Swami Satchidananda: A Yoga Master's Early Days in India and Sri Lanka

Sri Swami Satchidananda: A Yoga Master’s Early Days in India and Sri Lanka

By Swami Arivananda Translated into English by

Sri D. R. Kaarthikeyan

Originally published in Tamil in 1962

by Pandit S. Lakshmi (the late Swami Arivananda)

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by Rev. Sandra Kumari de Sachy, Ed.D. ISBN 978-1-938477-23-2 Copyright © 2014 by Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville®, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Except as permitted under the U.S. Copyright Act of 1976, no part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, or stored in a database or retrieval system, without the prior written permission of the publisher or the copyright holder.

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Sri Swami Satchidananda: A Yoga Master’s Early Days in India and Sri Lanka

By Swami Arivananda Translated into English by

Sri D. R. Kaarthikeyan

Buckingham, Virginia

D e di c at i o n This book is humbly dedicated to His Holiness Sri Swami Satchidanandaji on the 100th anniversary of his holy birth.

The yogic teachings and global service of Pujya Swamiji, a beloved Yoga Master, have inspired and continue to inspire people from all over the world.

Integral Yoga Publications offers this book, with love, devotion, and gratitude at the Lotus Feet of our revered Satgurudev.

Fo r ew o r d I pray to the Lotus Feet of Lord Ganesha, to bless me, to write the

Divine life history of Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji with pure and rich Tamil language.

People desire for happy life: but as they are entangled in desires and attachments, they have forgotten to realise who they are. Hence, they search for happiness all over the place and get disappointed and confused. Nobody knows the fact that eternal bliss is hidden within our own selves. When the mind stops wandering all over and concentrates on the inner Self, then the hidden inner Self will open up and glow.

Only a Satguru can lead you to know the inner Self and show you the subtle way to the joy of Self-realisation. Even if you have the oil, the wick, and matchstick to light the lamp, it cannot light on its own.

Similarly Guru is essential to light the lamp of inner Self and quench your spiritual thirst.

Swami Umapathi Sivachariar says, “If you can heat the stone without sunlight, then you don’t need a Guru to gain wisdom.” This means that without sunlight we cannot heat the stone. Like that, without a Guru, we cannot realise the inner Self.

We reach God through the Guru. Lord Krishna says, “Whenever dharma (righteousness) becomes less and adharma (unrighteousness) dominates, I am born in many forms.” The Spiritual Master is one of many forms of the Supreme Power. India is gifted with the proud privilege of the birthplace of many Spiritual Masters like Sri Ramakrishna. Swami Vivekananda is known not only in the East but also in the West. Today, people from the West visit India with eagerness to gain spiritual knowledge, wisdom and the bliss of Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, who guides us to realise our inner Self.

This spiritual light glows not only in the Himalayas, but also all over the world. The Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivanandaji has spread its Divine Light all over the world. Many have become i

members of the Divine Life Society, learnt spirituality, Karma Yoga (selfless service), and chanting happily God’s name always. Himalayan light Sivanandaji has many divine children. Most of them live in Sivananda Nagar and perform their spiritual service to humanity.

Yogiraj Swami Satchidananda Maharaj, one of the divine children is performing his wonderful service to humanity in Sri Lanka with the divine blessings of the holy Master.

In Sri Lanka, many have benefited from the selfless service of Yogiraj.

By learning Yoga, people have gained better health, sound mind, quit liquor, drugs, and meat-eating, adopted Gurudev’s teachings in their lives and are experiencing peace, harmony, and happiness in their lives.

Swamiji is the spiritual light, mother, father, and beyond compare.

Words are inadequate to describe his divine energy.

How can the beneficiaries of Swamiji’s service, express their gratitude and give something in return? The only possible way is by practicing whatever we learnt and leading a spiritual life.

I decided to write his biography to show what he taught us about how to achieve success in our spiritual lives, to learn more about Swamiji, his teachings, and adopt his principles of life.

Swamiji’s great father, Sri R. Kalyanasundaram, gave me some important notes about him. I have taken some notes from Swami Venktesanandaji Maharaj’s book, All India Tour of Swami Satchidananda. I am thankful to the publishers of this book. I also had the golden opportunity to get Swamiji’s experiences directly from him and from others, which helped me very much to write this book.

Out of the love and respect I have for our dear Swamiji, I wrote the book. I request you all to bear the mistakes if any, and adopt all the good messages in your life. ~ Pandit S. Lakshmi ~ Divine Life Society ~ Ceylon [now Sri Lanka], 1962

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P r e fa c e Pandit S. Lakshmi [affectionately known as Miss Rajalakshmi, and later known as Swami Arivananda after her Sannyas diksha in 1987], a devotee of Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidananda Maharaj and a pillar of the Divine Life Society of Sri Lanka wrote his biography in Tamil in 1962.

Born as Ramaswamy in a farming family of Chettipalayam village, Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu, South India, this exceptional personality showed compassion and spiritual leanings even as a young man. He learnt formal prayers, Yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation and was inclined to spend more time in temples and in the company of saints.

After receiving Brahmacharya diksha from Sri Swami Chidbhavanandaji, he came to be known as Sambasiva Chaitanya.

He learnt to heal diseases through nature-cure and homeopathy and served the poor, the neglected, and the downtrodden, often conducting free nature cure camps for the poor throughout Tamil Nadu.

On Guru Purnima day on 10 July 1949, he received Sannyas diksha from H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, founder of the Divine Life Society in Rishikesh. Brahmachari Sri Sambasiva Chaitanya thus became Swami Satchidananda. He transformed into a great exponent of Yoga, meditation, and other spiritual practices.

In Sri Lanka he established a branch of the Divine Life Society and spread the message of Yoga, meditation, and spirituality. He promoted Antar Yoga and interfaith programmes. As early as in 1958, at a time when there were no facilities in the Himalayas, he undertook the arduous Kailash-Manasarovar yatra, considered the ultimate pilgrimage. He travelled throughout India and East Asian countries, visiting all holy places, and conducting Hatha Yoga and meditation classes, and giving spiritual discourses. iii

He moved to America from Sri Lanka in 1966 and started the Integral Yoga Institutes all over USA and in many other parts of the world. He succeeded in his mission to reform the youth afflicted by drugs and disillusionment. He promoted interfaith understanding wherever he travelled throughout the world. He created the most beautiful and unique Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS) at the sprawling Yogaville Ashram in Virginia, USA for promoting peace, moral/ethical values, and interfaith harmony. All over the world he came to be known as “Sri Gurudev.”

Though this biography covers only the life, glory, and service of Swamiji up to 1962 (while he was in Sri Lanka), it carries valuable insights into the spiritual growth and transformation of a young man from a farming family in a remote part of India into a worldrenowned spiritual giant.

This biography contains some very rare contemporary newspaper reports on Swamiji’s activities and speeches. There are also opinions of those who had the good fortune of being with Swamiji at that time. It was not an easy job to translate the old Sri Lankan Tamil into English.

We did not even make an attempt to translate the many Tamil poems.

Any translation will rob them of their beauty, as well as the insight and impact they convey in original Sri Lankan Tamil.

I should acknowledge the enormous contribution made by my dear wife Kala, as well as, Manoharan, Murthy, Elango, and Suganya, who assisted in preparing this translation of the book from Sri Lankan Tamil to English.

This is my humble tribute to a great Spiritual Master, who is not only related to my family, but also who has always showered his love and grace on me and my family for decades. We were fortunate to have him stay with us in Sydney, Australia, as well as in Hyderabad and Delhi, India.

I had the good fortune of accompanying him during his last visit to Rishikesh, after a gap of nearly two decades. With enthusiasm and energy of a young man he literally ran ahead of us to show us iv

Vashishta Guha, the sacred cave that he described as the site of one of his highest spiritual experiences. I also had the good fortune to be with him most of his last few days that he spent in India at Coimbatore and Chennai. It is very difficult to visualize another personality, so profound in knowledge and spirituality and yet so simple, humble, loving, and gracious.

I believe that though physically we miss him, he is very much present in the spiritual form as Light of Truth in the hearts of all his devotees and by his unbounded love, grace, blessings, and teachings.

I am happy to present this volume at Coimbatore, during the Centenary Celebrations of Sri Swamiji on 22 December 2014. ~ D. R. Kaarthikeyan Former Director, Central Bureau of Investigation Social Activist, Human Rights Activist Central Reserve Police Force Advisor – Law National Human Rights Commission, India

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A c k n o w l edg e m e n ts Integral Yoga® Publications is infinitely grateful to Swami Arivanandaji for writing this beautiful book, which was published in Sri Lanka, (then Ceylon) in Tamil, in 1962. This book is the only account we have of the early years of Sri Swami Satchidananda’s life and service. In addition to being the first biography of Sri Swamiji, this book formed the basis for the account of those years that appears in Sri Swamiji’s current biography published in English.

We are extremely thankful to Padma Shri D. R. Kaarthikeyan for translating this book from Tamil into English language so that English-speaking readers could have the immense benefit of reading the book. His wonderful preface to the book serves to enhance it. He has done yeoman service in bringing forth this English edition and releasing it on the auspicious occasion of Sri Swamiji’s Centenary Celebrations and Dedication of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine in Chettipalayam, South India on 22 December 2014.

We also take this opportunity to express our heartfelt appreciation for the talented people whose generous support and efforts have ensured that this project would come to fruition: Peter Petronio, our brilliant cover designer; Coleen Vimala Patterson, our talented graphic designer; Swami Karunanandaji for her keen review of the Raja Yoga section translations; Swami Lalitanandaji and Dr. Kumari de Sachy, our superb copyeditors; Marla Bhagavati Moffet, our keeneyed proofreader; Mr. Sajjad Merchant of Decora Printers (Mumbai) for excellent services; and Dr. Prem Anjali, our dedicated production manager.

