YOU the Emperor of emperors, Atma-Samrat. In Kali Yuga there is bound to be a state of continual emergency: in Sivananda Sannyas Corps, therefore, the emergency regulations operate always. Anyone with a little Vairagya, the mood to renounce and a desire to serve is readily initiated by Siva who invests the new recruit with the inspiration and the power that is Siva’s own. This should be seen to be believed: the recruit is quickly made to master Yoga Asanas, taught Kirtans and chants, encouraged to deliver lectures on Yoga and Vedanta, and made to study a few books (Siva’s own are the best for a rapid acquisition of a good knowledge), and in a few months he is equipped with enough ammunition to blast the hide-outs of Maya and materialism! The Sivananda Sannyasa Corps is a composite Unit. Full-fledged Sannyasins. Fledglings who are given Brahmacharya initiation with gerua cloth, “advance-initiates” who are initiated into the Order and given the ochre robe though they are permitted to carry on their avocation for some time more, and householders, who are given the ochre cloth to worship and “keep as an ideal”-all of them are members of the Corps. 76. SIVANANDA’S DISCIPLE 1st September 1947. Beloved Ram, If anyone is rude and discourteous, if he cannot do Hari Kirtan, if

Multi-Phased Message – Chapter Four by Swami Venkateshananda 55. SIVANANDA’S VERSATILITY Don’t refer to the dictionary for a definition: let us turn to Siva for a demonstration. Siva is versatile: but is he “unsteady” or does he “turn round”? Far from it. But he has in abundance “the faculty of turning easily to new tasks and subjects!” How? Because he is firmly rooted in Absolute Consciousness, the fountain of Supreme Wisdom, Chit-Shakti. He knows (in the words of the Upanishads) “that by which all this is known”. He is one with that which is the fountain-source of all power. What, then, is impossible for such a divine being? This faculty is natural to him. In Malaya he (Dr. Kuppuswamy) used to contribute articles to news papers. He was asked to cover “Sports” besides his own field, viz, “medicine”. He readily accepted. He studied a few books and overnight made himself thoroughly familiar with the game, with the result his article was a masterly work. Even so with the different branches of medicine and fields of activity. Details of administration of a Hospital, principles of accountancy-when the need arose he manifested the talent. His colleagues would wonder: “was he bluffing us, he was only a doctor; he is as good an accountant and administrator!” The Ashram and the Divine Life Society are unparalleled achievements and are the living monuments to his versatility. There is no aspect of the work with which he is not familiar and in regard to which he would not give fruitful advice and wholesome direction. Book-printing and get up, photography and art, music and medicine, Yoga and Vedanta, rituals and festivals-he is a master of all. Over and above all this, he knows the other great Vidya-Indrajala Vidya by which he hides his faculties and makes you feel you know better! 56. SIVANANDA’S WORKS Sivananda’s Works of Corporal Mercy, the whole Malaya used to praise when he lived there. “To feed the hungry”: I have heard it from the lips of his own cook that, if a hungry man called at his house in Malaya, the doctor would give his own food away and starve. Even today, whatever be his other preoccupations and whatever be the financial problems of the Ashram, he takes the keenest delight in feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and clothing the naked. “Visit prisoners, visit the sick, harbour strangers, and bury the dead” are the other four Works of Corporal Mercy. Siva’s words of life-transforming counsel do go out to the class of “prisoners” (criminals) who have somehow escaped the arms of the Law. Visiting the sick has been the great service on which Siva’s Life Itself has been based. Harbour stranger? To Siva none is a stranger: into his Ashram as into his Heart all are welcome. Siva not only buries the dead human beings, but animals and insects; but what a grand spiritual festival he has made of it! He buries the corpse, but lets the soul fly on the wings of his prayers and Kirtans. Volumes have been written by the disciples and devotees of Siva on the Seven Works of his Spiritual Mercy: viz., “to convert sinners, instruct the ignorant, counsel the doubtful, console the afflicted, bear wrongs patiently, forgive injuries, pray for the living and the dead”. To what extent Siva has gone in order to effect these! All his divine knowledge and spiritual wisdom, acquired over long years of tedious austerities, he has placed at the disposal of everyone. He delights in distributing knowledge free to all. Millions of sinners have been converted. The ignorant are enlightened. Doubts vanish in His presence or after a perusal of his book. He radiates cheer and removes afflictions. He is the embodiment of patience and forgiveness. He constantly prays for the living and the dead. 57. SIVANANDA’S LITERATURE The Sivananda Literature bestows upon us the best of boons: for it is not composed of mere words, but it conveys to us the “Word that was with God”. Therefore, it inspires us and elevates our souls. Sivananda Literature is the safest elevator which takes us to the Seventh Heaven in the twinkling of an eye. “The purpose of Language is communication; that is what we learn after two years’ study of Literature”, writes an M.A., student. Then Siva’s literature stands unrivalled as the best medium of communication. It is easily understood by everybody. It is the average school-boy’s companion, every man’s guide, and the friend indeed of everyone in need of peace, happiness and solace. Siva’s Literature is a library, comprehensive and complete. He has said the Last Word on every subject you wish to study, whatever be your object. Nothing is worth learning that has not been dealt with by him. Siva’s Literature is the Light that puts out the darkness of ignorance, forever. It illumines your heart, silences all doubts, and dissolves all problems. Sivananda Literature is for all in all conditions of life. It makes the young grow old in wisdom. It makes the aged grow young in spirit. It promotes prosperity; it is your consoling friend in adversity. It restrains you in happiness; and relieves you of your sorrow. It inspires the dispirited; it strengthens the weak. It humbles pride; and uplifts the downtrodden. Siva’s Literature is the echo of the ancient sage’s call; it is the voice of Awakened India. It is free India’s best contribution for commonwealth, world-peace and salvation of Man. Bacon declares: “If I might control the literature of the household, I would guarantee the well-being of the church and state”. Assuredly,-if the Sivananda Literature fills the bookshelf of every household. 58. SIVANANDA’S GITA Siva’s Gita is the song of his illumined soul. Hence he sings: “At the present moment I am the richest man in the whole world. My heart is full. Further, all the wealth of the Lord belongs to me now. Hence I am King of kings, Emperor of emperors, Shah of Shahs, Maharaja of Maharajas.

Immortal Words of Infinite Wisdom – Chapter Three by Swami Venkateshananda 39. SIVANANDA’S PEN Siva’s Pen is Lord Krishna’s Flute and Lord Rama’s Arrow. The music that issues from It is enchanting, but it pierces our hearts and destroys our evil desires without our knowledge and in spite of ourselves. That is why the hollow fountain-pen has a sharp nib. Ink is poured into the barrel of the pen; but Siva’s touch converts it into spiritual manna. It is distributed to the whole world. Even if it is a mere signature on the fly-leaf of a book, at the close of a typed letter, or on an official receipt, a look at it fills your heart with joy, mind with peace and soul with Divine Light. Siva has, not one, but several pens. “D.I.N.-Do It Now”-he has dinned into our ears. He does so. The moment a thought comes to his mind, it must be recorded and shared with the whole world. The instruments of transmission must be ready at hand. It is because he has so zealously gathered the precious pearls from the depths of his Realisation, that we are so rich today. The warrior’s riffle, and the “Big” Power’s Bombs (Atomic and Hydrogen) cannot stand before Siva’s Pen. The Hand that wields the Pen belongs to a Sage; the rifle is in the hands of a slave, and the bombs are used by benighted souls. Blessed is the Pen for it is ever in the grip of Siva’s Divine Hands. Let us pray that we too might be in his grip; then is our salvation assured. Blessed is the Parker Company; for it has provided Siva with his Pen. May we all keep our hearts as clean as the paper on which Siva’s Pen writes, so that Siva might inscribe on the tablet of our hearts his Divine Name which spells Liberation. 