Our deepest gratitude to the Harry and Padma Wadhwani, the Chandru and Laxmi Wadhwani families, Shankara Bookoff, Reverend Sivani Alderman, and all our generous donors whose support made possible the Global Garland projects in honour of the 100th Birth Anniversary of Sri Swami Satchidanandaji Maharaj in 2014. Special thanks to Satish and Veena Daryanani for funding the printing of this book on this auspicious Centenary occasion.

May Sri Gurudev Swami Satchidanandaji’s choicest Blessings be upon all who are acknowledged herewith, and to you, the reader. vii

A MESSAGE THE DIVINE LIFE SOCIETY (REGISTERED)

P.O. SIVANANDANAGAR (Himalayas) India

TO: SRI. S. KANAGARATNAM Founder President Jaffna Divine Life Society

15 March 1962

Rev. Immortal Atman, Salutations and adorations. Om Namah Sivaya. I am very happy to know that you are bringing out this biography of Yogiraj Swami Satchidanandaji who has been teaching Yoga in Lanka for the past many years. The devout author of this biography, Miss Lakshmi Sinnathamby deserves all congratulation for this valuable service she is rendering in bringing out the life and work of Yogiraj Swami Satchidanandaji.

Swami Satchidanandaji has been doing excellent work in the field of Yoga in Lanka. His services are invaluable and countless people have been benefited. He has made innumerable people health-minded and inspired all towards higher ideals. His sincerity and spirit of Karma Yoga seva endeared him to the large circle of Ceylon devotees and many rightly revere him as their Yoga Guru. It is a matter of joy and satisfaction to me to see this biographical work appear, in recognition of his earnest work.

May this biography have wide circulation and reading! May many more men and women be drawn to the noble path of Yoga through its perusal! May all be enthused to lead the Divine Life! I wish Yogiraj Satchidananda long life, health, joy, success, and highest illumination!

And a glorious future for the Jaffna D. L. S. Centre.

May God bless the author and all the readers too!

Thy own Self, (signed) Sivananda ix

C o n te n ts F oreword .......................................................................................... i P reface ............................................................................................ iii P art 1 – Biography......................................................................... 1 Chapter 1: Early Childhood............................................................... 3 Chapter 2: Early Adulthood............................................................. 13 Chapter 3: Young Sadhu................................................................... 15 Chapter 4: Arrival in Sri Lanka...................................................... 27 Chapter 5: Seva in Sri Lanka.......................................................... 33 Chapter 6: Travels in Asia............................................................... 35 P art 2 – Discourses...................................................................... 37 Chapter 7: Mantra Yoga.................................................................. 39 Chapter 8: Make the Mind Pure...................................................... 43 Chapter 9: Milk of Kindness............................................................ 45 Chapter 10: To Listen, To Think of, To Become Clear.......................... 47 Chapter 11: We Reap the Results of Our Actions................................. 49 Chapter 12: Gurukulam.................................................................... 51 Chapter 13: Miracles are Hurdles to Salvation................................... 53 Chapter 14: Detachment................................................................... 55 Chapter 15: Mystic Prayer................................................................ 57 Chapter 16: Legends are not Entirely Imaginary............................... 61 Chapter 17: Raja Yoga ..................................................................... 65 Chapter 18: Divine Life.................................................................... 69 Chapter 19: My Extraordinary Visions............................................ 73 Chapter 20: We Are Instruments of the Divine.................................. 77

Chapter 21: The Fruit of Wisdom..................................................... 79 Chapter 22: Cessation of Desires....................................................... 83 Chapter 23: The Purpose of Life........................................................ 85 Chapter 24: The Glory of Fasting...................................................... 89 Chapter 25: Shiva Rathri................................................................ 93 Chapter 26: Divine Education......................................................... 95 Chapter 27: Memories of Journeys to East Asian Countries................ 99 Chapter 28: Quintessence of Raja Yoga........................................... 105 Chapter 29: Full Solar Eclipse and Mantra Prayer.......................... 113 P art 3 – God and Religion: Discourses Given at Sri Lankan Temples................................................................ 115 Chapter 30: Images Depicting Characteristics of God....................... 117 Chapter 31: Philosophy of Sri Nataraja’s Form................................ 119 Chapter 32: Is Temple Worship Necessary?...................................... 121 Chapter 33: Significance of Rituals and Temples ............................. 123 Chapter 34: Do as Told by the Four Saints...................................... 127 Chapter 35: Essence of Philosophy in Worship of Shakti ................... 129 P art 4 – Question and Answer Sessions with Sri Swami Satchidananda.................................................. 133 Chapter 36: Questions about Sri Swamiji’s Life and Views.............. 135 Chapter 37: Questions about God................................................... 141 Chapter 38: Questions about God, Body, and Soul........................... 145 Chapter 39: Questions about the Practices of Yoga............................ 149

P art 5 – News Reports about Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Service in Sri Lanka................... 153 Chapter 40: General Reports about and Appreciation for Sri Swamiji’s Service in Sri Lanka ............................................... 155 Chapter 41: Advice to Teachers....................................................... 157 Chapter 42: Yoga for Police and Prisoners....................................... 159 Chapter 43: Sri Swamiji’s Service at Tea Estates............................. 165 Chapter 44: Interfaith Programs and Teachings.............................. 173 Chapter 45: Social Service: Harijans, Lepers, Anti-dowry, Non-violence, Orphanages............................................. 179 Chapter 46: Understanding Temple Worship................................... 187 Chapter 47: Cultivating Good Habits and Overcoming Adversities..................................................................... 193 Chapter 48: Living a Divine Life.................................................. 199 Chapter 49: Sri Swami Satchidananda in Hong Kong.................... 205 P art 6 – Tribute to and Stories about the Master................. 207 Chapter 50: Tribute....................................................................... 209 Chapter 51: Stories about the Master.............................................. 215 P art 7 – Letters from H. H. Sri Swami Sivanandaji............ 219 Chapter 52: About the Master’s Tribute to the Disciple .................... 221 Chapter 53: Swami Sivananda’s Blessings...................................... 223 Chapter 54: Letters to Sri Swami Satchidananda............................ 225 E pilogue ....................................................................................... 227

PART 1

Biography

1

C h ap te r 1 Early Childhood Today, he is known to the world as Yogiraj Swami Satchidanandaji

Maharaj. He was born to Sri Kalyanasundaram and Srimati Velammai in the village Chettipalayam, on the outskirts of the city of Coimbatore, which is known as the business centre of Coimbatore District, in the southern part of India. He was named as Ramaswamy.

The southern portion of India is blessed with divine holiness, holy land, and holy water. It is also in this blessed land, that many aspects of God and images of Gods were formed to heal the people. The holy rivers Kaveri, Bhavani, Kanchi, Shanmuga, and Amaravathi originated in this southern part.

South India is enriched to have 1008 Lord Shiva’s abodes about which religious saints Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundarar and Manickavasagar sang and praised, and also the 108 Vaishnava abodes that were praised by Alwars. The presence of the famous “Aaaru Padai Veedu” (six abodes of Lord Muruga) and several other Murugan temples about which Arunagirinathar composed his famous devotional songs, further adds to the glory of South India.

Kongunadu (Coimbatore and surrounding areas) is situated in the south. It is blessed with the grandeur of beautiful Tamil language and Saivism. The five holy mountains known as Vellimalai, Vindumalai, Brahmagiri, Marudamalai, and Irudimalai, are also part of Kongunadu.

Chettipalayam, a village in the region of Kongunadu is known for its fertile land and promising industry.

Forefathers Many of Ramaswamy’s forefathers were yogis and saints. About 200 years ago, one of Ramaswamy’s forefathers born in that noble family was known as Sri Kuttiappar. He was a very brilliant, Godfearing, and intelligent person. Even though he lost his eyesight due 3

to smallpox at the age of fifteen, his inner Self was very bright. By listening to the words of wisdom, he gained valuable knowledge in astrology, astronomy, mathematics, and games like chess.

One day, he took his brother’s son with him to go to the famous Marudamalai temple, as he wanted to worship Lord Muruga. As he was very happy to have the darshan of Lord Muruga, it did not occur to him to return home. He continued his prayers throughout the day and night. The priest, after performing the pujas to Lord Muruga, climbed down the hill to reach his home, which was 8 kilometres away.

In the middle of the night, Kuttiappar developed stomach pain and was very hungry; he prayed to Lord Muruga to cure his stomach pain. His prayer was in the beautiful form of a Tamil poem. Within minutes, the temple priest was knocking on the door asking Kuttiappar to open it. His brother’s son opened the door. The priest had brought cooked rice and hot ginger water and told him to keep the vessels in the temple. Kuttiappar and the boy ate the food and slept in the temple. Kuttiappar woke up in the morning, had his bath in the river and performed worship of Lord Muruga.

The priest came to the temple to perform his morning ceremonies.

He saw Kuttiappar and said, “Kuttiappar, it looks like you stayed back the whole night in the temple. I did not even check if you wanted any food. I went in a hurry. I am very sorry.”

Kuttiappar said, “What! Are you kidding? You came in the night and gave us rice and hot ginger water and even asked me to keep the vessels in the temple!” He then asked the boy to bring the vessels and show it to the priest. The priest was surprised and said, “I kept the vessels in the temple pantry and locked the door before going home.

This should be the divine play of Lord Muruga.”

Kuttiappar worshiped the Lord and stayed there for some time. He composed several Tamil devotional songs about Lord Muruga. Then he went to Perur, another holy town, and met a yogi. Kuttiappar received spiritual blessings from the yogi and requested him to let him know his past life. The yogi made a pit to enable Kuttiappar to sit in 4

an erect posture. Kuttiappar sat inside the pit and it was sealed. The sealed pit was opened after forty-eight days by the yogi.

Kuttiappar then realised his past life and the reason for losing his eyesight. During his previous birth, he was born in a Madhava brahmin family and was doing the job of lighting the temple lamps with ghee. He stole the temple ghee and gave it to a prostitute. Because of his action in his previous birth, he lost his eyesight in this birth. As he understood the reason for losing his eyesight, Kuttiappar realised his mistake and prayed to the Lord to forgive him. He wrote many devotional books, lived long, and then attained the Lotus Feet of Lord Shiva.

Parents Sri Kalyanasundaram was born in the family of Kuttiappar. He was a born intellectual, interested in Tamil language. He was a staunch worshipper of Lord Shiva and honoured the devotees of Shiva.

He learned the formal ritualistic worship of Lord Shiva and Lord Muruga. He was also talented in composing the poetic language of Tamil literature, “chitra-kavi,” a type of metrical composition fitted into fanciful figures, and was given the title “Chitrakavi.” Sri Kalyanasundaram wrote many valuable books on Lord Muruga, Shiva, and Thirukkural. The citizens of Coimbatore appreciated the services of Sri Kalyanasundaram and felicitated him with many titles.

Sri Sivananda Saraswati Swamigal honoured him with the title “Kavi Choodamani.”

Srimati Velammaiyar was the devoted wife of Sri Kalyanasundaram.

She always respected the spiritual seekers and took care of them. She respected the saints and sages who visited her home, as she believed they were all forms of Lord Shiva. She offered her humble respects to Swami Ramanandar, Sri Kandaswami Swamigal, and Sri Palani Sadhu Swamigal. She was always filled with motherly love, dedication, and respect for the yogis. Often she was fasting to keep the body and mind pure. Two of Velammai’s forefathers were famous yogis. One of them was Yogi Sri Ramananda Swamigal, chief spiritual head of the Kowmara Madam. The other was his assistant, Yogi Sri Kandaswami Swamigal, who was a staunch devotee of Lord Muruga and a very talented poet.

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Srimati Velammai learned the basic truths of religion from Sri Sadhu Swamigal, worshipped the Lord Surya (the sun deity), and observed austerities including fasting. To brighten her life, a divine son was born on 22 December 1914, during the Christmas week. This unique child was named Ramaswamy.

Childhood By birth, young Ramaswamy was a handsome, active, and talented child. He was able to do any job on time. He was honest, God-fearing, hard-working and at the same time very much interested in sports.

Even as a child, he was very polite, humble, and loved everyone equally. His good nature and attitude attracted everybody. He hated the caste system even in his young age. He was an obedient student to his teachers and was interested in arts. He took good, loving care of his fellow students. If anybody was treated badly and was in sorrow, Ramaswamy took it as his own sorrow and helped them to come out of it. He had the courage to fight for justice. To err is human. Those who realise their mistakes and correct themselves become superior.

Young Ramaswamy was capable of realizing even his smallest mistakes and corrected himself. He also took a vow not to repeat such mistakes.

Once Ramaswamy went to the forest with his friends. He saw a pair of tiny birds happily singing together. Without thinking, he threw a stone at a bird, which fell on the ground and died instantly. The other bird flew down to the dead bird, trying to save it and was crying in sorrow. It was a tragic scene for Ramaswamy to witness. He became very miserable and tears ran down his cheeks. Then he said to himself, “From today onwards, I will not put anybody in sorrow, I will not do this mistake again.� His motto became: To heal and help the one who is in sorrow, with love, is the best principle of life.

While he was playing with other children of his age, if anyone fell on the ground and started to cry, he would stop his play and reach out to console the child. He had this attitude not only with children but also with adults. He treated those who worked in his house and farm as his own relatives and showered his love and affection on them.

Even as a child he realised that all are equal, none is in any way less 6

than anybody else and all are God’s children. Ramaswamy’s generosity clearly foretold his future life.

Lad Ramaswamy’s Compassion One evening, the sky was getting darker and it was threatening to rain. People were expecting the rain any time and were in the process of saving the dried grains and other things. The harijans, (considered the lowest social and ritual class in India) who worked in Sri Kalyanasundaram’s farm, were busy saving their master’s properties.

They did not bother about their huts nor the clothes they had kept to change into after fieldwork. They were totally immersed in their work.

Suddenly, it started raining very heavily. When the rain stopped, the men and women ran towards their huts in search of their clothes, but could not find them.

Then they heard a little boy yelling, “All your clothes are here!” It was young Ramaswamy, standing under a tamarind tree with the workers’ clothes. The harijans were very happy to see their dry clothes and wanted to hug and kiss the boy, who saved the clothing from rain.

They could not do so, as they were harijans, and Ramaswamy belonged to an upper caste.

Ramaswamy’s mother saw them all assembled together and on asking for the reason, they narrated the story. She was very upset to know that her child had touched the harijans’ clothes but she did not express her reaction then. They all left the place to go to their homes.

But Ramaswamy could not go into his house as usual. The elders in the family ordered him to have a bath as he had touched the harijans’ clothes. Ramaswamy was very sad for their attitude, but respectfully obeyed them. Their attitude towards harijans was not acceptable to Ramaswamy. He strongly felt that harijans should be treated equally. He never avoided the harijans, even though he was born in an upper caste.

Education at Home Ramaswamy had the basic education in school. The values and discipline along with religious education, which was taught at 7

Ramaswamy’s home, had a greater impact on him. Such holistic education led young Ramaswamy into his exploration of life. Even though he went to college, what he learnt at home was of immense help to him. His parents were his best teachers. That paved the way for his joyous and truthful life through the knowledge of religious scriptures.

As his mother, Velammaiyar, was a staunch devotee of Lord Shiva, she respected the devotees of Lord Shiva. While his mother was serving the devotees who visited their home, with enthusiasm and joy Ramaswamy helped her. While spiritual seekers delivered the discourses to his mother, Ramaswamy used to join her and listen to them with great interest. Thus the favorable atmosphere and the blessings of holy people added further glow to handsome Ramaswamy’s disposition.

Sri Kalyanasundaram performed his worship to Lord Shiva every day in the morning. Young Ramaswamy was very happy to collect fresh flowers for his father’s worship. Even if it was cold, he never failed to get up early and walk about two kilometres to the flower garden to pluck the flowers. Ramaswamy’s adorable qualities of love, respect, and obedience for elders and enthusiasm predicted his glorious future. His divine qualities were reflected in his thoughts, words, and action.

Ramaswamy believed in the saying of the famous Tamil poet Thiruvalluvar, who said in his epic poem, the Thirukkural, two thousand years ago, that absorbing and respecting the truth, from wherever it emanated, is the essence of wisdom.

“To discern the truth from whatever source it emanates Is the true quality of wisdom.” (423) The Young Philosopher Even at the age of fifteen, Ramaswamy used to be very attractive, bubbling with energy and always peaceful, with magnetic eyes.

In his house, in one of the well-kept rooms, there was a shelf on which glass vases were arranged. Next to the shelf, clothes were hung on the nail. Ramaswamy went to lift a cloth that was hanging on the wall.

While pulling the cloth, he heard something breaking on the ground.

8

It was a glass vase broken to pieces. Ramaswamy stared at the broken glass pieces for a second. He thought, if he had paid some attention, he could have avoided the damage. He did not panic about the incident and was calm and kept his cool. He called the servant to help him to clean the mess.

Then his father came and saw what had happened. He was annoyed to see Ramaswamy standing calm and not feeling sorry for his action. He scolded him.

Ramaswamy asked the servant not to gather the glass pieces and said to his father. “Father, what should I do now? I broke the glass vase. I was not cautious. It is now broken, will the broken pieces join together if I cry for it?”

What could the father reply to his son? He called his wife and said, “Look at your son, the big philosopher! Reckless fellow! Broke the glass vase and is preaching philosophy!”

What Sri Kalyanasundaram said became true later.

What happened has happened. Why should we worry about it?

By worrying can we get it back? Carry on with your work with courage and confidence without repeating the same mistake. ~ Sri Swami Satchidananda The young man Ramaswamy’s very thoughtful words uttered long ago, are even more appropriate today.

One is reminded of the following from the Thirukkural, which says: “The way of showing filial devotion is to make others exclaim within the hearing of the father, ‘What penance the father must have performed to beget such a son.’” (70) Poetic Ability Ramaswamy had abundant memory power. During the early hours in the morning, when the Tamil scholar was teaching his elder brother all the Tamil poems, Ramaswamy, still lying on the bed, would listen to it 9

and was able to easily repeat those poems. Like his father, Ramaswamy had the ability to compose poetry. Ramaswamy accompanied Sri Kalyanasundaram wherever he went to compose poems. Whenever his father had any difficulty in choosing the appropriate words, his son used to help him with exact words. Sri Kalyanasundaram felt very happy about his son’s ability and encouraged him. At a very early age, Ramaswamy composed devotional poetry to perform during morning and evening prayers.

Education, Work, and Vocation Ramaswamy completed secondary school at the Sarvajana High School in Coimbatore. He was 19 years-old when he went to the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to attend a short-term course on agriculture. Because of his natural interest in engineering and technology, he had the ability to handle many electrical gadgets.

He was also concerned about the betterment of his friends. With his unconditional love, compassion, and cleverness, he was able to guard his friends from bad habits. Once, Ramaswamy’s friends went to the forest to hunt. They took Ramaswamy with them, though he did not want to hunt any animal. Everyone was planning to kill animals, except Ramaswamy.

He was thinking how to stop his friends from killing the animals.

When they all went to the centre of the forest, they saw a beautiful deer coming in their direction. All of them kept silence and were aiming to shoot the deer. When the deer came nearer to them, the hunters positioned themselves to shoot it.

Suddenly Ramaswamy started to cough and the deer ran away. The hunters were disappointed and were angry with him. Ramaswamy looked at them calmly and said, “Don’t be angry at me. I am sorry; I could not control my cough. There are plenty of wild animals in the forest, let us go to another location.”

They spotted a white rabbit and when they were about to shoot it, Ramaswamy sneezed and the rabbit escaped! The young men 10

understood the trick of their kind-hearted friend. But they were hungry and had nothing to eat.

Ramaswamy consoled his friends with his love and took them to a nearby farm where they saw plenty of green beans (mochhai, a variety of beans). They borrowed a pot from a nearby hut, cooked the green beans, and ate.