40. SIVANANDA’S STYLE OF WRITING Siva, the incarnation of patience, tolerance, endurance and love, is extremely impatient with himself. He can not serve humanity enough, fast enough and well enough-to his own satisfaction! He is impatient to reach out to every man and woman in the world, awaken everybody and enable everybody to attain Moksha this very second. This secret is revealed in the style of his writing. Truth, the whole Truth and nothing but the Truth is given in every sentence, which the moment you turn to it, passes a death-sentence on the ignorance in your heart. Siva does not mince words, beats about the bush, indulge in arguments, or parade his pedantry. He offers you not a paper garland of flowery words, but a fragrant garland of Atmic flowers. Every paragraph of his book drives you-not to your dictionary-but to the meditation room, to start the practice then and there. Siva is not a spiritual book-seller, asking you to “see my Hatha Yoga for the Asanas, Science of Pranayama for the breathing exercises and Health and Long Life for instructions on diet”. Every book is perfect and complete in itself, sufficient to lead a neophyte to the highest rungs of the spiritual ladder. Easy, lucid and understandable; direct, forceful and fiery; Siva’s style is characterised by the clarity of sage’s realisation, the authority of an Avatara’s utterances, the commiseration of a cosmic benefactor. Siva’s is the sovereign style: overwhelming in its power to win your heart, and from there to conquer your mind and eradicate your undivine Vasanas and Samskaras. 41. SIVANANDA’S LETTER Siva’s letter is a spiritual awakener. Your problems, whatever they are, solved in simple, straight forward and to-the-point sentences. But Siva never stops with that. Remember: he is a doctor of body, mind and soul. He alleviates pain, heals the ailment, and at the same time shows you the way to avoid it. His letter shares this characteristic. The very first line, the mode of his address, is a supreme lesson in Vedanta. “Beloved Atman” “Glorious Immortal Atman” “Adorable Self”-thus he reminds you that you are not this body or mind, but the all-pervading Immortal, Satchidananda Atma. The subscription, besides re-affirming this truth reveals the secret of Siva’s extraordinary divine love for us and the reason for his abiding and deep interest in us. He is “Thy own Self-Sivananda”. Only Siva can infuse deep and divine love into language. His peremptory instructions are perfumed with the soul-elevating aroma of a love that commands our implicit obedience. His straight notes acquire mellifluous melody and always gladden the heart of the recipient. Selfless love that is interested only in our spiritual evolution, sparkles in every sentence. Siva’s soul seems to pray to you to wake up from the slumber of nescience. Ah, what solicitude! What positive encouragement breathes in every line! Never is a criminal condemned, nor a sinner scorned. They (we) are his special wards. Whether the letter be simple acknowledgement of something received or a reminder of work to be done, it always contains, whether you asked for it or not, some grand, elevating thought. It is a great joy and an inspiration to receive Siva’s letter. 42. SIVANANDA’S APHORISMS 1. Work elevates when done in the right spirit without agency, attachment and expectation of fruits. 2. Even scavengering when done with the right mental attitude is a Yogic activity for realisation. 3. He who works in the world with Atma Bhav will eventually reach Atma. 4. He is powerful Yogi who keeps up the meditation while performing actions. 5. Keeping up Brahma Bhava While practising Karma Yoga is more difficult than pure Jnana Yoga. 6. To serve humanity, while living in the world is superior to a life of seclusion in a cave. 7. One can conquer the whole world through love, humility and service. 8. The whole world is bound to work with one who feels himself one with the world. 9. Only he who is unselfish and devoid of Moha for the body can do real Karma Yoga. 10. The Karma Yogi purifies his heart through constant