They all had a hearty laugh when Ramaswamy exclaimed, “How tasty is today’s bean hunting! Will deer hunting be equal to it?” Because of the tactics of a humble soul, they all escaped from the evil of killing.

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C h ap te r 2 Early Adulthood Ramaswamy was interested in motor industries. He learned how

to operate the engineering equipment and gained experience and technical knowledge. He started some industries and was also involved with the cinema industry. Sri Krishnaswamy, Ramaswamy’s maternal uncle and close friend, was very helpful in assisting him to start his business. When Ramaswamy was 22 years-old, in order to develop his scientific knowledge, he went to Sri Lanka to join a British company.

With God as his guiding light, he went alone to holy places like Sivanoli Padam and Muneeswaram.

When he returned from Sri Lanka, he was persuaded by the temple authorities to accept an appointment as manager of the Thiru Perur Pattiswaraswami Temple. Perur Temple is an ancient famous temple where Lord Nataraja is the presiding deity. It looked as though the Lord was waiting for Ramaswamy’s arrival. Ramaswamy was manager of the temple for about a year. During the night, he used to decorate Lord Nataraja with different sets of decorative clothing and jewels and meditate on Him. Ramaswamy was married at the age of 24. He handed over his business, Pioneer Industries, to his business partners and joined hands with the technical genius and business magnate G. D. Naidu in Coimbatore.

He worked as a supervisor in carpentry, engineering, administration, and accounting departments. Amidst his busy work schedule, whenever possible, he took some time off for his spiritual journey.

He availed himself of every opportunity to visit many holy places like Ilanji, Thiruchendur, Nadukkuppam, Annamalai, Palani. At these holy places, he received blessings from Spiritual Masters like Paper Baba, Balagangadhara Swamigal, Rajayogi Yoganandar, Sivaraja Yogi, Sarvanandaji, Ramana Maharshi, and Sadhu Swamigal.

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Sometimes on his way home from work, Ramaswamy would ponder what would be required to achieve freedom of his inner Self. Would he have to leave his wife, children, relatives, home, and belongings?

Were all his loved ones and attachments a hindrance to his spiritual growth? He used to think: “What would happen if I lost my wife, my property, or my house burned down?” He concluded: “God gave all these, so when God takes back what He gave, why should I worry about it?”

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C h ap te r 3 Young Sadhu As it turned out, after five years of married life, Ramaswamy lost his

wife. Ramaswamy also lost interest in everything and automatically diverted his attention towards spirituality. His relatives tried their best to get him married again, as he had two young sons left without a mother. He was offered many lucrative jobs with higher income.

Whatever it was, Ramaswamy had already set his mind on God and nothing else.

Drawn towards the divine, young Ramaswamy’s quest for spirituality increased. Ramaswamy’s focus, whether he was awake or asleep, was on God all the time. While he was longing to have God’s darshan, Lord Dhandapani and Goddess Devi appeared in his dream. Strengthened by his experiences, from 18 November 1943, Ramaswamy started living alone to enable him to do his spiritual sadhana, while his family lovingly raised the two children.

Interest in Ascetic Life As he was preparing himself for the spiritual life, Ramaswamy welcomed the idea of living alone, and constructed a small hut, about a kilometre away from his home. The hut was in the middle of the farm where snakes and scorpions were also living freely, but they did not bother him. He carried on intense practise of Yoga. He read books about saints like Vadalur Ramalinga Vallalar, Pattinathar, Thayumanavar, Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, and Swami Sivananda. He also observed silence and fasted for many days.

His parents used to leave food, milk, water, fruits, and coconut water outside of his hut. Many times they saw whatever food they had brought the previous day was not touched at all, and this made them worry about his health. They did not realise the fact that their son had lost interest in feeding his external self as he was concentrating on the inner Self.

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Even though he was practicing prayer, meditation, pranayama, and asanas on his own, Ramaswamy felt there was more to learn. So to know the truth of his inner Self, he decided to go on a spiritual journey to meet Spiritual Masters and seek their blessings. He had no money, no home to live, and never asked help from anybody—yet he proceeded on his journey with devotion, dedication, and believing only in God. Money Abishekam One day Ramaswamy went to the Palani Hill Temple to worship Lord Muruga who is also known as Lord Dandapani. Ramaswamy went to the Samadhi (final resting place/tomb) of the yogi, Bhogar, and began his meditation. When people visited Palani Hills, they would bring money and offer it to the sadhus (saints). Ramaswamy, who was in deep meditation, caught the attention of a devotee passing by.

All of a sudden, the devotee showered money on Ramaswamy’s head. He opened his eyes from his meditation and saw the devotee prostrating in front of him. He saw the money scattered all over him and for a second, was tempted to have the money. He thought to himself, “How can I take the money for myself even though it was offered to me? Maybe I should give it to others?” All these thoughts arose in his mind.

He offered his respect to Lakshmi, the Goddess of wealth, and left the money and the place. He rejoiced that Lord Dandapani, the presiding deity of Palani, saved him from falling into the trap of temptation to have money.

Brahmacharya Diksha (Initiation) During the early days of his spiritual life, Ramaswamy stayed for some time at the Sadhu Swamigal Ashram in Palani Hills and learned the methods of fasting and religious worship and gained knowledge and experience.

Then he went to Thirupparaithurai and was supervising the students’ hostel at Sri Ramakrishna Ashram. He was very affectionate—like 16

a mother to the children. It was here, Ramaswamy received his first spiritual initiation from Swami Chidbhavanandaji, who blessed him with the spiritual name Sambasiva Chaitanya.

Then, he went to Madras [now Chennai] and stayed at Sri Bikshu Swami’s Saraswati Sangha and organised nature cure medical camps in the villages and healed many people.

Ser vice at the Harijan Colony People were affected by diarrhoea and many were dying every day in a neighbouring village of Madras. Nobody could stop the disease, but could only help the people to get some relief from it. Sri Sambasiva Chaitanya and Sri Bikshu Swamigal went to the village and helped the people with their nature cure medical aid, which was a boon to the villagers.

A very poor harijan was fighting for his life in a hut. He was in a serious condition due to ill health. His wife and relatives were helplessly sitting around him. They lived in a poverty-stricken small hut in the slum. Sambasiva and Sri Bikshu Swami went inside the hut and cleaned the man and the hut. They gave a hot sand massage to the man and also gave him natural medicine. They did not bother about the bad smell and took care of the couple like their own children. All the hut dwellers praised them as divine beings who came to save that family.

Disturbance at the Harijan Colony Sambasiva Chaitanya and Bikshu Swamigal went to a village near Dindugal in Tamil Nadu to offer their nature cure medical aid to the harijan colonies. One day a girl was bleeding in one of her eyes for which Sambasiva Chaitanya treated her with some herbs and the bleeding stopped. The upper caste people heard this and were agitated.

They ordered the two not to touch the harijans, or, otherwise, they would have to vacate the place immediately. They even threatened to torch their medical camp.

Sambasiva Chaitanya went to the harijan colony, met the elders, and told them about the order given by the upper caste people. The 17

harijans came to the rescue of the sadhus and their medical camp.

Much tension was building up between the upper caste and the harijan people.

Sambasiva Chaitanya very calmly addressed both the groups. He advised the upper caste people. He told them that all were God’s children and it was their prime duty to take care of the harijans who were working hard in their fields and were loyal and honest to the owners. The upper caste people realised their mistake and apologised to him. Thus, Sambasiva Chaitanya prevented a big fight between the two communities and helped them live together thereafter in peace and harmony.

The Qualities of Sri Sambasiva Chaitanya Sri Sambasiva Chaitanya had two rare qualities of humankind. He was not only a yogi of meditation, but he was also a Karma Yogi (one who does selfless service). Whether it was in an isolated cave in the Himalayas or in a busy crowded town of Bombay [now Mumbai], he was always peaceful, easeful, and helpful to one and all.

He was ever ready to serve the needy; he could be happily connected to God for many hours, days, and weeks in his sadhana. He was giving satsang to people. He had the natural instinct to know everything about engineering and technology and also about the inner engineering.

He spent many hours every day with the patients in the nature cure medical camps and also practised Hatha Yoga. He did everything with happiness and touched everybody’s heart with his impeccable spiritual qualities. He practised Yoga and meditation everyday.

Meeting His Spiritual Master In the year 1947, Sambasiva Chaitanya went to see Swami Sivananda in the Himalayas, as he had known about his greatness through his books. However, he could not reach the Himalayas as, at that time, there was some internal disturbance. He came up to Benares and returned.

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Afterwards, he went to Kalahasti, near Tirupati, and stayed at Upanisha Vihara, which was run by Sri Rajeswarananda Swamiji.

Darshan of Himalayan Jothi His wish to meet Swami Sivananda became intense; he finally reached Rishikesh in April 1949. As he was drawn to Swami Sivananda, he stayed on there without the desire of leaving the place. He took Sivananda Maharaj as his Guru. With the blessings of his Guru, in May of 1949, he travelled to Holy Kedarnath and Badrinath.

On the auspicious day of Guru Purnima, 10 July 1949, Brahmachari Sri Sambasiva Chaitanya became Swami Satchidananda after completion of prescribed rituals and homa (fire offering).

At the Yoga Vedanta University of Sivananda Nagar, Rishikesh, Swami Satchidananda taught Hatha Yoga and pranayama to many. Many people realised the value of Raja Yoga through Swami Satchidananda.

All India Tour From Ananda Kutir, Swami Sivanandaji’s residence, on 8 February 1951, he wrote these words: “Jai Satchidananda! Go and come with victory!” This was the heartfelt blessing given to Swami Satchidananda by his great Master Swami Sivananda Maharaj, when the former was asked to begin his religious tour all over India by the latter. Swami Sivananda was more than a mother to Swami Satchidananda. He personally checked every detail of the pilgrimage.

All the swamis at the ashram had a strict diet of only milk and fruit.

Because he was going on a religious tour for a longer period, Swami Satchidananda was strongly instructed by Swami Sivananda to eat properly. He also advised him that mere milk and fruit would not be enough for his strenuous journey and hence he should always eat proper food during his tour.

On the day he began the tour, Swami Sivananda made Swami Satchidananda eat some solid food in his presence! He was mother, father, brother, friend, and Spiritual Master to him. Tears running 19

down his cheeks, Swami Satchidananda offered his humble prostrations to his Guru, and began his tour on the night of 8 February 1951. The next day he reached Delhi, the capital of India, where he was given a loving reception. He stayed in Delhi for eight days and conducted Yoga workshops and classes. He also gave spiritual lectures in colleges and religious organisations.

Then the Madras Port Trust officers in southern India invited him to give many spiritual discourses and Yoga workshops. After, he went to Mysore to do spiritual service and then he reached Coimbatore. For more than three months he travelled to many villages in and around Coimbatore. He brought joy to the lives of many people by his lectures and Yoga courses.

He was given a warm welcome at Palaghat and Alleppey in Kerala State. He presided over the Buddha Jayanthi (full moon celebrations).

By hoisting the flag, he opened the Divine Life Society conference and delivered his presidential address. Another branch of the Divine Life Society was opened in Coimbatore, where the public honoured him for his meritorious, tireless, and selfless spiritual service.

Again he went to Madras and gave a memorable spiritual discourse and taught Yoga classes at the Theosophical Society Chamber Hall, which needs special mention. Then Swami Satchidananda went to Kumbakonam to open a branch of the Divine Life Society.

He proceeded to Bombay to deliver his spiritual discourses at the Shankara Mutt, Asthika Samaj, Ramana Satchidananda Samaj, Chaitanya Prabha Mandali, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, and Navy Defence Accounts office. Again in Bombay, Swamiji gave satsang and spiritual discourses at the Podar High School, Gujarat Women’s Welfare Association, Indian Chemical Industries Officers Association, and Sri Rama Bhajan Mandali.

After eight months, he went to Delhi to teach Yoga at the YMCA, Divine Life Society Yogashram, and Indian Parliament members’ hostel. On 10 October 1951, Vijayadasami day, Swami Satchidananda returned to Ananda Kutir in Rishikesh, after his successful tour all over India.

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His great Master was very happy to welcome his great disciple. He blessed him and said, “You have done a wonderful job, which is beyond any comparison. I have received plenty of encouraging and applauding letters from all over India. You have given a very big spiritual wake-up call to the people of India. With God’s blessings you have served His children very well. I am very happy about you.”

Within two months of his return to Ananda Kutir, Swami Satchidananda was invited to perform his spiritual service at City Inter-College in Parapangi in Northern India. The principal requested him to teach Yoga for the betterment of the college students. For one full month Swamiji taught Yoga to the students and, according to their age, conducted a Yoga competition and distributed prizes.

When Swami Satchidananda was returning to Bombay via Lakshmanapuri, he was requested by a stranger to visit his house.

Swamiji went with him and gave a long satsang to the large audience and stayed for the night. The next day was the first day of the new year.

The organiser of the satsang fell at the feet of Swamiji and told him that Swamiji’s satsang had reformed him—from that day onward he was going to quit smoking—and he wanted to embrace spiritual life.

He requested Swamiji’s blessings. To his surprise, Swamiji felt the presence of his Master. He worshipped Swami Sivananda and then blessed the devotee, who then was floating in bliss!

Solitude, constant connection with God, and continuous meditation— all these qualities made Swamiji’s spiritual practice most valuable and successful. He returned to Bombay to participate in the Sri Ramana Jayanthi celebrations at the invitation of Sri P. M. N. Swami, the Sri Ramana Samaj’s honourary secretary.

In January 1952, the Ramana Maharshi Jayanthi was celebrated in a grand manner for nine days. A marble statue of Ramana Maharshi was installed and Swamiji performed religious ceremonies. He also conducted Yoga workshops and gave spiritual discourse on the topic of “Who am I?” He conducted satsang at the Matunga Divine Life Society, Rama Bhajan Mandali, Santacruz Satsang Mandali, Universal Health Institute, Anandilal Podar High School, and Ghatkopar Hindu Sabha. He returned to Ananda Kutir on 17 February 1952.

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A Day in 1950 Swamiji’s mother Velammaiyar did not know about the spiritual growth of her son. She was under the impression that her son had become a sadhu and was wandering here and there, with no place to stay and no food to eat. She was sad to think that her highly intelligent child, who was born in a wealthy family, was roaming like a nomad without getting married. She did not know that her son was now a great spiritual seeker and teacher.

One day, she heard someone calling her “Amma” (mother). The gift of God, whom she got after several years of prayer and austerities, was standing in front of her. He was calm and peaceful, with a divine smile on his face. The one who went out as a young Ramaswamy had returned as Swami Satchidananda, wearing saffron clothes.

When she realised that it was her own son standing in front of her, she was very happy and excited to see him after a long time. Tears rolled down her cheeks. It took some time for her to realise that the person in front of her was not only the son of Vellamaiyar but also the spiritual child of Swami Sivananda. He now had taken the whole world as his mother (Parashakti).

Velammaiyar came out of her past thoughts and looked at her loving son and said, “My dear son, did I give birth to you to see you like this?

Do you think that you are doing right?”

Swamiji replied, “Mother, what did I do wrong? Actually your dream became true!” Velammaiyar was shocked, confused, and exclaimed, “What? My dream became true?”

Swamiji wanted to clear her confusion and said, “Who was giving shelter to the sadhus and feeding them? Who was serving them with selfless service? Who was praying to God that she would love to have a child like those sadhus? Who was seriously fasting and anxious that God should bless her with a child like those sadhus? You could have just sent the sadhus away after feeding them; instead you listened to their spiritual discourses and sought their blessings when you conceived and gave birth to me, when you were floating in spiritual 22

bliss! Was it all right for you to blame the spiritual life you had? If you had prayed to God to have a spiritual child, then how would I have gone to the materialistic world? You and you alone spoiled me!�

Swamiji thus replied to his mother in this manner gently mixed with humour.

The mother could not reply to her son! But she realised the truth, which her son had just pointed out to her. She was very happy to understand that God, who always listened to genuine prayers, had indeed blessed her with a child who was serving the world as a godly child.

Humans and Dogs are Equal One day Swami Sivanandaji was walking on the Himalayan trails with Swami Satchidananda and other disciples and devotees. Suddenly, they heard a woman screaming in high pitch and they immediately rushed to her aid. They saw a mother and her daughter. The daughter was bitten by a scorpion and was slowly fainting. The mother was helpless and did not know what to do as there was no nearby hospital.

She had to go down the mountain for medical help and it was difficult for her to carry her daughter.

Everyone was giving suggestions and ideas, but no one was coming forward to help the poor mother. When Swamiji saw this, he immediately carried the fainting daughter on his shoulder and walked briskly towards the hospital. Because of his kind heart and timely help, the daughter was treated in time and saved. The mother and daughter appreciated and thanked Swamiji for his kindness.

But Swamiji’s actions were not appreciated by some sadhus in Rishikesh. They criticized him and asked how a Swami could touch the daughter and carry her on his shoulder. Swamiji heard their useless gossip and kept quiet.

During the same week, a dog was found suffering from leprosy and could not even move. There was a veterinary hospital in the town of Rishikesh. Swami Chidanandaji had arranged to get a vehicle to carry the dog there. The vehicle was ready but who would carry the 23

wounded dog to the vehicle? Nobody came forward to do it as the dog was infected by a horrible disease. Swami Satchidananda came forward and wrapped the dog in a cloth, carried the dog, and placed it in the vehicle.

Those who saw this could not believe their eyes and were talking among themselves saying, “The other day he helped a woman’s ailing daughter and today he helped a suffering dog.” They didn’t seem to realise that those who have chosen the path of ascetic life see no difference between a human being and a dog—they treat and serve every living being equally; to be of help to each and every soul is their dedicated principle.

Teaching a Lesson to the Cheats When devotees go to the Palani Hills to worship Lord Dandapani, they have to climb the steep hill and the high steps. People used to sit on the steps to take rest. At that time some sadhus would give some short spiritual talk to the devotees. As always, there were some genuine and some fake sadhus.

There was a man in the garb of a sadhu, surrounded by his “disciples” offering holy ash to the passers-by. He was a fake sadhu acting like a real spiritual seeker. One devotee was passing near the sadhu. The fake sadhu asked him to come near him and offered him some holy ash. The devotee showed his respects to the fake sadhu and accepted the holy ash. Then the fake sadhu told the devotee that he and his disciples had not eaten for many days and needed some food immediately. He even removed his upper cloth and showed his flat stomach.

The devotee felt sorry for them and gave them some money.

The fake sadhu was expecting some big amount of money so he was disappointed when he saw the little bit money. He hid his disappointment and told the devotee that getting food was no big deal for the sadhus and that, with their powers, they could get anything they wanted. Saying this, he declined to accept the money. The devotee was afraid he had offended the sadhu so he gave him all the money that he had, along with a gold ring, and left the place. The fake sadhu and his disciples were happy.

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The devotee then saw Swami Satchidananda coming from the hill.

There were many devotees going to Swamiji to seek his blessings. The man wanted to approach Swamiji but was confused because of his previous experience. He finally approached Swamiji and told him his story. Swamiji consoled him and told one of his devotees to go to the fake sadhu and get back the money and the gold ring, which were then returned to the devotee.

Prior to this incident, Swamiji had heard about the fake sadhu.

Swamiji went to the fake sadhu and advised him not to cheat innocent devotees explaining that, by doing so, he was actually cheating himself.

He told him that God is all-knowing and knows not only our actions but also our thoughts.

Worldly Pleasures are not Permanent The luxuries and wealth we enjoy are not permanent. Sometimes we may have a luxurious life, but then it may just vanish and we have an ordinary life. These things are not permanent; they keep changing. So, we should not bother about things that keep changing. In our own experience we have seen many rich families become poor.

Swamiji was once travelling between Mysore and Bangalore. When the train stopped at a station, Swamiji saw people going to a teashop.