The Divinity’s Doctrine – Chapter Two by Swami Venkateshanandaji 25. SIVANANDA’S PHILOSOPHY Siva’s philosophy can be compared only to Lord Krishna’s. It has a place for all the philosophies of the world! It recognises the Real and the unreal, and that which makes the unreal appears as Real. It awakens the worldly man, guides the Sadhaka, serves as a touchstone for a sage’s realisation, and proclaims the Truth which transcends all these. Here are some of the salient features which bear out the above: “The world is not unreal; but is a lesser reality than Brahman.” “That which hides the Real and makes the unreal appear as real is Maya.” “The various religions of the world are the different viewpoints of the same Truth.” “Dvaita, Visishtadvaita, Advaita and Ajata-Vada are the progressive realisations of the Reality.” Siva’s universal philosophy has in it a philosophy for every person. This itself proves that he is God Incarnate. He does not preach the same philosophy to two persons, but being their Antaryamin (Inner Ruler) knows the ‘viewpoint’ of each person and guides in a manner best calculated to effect the person’s rapid spiritual evolution. The fundamental principle of Siva’s philosophy is that philosophy itself has the only purpose of providing the foundation for the spiritual endeavours of the Sadhaka. Therefore, Siva’s philosophy is indistinguishable from his teachings: he is practical, dynamic and, therefore, leaves philosophical wranglings to spiritual bankrupts who delight in discussing the magnitude of unacquired wealth! 26. SIVANANDA’S DOCTRINE Siva has no doctrine of his own. He redelivers the divine message that has time and again been given to us by God. He speaks for God; for he is one with God. Yet, if we can audaciously read a doctrine into his teachings, it is “The Doctrine of a Little”. It is otherwise known as the Yoga of Synthesis. Siva warns us that only the harmonious development of the entire being of man can take him easily to the goal. A weak spot anywhere in the structure would ruin the whole. Moreover, specialisation in any one branch of Sadhana would rob one of the spirit of understanding and tolerance, would breed contempt and hatred, and ultimately fatten one’s egoism. Siva’s “Doctrine of a Little” completely avoids all the pitfalls on the path and leads the Sadhaka along the smooth, easy, pleasant road to the Lord’s Feet. Here is the Doctrine, in Siva’s own words. He has put it in the form of a small song which can be sung in the Mahamantra tune. Siva himself sang this “Song of a Little” at every meeting he addressed during his all-India-Ceylon Tour in 1950: Eat a little, drink a little, talk a little, sleep a little Mix a little, move a little, serve a little, rest a little Work a little, rest a little, study a little, worship a little Do Asana a little, Pranayama a little, reflect a little, meditate a little Do Japa a little, do Kirtan a little, Write Mantra a little, have Satsanga a little. Do a little of each; you will have time for all. God-realisation is thus brought within your easy reach; and you are saved from the fear of a fall. 27. SIVANANDA’S CREED The fundamental article of Siva’s creed is that Truth is universal. He has declared in unmistakable terms that the Truth can be realised through a diligent practice of the methods prescribed by any religion and by any of the Yogas. He does not want to abolish the variety in religions and in the Yogas, nor to unify all mankind under the banner of a Universal Religion. He sees the need for diversity to suit diverse minds and differences in the mental equipment and stage of evolution of individuals. He points out (to the philosophers and those who encourage and “feed” on such non-essential differences) that all the religions have the same Truth as their substratum, prop and goal. In the matter of the Yogas, however, Siva exhorts the earnest aspirant to synthesise in his daily routine all that is best in all the approaches to self-realisation and practise the Yoga of Synthesis. Siva affirms that God is both immanent and transcendent. Naught but God exists. While, therefore, God is the substratum for all that appears to be, He is not just that much: He transcends the mind and the intellect and that transcendental Being can only be realised by the sage in the highest super-conscious state. The adoration of the Immanent Divinity is what Siva lays the greatest stress upon: service of humanity with cosmic love and a feeling that it is God that pervades every being here. When meditation is combined with this, Siva assures us that realisation of the transcendental Reality is only a matter of course. The most joyous assurance Siva gives us is that God, “knowing” the evil that is rampant in Kali Yuga and the weaknesses that a human being is heir to in this age of Materialism, makes Himself more readily available to all than in previous Yugas: “a little Kirtan and meditation, service