In the teashop, two young kids were washing the dishes and a woman, along with her husband, was preparing the tea. Even though their appearance was very simple, the brightness and the attraction in their faces reflected their rich background.

Swamiji went to them for a cup of tea and then he started to inquire about them. The man said, “Swamiji, our life was very strange. These are our children; we were living luxuriously in Pakistan. My wife never cooked food in our house because we had a cook. Here, she is preparing tea with me. Before, our children went to school by car but, here, they are helping us wash the dishes. We were very rich in Pakistan, but now all we have are this table and these vessels. We lost all our wealth and our palace due to the partition between India and Pakistan. Yet, we live with dignity, which is how we run this teashop.

People come, have a cup of tea, and go. So far, no one ever asked about 25

us; you are the only person being sympathetic towards us. Thank you for your kindness.�

As it was getting late, Swamiji blessed them and took leave to continue his journey. Wealth is not permanent. Nobody knows when it will come or go. So it is better to do good and be good.

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C h ap te r 4 Arrival in Sri Lanka Yogijraj in Sri Lanka

by Iyaran Veerakesari

Surrounded by the blue ocean and praised by the Saint

Thirugnanasambandar, Trincomalee [now Thirukonamalai] in Sri Lanka is a sacred and prestigious city. The first Divine Life Society branch was opened in Trincomalee. The Divine Life Society of Trincomalee had influenced many people to become Karma Yogis, spiritual seekers and devotees.

One who was responsible for this success was a simple lady—her name was Selvi N. Selvanayogi. She was born in a rich family, was a scholar in Tamil and English languages, and worked as a teacher. She was participating in all the spiritual conferences and discourses and was searching for a Guru.

In the year 1952, she went to Rishikesh and met her Guru, Swami Sivananda Maharaj, surrendered to him, received spiritual initiation from him and became celibate. Swami Sivananda Maharaj named her as Swami Satchidananda Saraswati Mataji.

Mataji did not want to live in Rishikesh. She wanted to serve the people in her country with her selfless service. She also wanted to open a branch of the Divine Life Society in Sri Lanka and teach Yoga and meditation to the citizens. Swami Sivananda responded to her idea and blessed her. She wanted Swami Satchidananda to help her with the noble task. Sri Lanka was blessed with the arrival of Swamiji with Mataji.

From February 1953, Sri Lanka started to enjoy the benefit of the selfless service of Swami Satchidananda. In the same year, with Swamiji’s suggestions and guidance, they started to construct the ashram, meditation hall, and the medical centre on Mataji’s property.

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They were teaching Yoga and meditation at the Ramakrishna Mutt Hindu College in Trincomalee. Some people were objecting to this.

They questioned the idea of the Divine Life Society teaching at a different organisation. Swamiji advised them that though they had different names, the cause was the same and that they should not think only of the Hindus, but also all other religions. Because of his selfless service to humanity, Swamiji belonged to all religions and all people.

On 7 November 1953, with the kind blessings of the great Master Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj, Swamiji and Mataji opened the first branch of the Divine Life Society in Sri Lanka. This branch also included a free medical clinic, an orphanage, and religious studies courses, including workshops, discourses, and satsangs.

Very soon, the Divine Life Society became popular in Sri Lanka.

The principles “Be good, do good, love all, serve all” were accepted and adopted by the people. More free hospitals treated the sick with a smile and cured them. Branches of the Divine Life Society were opened all over Sri Lanka. Kandy, Kalaka, Navalapity, Maathalai, Yaazpaanam, Colombo, Poonduloya, Nanuoya, Kazuthurai, Vellavathai, Kottakkali, were some of the cities in which Divine Life Society started to conduct Yoga, meditation, and religious study classes, which continue even today.

The Kandy branch of the Divine Life Society is the main centre for all the Divine Life Society centres in Sri Lanka even today, as it happens to be in the prime location of Sri Lanka. It is very convenient for the people all over the country to reach.

Recently the Tamil writer Sri N. Parthasarathi travelled all over Sri Lanka, visited the Divine Life Society centres, and wrote the following note: “Swami Satchidananda has opened many Divine Life Society centres all over Sri Lanka and they are doing a wonderful selfless service. The Divine Life Society and Satchidananda Ashram (Kandy) are the same. They do tireless service to humanity. A native of a village near Coimbatore in South 28

India, Swamiji is the prime disciple of Rishikesh Swami Sivanandaji and with his blessings he had come to Kandy to perform his Karma Yoga. The ministers of the government and the workers of the tea gardens equally know about his noble service. People from all over the world visit his ashram.

Sri Omkara Chaitanya and Muruganandaji have joined him.

Swamiji’s service to humanity is par excellence.”

Spiritual Retreat Every year, the Divine Life Society in Sri Lanka celebrates Guru Purnima, Swami Sivananda Maharaj’s Jayanthi (birth anniversary), and Swamiji’s Jayanthi.

People were aware of the spiritual retreats conducted by the Divine Life Society every month. It is necessary to practise spirituality, which would help us to get away from the worldly and materialistic possessions and keep connected to God through our inner Self. The body, mind, and soul would become strong. The Divine Life Society members of the Trincomalee chapter used to attend this retreat every month. Students and teachers would have a five-day retreat every year.

I hereby give the opinion of one of the members who participated in the 1956 spiritual retreat: “The ashram in the interior of a coconut grove was surrounded by scenic beauty. A peaceful, intellectual, and young-looking yogi was demonstrating many different Yoga asanas to the men and women of all ages who had assembled.

That was a rare and wonderful experience for me.

“Last month on the 30th and 31st, and this month on the 1st, Swami Satchidananda presided over the spiritual retreat.

People from all over Sri Lanka had come to participate. It was about 5 p.m. when I went. A man about 67 years-old was practicing sarvangasana. He was a farm owner, suffering from many diseases. He learned Yoga from Swamiji for a few weeks and now he is hale and hearty. His illness just vanished. There were many people like him at the workshop.

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“Swamiji was explaining the benefits of every asana to us. He was also explaining how we could avoid diseases by regularly practicing Yoga. He said that everyone could do Yoga. People who had been suffering from stomach pain for many years were cured by Yoga. Many people demonstrated their skill in Yoga practice and some of them were quite new. Swamiji taught everyone with interest. Many men and women came by special buses to participate in the spiritual retreat. People of all religious faiths joined together like a large family and attended the workshop for three days under the guidance of Swamiji.

“We all woke up every day at 5 a.m. and had our bath in the river. Temple worship, meditation, silent reading, breakfast, discourses, silence, satsang, collective meditation, and prayers, and then Yoga asana practice, evening bath in the river, followed by dinner, and after that we had a question-andanswer session. This was the order we followed every day for three days. It was wonderful to attend the workshop. We all forgot our external world and enjoyed the inner world.”

Once in a week Swamiji visits the University to teach religious studies and Yoga to the students. When people appreciate Swamiji for his dedicated selfless service, he humbly says that it was the kind blessings of his Guru and he should not feel proud of his service.

Many Sinhalese people also learned Yoga from Swamiji. A volunteer committee was organised under the leadership of Swamiji. He gave a wonderful speech about the volunteer services of the Divine Life Society and requested everyone to join the organisation.

All Religions Prayer Gurus remove our inner darkness and bless us with their teachings.

Without Gurus we cannot get wisdom; and any talent without the blessings of the Gurus is useless. It is a custom for people of all faiths to worship their Gurus and seek their blessings. But not everyone prays to their Gurus on the same day. And no one would offer their prayers to Gurus of other faiths. Swami Satchidananda’s Sri Lanka Divine Life Society created religious history.

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He converted the Guru Purnima day into an all religions faith day.

Every year, the Guru Purnima day comes in the fourth Tamil month, Aadi or Asadha (between July and August), which was celebrated very grandly not only in India but also in Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, Swami Satchidananda introduced a new method of Guru Purnima celebration, in which Spiritual Masters of all faiths would participate. The love and compassion of Jesus Christ, the dharma teachings of The Buddha, the peace of Almighty Allah, the philosophy of Vedanta and the spirituality of the Hindus, were elaborately described by the respective leaders. It was a chance for the people to know about every religion on the same day. This was possible by the gracious blessings and hard work of Swami Satchidananda.

The Guru Purnima day in Trincomalee was a festival day for everyone.

Several religious institutions participated in the Akanda Nama bhajan, which would begin at 6 a.m. and end at 4 p.m. People used to chant the Guru mantra with much devotion. “Satguru Jaya Guru, Satchidananda Guru, Guru charanam, Guru charanam, Satguru charanam, bhava haranam.� This Guru mantra was continuously chanted on the Guru Purnima day. Its vibration purified not only the Divine Life Society disciples but also the entire Sri Lanka.

The 8th September is Swami Sivananda Saraswati Jayanthi day. It was the golden birthday of the Rishikesh divine Guru Swami Sivananda Maharaj. It is celebrated by all the Divine Life Society centres all over the world. Many centres wanted Swami Satchidanandaji to preside over the celebration. How could he participate in all the centres in one day? Because of this, the Jayanthi of the great Master was celebrated from 8th September till the end of the month. The divine blessing message of the great Master was sent to the Divine Life Society centres, which was printed and distributed. Prayers for his health and long life, appreciation, and gratitude for his selfless service were part of the Jayanthi celebrations.

Annual Day of Kandy Divine Life Society The young and old equally participated every year for the anniversary of the Kandy Divine Life Society, which conducted many 31

competitions and distributed prizes and certificates. Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Christians, men and women belonging to other religions attended the celebrations and participated in the competitions. There were separate events for children, teenagers, young adults, middle-aged people, and even the elderly. Competitions were conducted according to the age groups.