and Sadhana will enable you to realise Him here and now”, Siva declares. His creed is the Word of God. 28. SIVANANDA’S IDEALS Siva is the ideal for all sages and saints. Yet, in order to bring home to us the need for “ideals” to provide a pattern for our life, he has chosen some for himself! Just as Lord Buddha did in days of yore, Siva promises that till the last of us is liberated from Samsara, he will continue to guide us and forego the personal delight of getting absorbed in the Infinite. It is our greatest good fortune that birth after birth we shall be his disciples and followers. In forgiveness, Jayadeva is Siva’s ideal. Jayadeva procured pardon and salvation for those who cut off his limbs. Siva’s first prayers of the day are offered for the health, long life, peace, prosperity and enlightenment of those who consider

The Light That is Life – Chapter One by Swami Venkateshananda 1. SIVANANDA’S LIFE Siva’s life is God’s Guarantee to mankind. It is the Sadhaka’s Guide, an open scripture for all to learn from. It is a divine bridge, linking the finite with the Infinite, connecting the land of mortals with the Realm of Immortality. As a student, he exemplified in himself the ideals of obedience and reverence. The Young Dr. Kuppuswami showed that selfless and dynamic service paved the way to material prosperity, too! He set an example in indiscriminate charity and proved that it invited wealth, peace and happiness. As a flourishing doctor in Malaya during the 1920’s, his cheerful countenance and robust body, proclaimed that intense work done with the correct mental attitude strengthened the body, lengthened life, and infused peace into the heart and bliss into the soul of man. By the single act of renunciation of all that riches and a prosperous career, Siva had taught more than any scripture could, that realisation of the Self is dearer than wealth, dearer than everything, than life itself. Awe-inspiring austerities, begging and pennilessness caused-not unhappiness nor suffering in the heart of the zealous seeker Dr. Kuppuswami, but-an intensification of the faith in God and His Unfailing Mercy. To mankind blinded by the cataract of materialism, faithlessness and egoism, Siva extended his helping hand-the Divine Life Society. He gave asylum to aspirants in his Ashram. In the Forest Academy, Siva’s students have their inner vision unveiled. This God has clothed himself in human garb. He has come amidst us as a Divine Invitation to a perennial Forest of Immortal Bliss. 2. SIVANANDA’S HOROSCOPE Moon Lagna Mars Saturn Rahu Kethu Mercury Sun Jupiter Venus I have watched Siva listen with great enthusiasm to palmists and astrologers praising and admiring his life and mission. Blessed are the palmists who have held the divine hand for few minutes; and blessed are the astrologers who have meditated upon His Divine Life for a while. Siva too, is interested in them, in encouraging them to express themselves and in making them known to the public at large. The creator of creation and the ordainer of the orbit of heavenly bodies; does he need to be told about his own traits and forewarned about his future? He was born in 1887 to live for nearly another century. His birth-star was Bharani, which has made him rule the Dharani (earth). What need have we to analyse his horoscope? He has re-arranged our birth chart and changed the very course of our life. Blessed are we that we live in His Time. 3. SIVANANDA’S BED EXERCISES The core of Siva’s teachings is sincerity, earnestness and aspiration. He is firm in his declaration that if one is eager to do Sadhana, it will be impossible for him to find excuses not to do it! If one wishes to do some exercises, he says, he will do them, even if he is bed ridden, on the bed itself. He has given the following easy exercises, which every one, however old and infirm, can practise. Exercise No 1: Catch hold of your ankles behind your back while squatting. Now bend forward and touch the ground with your forehead. Release the hold on the ankles and in one backward motion swing back, resting the two palms on the ground. Keep the right palm on the ground and swing the trunk to the right and touch the ground on the right side with the left palm also. Twist the trunk to the left side and place both the palms on the ground on the left side. Exercise No 2: Stretch the legs forward. Catch hold of the toes with your hands. Try to bend forward and touch the knees with your forehead, without bending the knees. Exercise No 3: Sit cross-legged again. Breathe out completely and slowly. Draw the belly in (Uddiyana Bandha). Exercise No 4: Release the abdomen. Breathe normally. Now, draw the belly in and release in rapid succession. Do not hold the breath. Do not shake the body also violently. This is an exercise exclusively for the stomach. This is called Agnisara. Exercise No 5: Close the fist and raise the forearm, bending at the elbows. Throw the arms forward; then again draw the forearm backward, bending at the elbows. Repeat this three or four times. Stretch the arms sideways and resume the normal position. Similarly, stretch the arms upwards and bring them back to the normal position. You can similarly evolve your own exercises, to suit your needs. 4. SIVANANDA’S FAVOURITE ASANAS Siva began practising Yogasanas even while he was serving as a doctor in Malaya. He was so enthusiastic about them that he taught them to his cook (who later became his disciple, Swami Shraddhananda, and attained Mahasamadhi at his lotus-feet). Sirsasana is undoubtedly the most favourite Asava of Siva. He regards it as the King of Asanas. It is a tonic to the brain, a cure for many ailments of the eyes and ears, a blessing for Brahmacharins and brain-workers, and an indispensable friend of spiritual aspirants. In fact, Siva likes Sirsasana so much that even to those who plead inability to do it, he prescribes the “Rabbit-Pose” (sit in Vajrasana, bend forward and touch the ground with the crown of your head, resting the palms a little away on either side) or at, least, letting the head “hang out” of the bed for a while. Sarvangasana is the next important Asana which Siva likes very much and prescribes to everyone who wishes to maintain good health and enjoy a long life. “Even if you can’t do Sirsasana and don’t do other Asanas, practise Sarvangasana for a few minutes a day,” says Siva. Paschimottanasana completes the trio. It exercises the abdomen and the spine, thus warding off a host of diseases and preserving perfect health. Sarvangasana exercises the thyroid gland and enables you to enjoy everlasting youth. Sirsasana makes you shine with Ojas Shakti.

All About Sivananda by Swami Venkatesananda PROLOGUEBhagavan! Thy child’s tiny hands have gathered these small flowers from the immense garden of Thy glory, and woven them into a clumsy garland; but it is offered at Thy Divine Feet with a big noise (calling it “All About Sivananda”). The fragrance, and the beauty and the colour, belong to Thee. It is Thine own unsurpassable love for Thy children that makes Thee accept this, too. It was said of Lord Sri Krishna that everything about Him was sweet. It is true of Bhagavan Sivananda, today. Dr. Kuppuswamy transformed himself into Swami Sivananda: and the austere, stern and hard taskmaster Swami Sivananda has somehow mysteriously vanished-when and how, no one knows. The Siva* we see in our midst today is the most loveable concrete manifestation of Divine Life. May that Love dwell in our hearts!Siva-Pada-Renu* ‘Siva’ is ‘Swami Sivananda’. PREFACE “All About Sivananda” is a kind of all-round meditation on the various phases of the personality and message of the great saint and sage, His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanadaji Maharaj, as visualised by the author, Swami Venkatesananda, who was a direct disciple of the Master. This is a veritable pen-picture of the many sides which the majestic hero of this book touched in his personal life and teachings. This little, interesting book was printed three times already, in the years 1957, 1971 and 1978. But the printed copies were exhausted quickly, since devotees everywhere began to demand copies for their daily religious sessions. The impact of this beautiful presentation seems to have been such on the minds of lovers of God and religious men, that we received a pressing request from Sri D.S. Kulkarni, a retired teacher, from Hubli, Karnataka, that this book be made available to the public as early as possible, and with this request he sent his devout love-offering by means of a financial contribution towards its publication. This Institution is grateful to this ardent well-wisher of this Ashram and devotee of Sri Gurudev Swami Sivananda, for his being instrumental in the coming out of this book now in its Fourth Edition, for the benefit of everyone. -THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETYShivanandanagar,7th March, 1985.