The Inspector General of Police (I. G. P.), Mr. De Silva, presided over the 1957 anniversary celebrations and appreciated and congratulated Swamiji on his speech saying, “Swamiji does not belong to any particular religion; he belongs to all religions. Because of his dedicated service, our country has become more peaceful and we are all united as a single family. I am very happy to offer my humble respects and thanks to Swamiji, on behalf of the people of Sri Lanka.�

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C h ap te r 5 Seva (Social Ser vice) in Sri Lanka Free Medical Ser vice

The Divine Life Society opened a free medical clinic for treating

asthma, cataract, hearing impairment, and other diseases. Through the Yoga classes of Swamiji, many people were able to get relief from ailments like obesity, anger, fatigue, dullness, and loss of memory. They could regain their health, strength, memory power, peace, calmness, and sharpened intellect. Swamiji was able to treat them not only by his Yoga classes but also through his homeopathic qualification. From 1953, the Divine Life Society in Trincomalee was rendering free medical clinic to everyone irrespective of caste, religion, and language. People were cured both physically and mentally with the blessings of God and Swamiji.

Medicines from Rishikesh were distributed free to the needy.

Religious Ser vice Swami Satchidananda was teaching children and the adults through the Divine Life Society. He taught Yoga, meditation, pranayama, Raja Yoga, religious studies, and the meaning of ancient scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita. He gave satsang in universities, temples, and public places. People from all walks of life came forward to listen to his speeches and received the benefit. Couples who had marital problems, people who were addicted to drugs or alcohol, people who killed animals and made their own stomach as the burial ground of the killed animals, and even people who were atheists, started to understand and adopt Swamiji’s teachings. They had a better life by being compassionate and loving to each other; they shed all their bad habits and believed in God and Guru. They heard Swamiji’s eternal message and practised spirituality in their lives.

In the Tea Estates In tea estates, even though people believed in God, many did not know how to lead a godly and spiritual life. Swamiji went to the tea 33

estates to teach spirituality and meditation. People were devoted to him and treated Swamiji as their Guru. Because of his kindness and inspiration, people took a vow and became vegetarians, teetotalers, practised dharma, peace, and non-violence in their lives. The Divine Life Society centres and the people of Sri Lanka wanted Swamiji to visit the estates often. For that they raised funds and bought him a car.

Home for Destitute Women The women of the Divine Life Society wanted to help destitute women, children, and those who wanted to lead a spiritual life on their own. With the efforts and hard work of Swamiji, a separate section was formed at the Kandy Divine Life Society where they could stay and practise spirituality. The centre was further developed for the welfare of women and orphans.

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C h ap te r 6 Travels in Asia Pilgrimage to Kailash

Holy Mount Kailash in the Himalayan mountains is on top of the world. Mount Kailash at 6,000 metres and Lake Manasarovar at 4,570 metres above sea level are considered the holiest by Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and the sages and saints are happily blessing us from their abode in Kailash. People long to pay their respects in person by going to holy Kailash to seek God’s blessings. To reach Kailash one has to undertake an arduous journey by climbing up to 6,000 metres on the snow-clad mountain. It is a most challenging pilgrimage.

Not everyone could undertake this strenuous pilgrimage. It is a penance for those who have totally surrendered and dedicated their lives to God. It was difficult for others to go to Kailash and return.

Ancient scriptures say that Saint Thirunavukkarasar walked, crawled, and even tumbled over and over to reach Kailash. The legend says that finally God appreciated his devotion and dedication and came in person to bless him.

Very recently Swamiji went to Kailash and worshipped the divine Father and Mother and returned. He started his journey in May 1958.

He went to Rishikesh from Sri Lanka, received his Master’s blessings, and from there reached Bageswaram via Almora. He climbed the snow-covered mountain path, reached the holy mountain by covering about 1,300 kilometres in two months, and had the darshan of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

While returning, he also had darshan at Amarnath cave, at an altitude of 4,265 metres, in Kashmir valley. There Lord Shiva is in the form of a lingam made of ice. Swamiji took many photographs and brought them back to Sri Lanka and showed the people a slide show. He also gave many radio talks. One can also read his book, Kailash Journal.

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Swamiji in Other Asian Countries After his return from Kailash, Swamiji received many invitations to visit other Asian countries. In 1959, during the last week of February, he went to Hong Kong. The Chinese, Sindhis, Europeans, and Japanese people attended his Yoga and meditation classes with interest and benefited. He gave satsang and discourses and taught Yoga and meditation at the Rotary Club, YMCA, YWCA, the Southern China Gym, The Swimming Club, and The Truth of Light Institute. He also went to Malaysia and Singapore. One could read more about these visits and his service in those countries in his book, My Experiences in East Asian Countries. [This book is no longer in print, but some of the material appears in Sri Swamiji’s biography, Swami Satchidananda: Apostle of Peace.]

Long Live His Ser vice!

Our best wishes to Yogiraj Swami Satchidananda that his dedicated service to humanity remains available for hundreds of years. May all those who are enlightened and ignorant; who know him or do not know him; all those who are educated or not; all those who have seen him or not; be blessed by the blessings and the teachings of Yogiraj.

May each and every soul, each and every tree, plant, creature, be blessed and benefited by his graceful guidance and attain the supreme peace and eternal bliss—Satchidananda—in this birth and future births.

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PART 2

Discourses

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C h ap te r 7 Mantra Yoga Towards the end of the Dvapara Yuga (third of the four yugas or ages consisting of 864,000 years) one day, Maharishi Narada went to Lord Brahma, and asked him, “O Lord, how could I live a peaceful life in this Kaliyuga?” (Kaliyuga, the present Iron age, the last of the four great stages of the world is believed to have begun in 3102 B. C.) Lord Brahma replied to him, “O Narada! You asked me a good question! I shall give you an answer which would be useful not only to you but to the entire universe! I shall give you the easiest, yet very powerful solution. In this Kaliyuga it is difficult for everyone to practise spiritual wisdom and Yoga sadhana. The only spiritual practice that everyone could do—whether they are male or female, young or old, rich or poor, is the chanting of God’s holy names. This divine chanting of prayers alone can remove the obstacles and negative effect of Kaliyuga, and bless the people with peace, happiness and prosperity.”

Narada again asked Lord Brahma, “Are there any rules and regulations for chanting the prayers?”

Brahma said, “Narada! Are there any rules for how children should call their parents? If you call me without any hesitation, doubt, confusion, and with honesty, you will be blessed with whatever you want. You can chant my prayers alone, or with others in a group, in your house or in a temple, day or night; it doesn’t matter.”

Spiritual wisdom and the philosophy of Yoga sadhana guarantee the effect of chanting of mantras and prayers. So, my dear spiritual seekers, please offer your prayers to God loudly! You will benefit your town, city, country, and the world by the vibrations you create by chanting.

Divine chanting creates positive vibrations, closeness to God, and inner power which spreads all over—devotees get elevated with peace and power.

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In the beginning of a collective prayer, you should chant the Pranava mantra (primordial sound) “OM” three times.

Every time you begin to chant the prayer of a particular name of God, everyone should chant the prayer individually. Then you can have a group prayer. In the end be in silence for a minute and then all of you can join together to chant the chorus of the compound mantra. In the end, the Maha Mritunjaya mantra should be chanted at least three times and then conclude with the Shanti mantra (“OM Shanti,” peace be unto all).

The Maha Mritunjaya mantra is a very wonderful mantra that has the power to save us from the fear of death, accidents, and to restore peace.

After chanting the Shanti mantra, everyone should be in silence for at least five minutes and then begin again by chanting the OM mantra.

After that, those who know about principles of religion, or spiritual studies, can deliver a discourse or read a portion from a religious book and explain it. At the end, when you offer the arati (waving of the holy light), all can sing the Jyoti mantra either together or separately. When the camphor light is shown all can join in the chorus. After the arati, you can sing the chorus and end the prayer.

Our normal life becomes spiritual life when we begin the day by praying to God for blessings. We should be doing God’s service continuously. We should be always active in performing spiritual service. The result of spiritual life will be always beneficial when we keep learning it. I bless you all to be high spiritual seekers. May God bless you with abundant good health, long life, knowledge, and blessings.

The Maha Mritunjaya mantra: “OM tryambakam yajamahe sugandhim pushti vardhanam Urvaarukamiva bandhanath mrityor mookshiya mamruthath” Meaning: OM. We worship the three-eyed Lord Shiva who is naturally fragrant, immensely merciful, and who is the protector of the 40

devotees. Worshipping him, may we be liberated from death for the sake of immortality just as the ripe cucumber easily separates itself from the binding stalk (i.e., by your grace).

Let me be in the state of salvation (moksha) and be saved from the clutches of fearful death.

The Maha Mritunjaya mantra is very much a protector from accidents, mishaps, and daily calamities in the modern busy life. —Sri Lanka Radio address

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C h ap te r 8 Make the Mind Pure (This talk was during a time when alcoholism was rampant in Sri Lanka, particularly plaguing tea plantation workers.)

All the souls need the support of their minds and bodies for their

spiritual journeys. The mind is highly sensitive. Ups and downs of life depend upon how much the mind is clear and understands. Your happiness and peace depend upon your mental purity and clarity.

“Mana eva manushyanam,” which means, “As you think, so you become.” These are pronouncements of wise people. The word “man” itself means “refined mind.”

Spiritual or sattvic food gives long life, knowledge, good health and happiness; rajasic or passionate food gives distress, sorrow, and disease; tamasic or sluggish food gives drowsiness, excess sleep; these are elaborately described in the Bhagavad Gita.

The Chandogya Upanishad says that if the food is of spiritual quality, your character becomes good; when the character becomes good, your thinking becomes firm; when you have firm thinking all your bondage, the earthly attachments, automatically will leave you. I fear people have forgotten the importance of food, which can make the mind pure.

Otherwise, we see the terrible influence of alcohol in the world, which would make man an animal and make him lose his self-respect and respect for others, because of his addiction. Many people who were active, magnanimous, kind, and compassionate to their spouses and children start torturing them because of their addiction to alcohol.

What was the reason for that? Because he was addicted to alcohol, he lost his mind. What is the meaning of “lost his mind?” He would have become an animal or even lesser than that.

Saint Thiruvalluvar compared alcohol to poison in his Thirukkural and said: 43

“Those who sleep resemble the dead for the duration, but the drunken ones are, as good as dead always, having consumed poison.” (926) In another verse he said that addiction to alcohol, gambling, and prostitutes would never let you be prosperous or peaceful.

A friend of a prostitute asked her why people spent their hard-earned money on her. She replied that those who did not perform their moral or religious duties, according to shastras, lose their wealth by addiction to prostitutes, alcohol, and gambling. Some people would say, “I have my limits; I never drink more than my limits; and I don’t get drunk; what’s wrong in it? It’s also good for health.” I am not going to reply to that, but let me give you the message of the Director of the Alcoholic Addicts Research Institute: “Those who have the habit of consuming alcohol ‘within limits’ for a longer period lose their youth and become old when they were very young as the alcohol has been in their body for a very long time. I could confidently say this without any hesitation due to my many years of research.”

Edwin M. Lemart of the University of California submitted his research work in his book Social Pathology. “We have confirmed proof of the fact that due to addiction to alcohol, the body loses its natural functions gradually. The ability and contact between the hand and the eyes were considerably reduced, there were lots of road accidents, inappropriate relationships between men and women, insults, fights, loss of peace, happiness, property, family prestige, mishandling of public funds, bad credit, and small crimes were also found due to alcohol addiction.”

Because of all these reasons and findings, whether it was within limits or out of limits, it is best to quit the habit of alcohol consumption and lead a happy, peaceful, and dignified life. Through laws, eradication of unemployment, campaigns, creating recreation facilities for people to spend their leisure time usefully, meditation halls, public parks, restaurants, libraries, and playgrounds, we could eradicate the evil of alcohol and make all citizens good and healthy citizens.

May God bless us to achieve this goal!

—Sri Lanka Radio address 44

C h ap te r 9 Milk of Kindness “It is said that God is full of compassion for everybody. If it is so then why can’t God be equally generous to everyone?” asked a so-called rationalist.

A broad-minded philanthropist kept large quantities of milk pots in his house and put a placard outside, “Those who come here and ask for milk would be given liberally.” Some people thought he was kidding; some people said they did not want it. Those who went into the house to get the milk returned with empty hands as they did not have any vessel to take the milk. Some people who brought their vessels could not take the milk as they had some other things in the vessels, which they did not empty.

Some people got the milk in their vessels and returned home. The milk was given according to the size of the vessels. Those who got less milk complained that they were given less milk without realizing that their vessels were small. Some people had small holes in their vessels so the milk leaked out. Some people did not clean their vessels properly causing the milk to spoil. Only a very few people were able to take the milk properly to their homes and use it. The rest of the people, who could not get the milk due to their own inabilities, were blaming the milk distributors.

We should remember this example when we seek divine grace. God is always ready to grace us with divine blessings, without any rules, regulations, or conditions. We should think about our own capacity to receive God’s blessings. God is ready to bless everybody equally. But, what could we say about those who do not want to accept it? Even if some are ready to accept it, their hearts are filled with numerous evil thoughts. Some were interested only in the materialistic values of the world and filled their hearts with such desires and could not receive God’s blessings. Some were filled with greed, anger, ego, stinginess, 45

delusion, and envy because of which they missed out on God’s divine blessings.

Some hearts think only about themselves and their families and hence have become too small and can receive only a very little amount of kindness from God. But, the hearts of selfless spiritual seekers and true devotees are filled with truthfulness, honesty, generosity, and kindness and hence they are able to receive God’s abundant divine blessings and kindness much more and they lead a long and happy life.

In the words of Thiruvalluvar: “The stalk of a lotus blossom grows long enough to project the pretty flower out of water.

So too, a man’s level of greatness is determined by his own will.” (423) Let us surrender totally to God, catch hold of God to receive all the kind blessings!

—Sri Lanka Radio address

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C h ap te r 10 To Listen, To Think of, To Become Clear Let us ponder over the magic of how the cow converts the grass that

it eats into milk. When the cow goes to graze, it does not waste time; it concentrates fully on its job and eats the grass without wasting time.

After eating enough, it lies down quietly, brings back the food into its mouth, and chews it again.

At this stage, if we observe the cow, it looks like a true spiritual practitioner. Eyes half-closed, bottom of its stomach moving rhythmically to bring the food to its mouth. All this would give us an impression about how the cow makes a sincere effort to assimilate the food into nourishing nutrients, like a focused meditation. This is a thoughtful observance.

How could we be useful to ourselves and to others by having spiritual food? In this example, the cow teaches us a lesson: When we hear a spiritual message, without getting distracted, we should bring it back to our memory and think over it again with concentration. When the thinking becomes clear, we should implement it in our lives for the betterment of ourselves and the world.

The same is described in the yogic life as sravana (hearing) manana (consideration) nididhyasana (uninterrupted meditation) or to listen, to think of, and to become clear.

What you hear should be pure. Just as indigestible food makes you suffer from disease, negative messages would end in negative results.

The great saint Thiruvalluvar also said, “Learn clearly without mistake, and implement according to that pure learning.� Even if the food is good, when we exceed the limits, it becomes poison. So, spiritual seekers should develop their spiritual practise properly by listening carefully, thinking properly, and becoming clear. When you are thinking, certain things may create doubt; then you should get your 47

doubts cleared by seeking guidance from proper people.

“To discern the truth from whatever source it emanates Is the true quality of wisdom.” (Thirukkural, 423) Even if you hear a good thought, it becomes useless if you do not think about it and understand it. Hearing and thinking are two great boons to humankind. May God bless us to use them properly and get benefited.

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

—Sri Lanka Radio address

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C h ap te r 11 We Reap the Results of Our Actions Sri Natarasa was my close friend. He and his wife were very kind-

hearted people who were always ready to serve people with their dedicated, selfless service. They believed in and practised non-violence.

They were the ideal couple. One afternoon, I went to see them. When I entered their house, I heard their beloved son yelling and screaming.

When I went to see what it was all about, I was shocked to see the mother holding her son’s legs tightly and the father tightly holding the son’s head and arms so he could not move his body. There was a man cutting the boy’s upper thigh, and blood and pus were coming out. The boy was screaming and scolding his parents loudly, as he was not able to bear the pain.

When the parents saw me, they welcomed me with a smile and told me that their son fell down and got hurt while climbing the tree. He did not tell anybody about the wound which was now filled with pus.

Eventually, when he was not able to walk, they came to know the fact and brought a doctor for his treatment. They said they were praying to God for his speedy recovery and requested me also to pray.

I was in my deep thoughts: an adamant son, loving parents. What they were doing was giving a lot of pain to their son. To their son, their actions didn’t seem merciful—but they wanted him to be cured from the infection. They were kind in their hearts; but strict in their actions.

The son was angry at his parents because he did not know the truth.

What a surprise! Now only we realise this! Even God’s actions are like that. People would pray to God to bestow them with virtues, wealth, joy, and a good family life, which are the four essential objectives of human pursuit. They would also pray to God to guard them against pitfalls and failures on their path of earning livelihood for the family.

This becomes necessary when people want all the materialistic comforts and feel that due to God’s blessings they are able to enjoy 49

the happiness and prosperity of their life. There are some people who totally forget God, their goals, duties, and responsibilities and concentrate only on some small pleasures and fight with each other to have them. Because of their jealous, greedy, and selfish nature, they get into various troubles and get wounded. To make them realise their mistakes and come up in life, God cures their wounds by their own actions. Without realizing this fact, people think that God is biased and partial, appearing to bless one with sorrow and the other with happiness. They never think of the aftermath of God’s blessings.

Let us always remember the fact that God blesses us according to our actions and thoughts. There is cause and effect. We have to reap the result of our own actions—both good and bad.

OM Shanti.

—Sri Lanka Radio address

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C h ap te r 12 Gurukulam (Life of a Pupil in the Master’s Care) Life consists of four stages: celibate life (brahmacharya), married life

(grihastha), forest life, (vanaprastha—one who has retired, with his or her spouse, to a forest to lead an ascetic life) and ascetic life (sannyasa).

These are known as duties pertaining to the four stages of life (varnashrama). During the olden days, most of the first stage of life, that is the celibate life or the brahmacharya, was spent in Gurukulam (in the home of a Guru where everyone was equally treated and taught by the Guru, the master).

Gurukulam was the residence of the Guru, where the son of the king, the common citizen, the sons of the rich and the poor lived and learned together as disciples, without any discrimination. They respected their Guru as God and served him anticipating his needs.

Those who are interested in spirituality have to surrender themselves to their Guru completely. It doesn’t mean that one need not have any knowledge about the Guru’s worthiness. Even a Guru accepts a person as a disciple only after assessing his qualities. A Guru has very few disciples who stay with him forever—others come and go.

In Gurukul life, the disciples have to serve with sheer devotion.

Though one student may be a king’s son, he still will have to cut grass for the cow, bring logs from the forest, and so on. For everything, one should possess perseverance, faith, and devotion.

There was an ashram, where the head was a kind-hearted sadhu. But he was an enigmatic person. Sometimes during amavasiya (new moon) night, he asked the disciples to fetch water from the river, located half a kilometre away. Then he stopped those who responded immediately and advised them to take a lantern with them in order to avoid insect bites. On the contrary, if they happened to go out in the night with a 51

lantern, he sarcastically commented: “Is life that precious? So much care for this obliterating body? How long does everyone live safely?

One day the soul departs from the body! This ashram life is useless for those who don’t understand this matter.”

One day, the Guru was having a discussion with some pious people from the neighbourhood and the discussion went on beyond midnight.

The disciples were waiting for the Guru without eating and sleeping even after eleven in the night. Suddenly the Guru turned towards them and said, “Don’t wait for me, develop the habit of doing things at the right time. Have food and go to sleep.”

The next day, the time was running out in the same way, so the disciples had food and prepared to go off to sleep. The Guru called them and blurted, “Is food and sleep that prominent in this spiritual life? Those who did not concern themselves about their Guru don’t deserve this life. You can go on your way.”

Are you wondering how to live with a person who is inconsistent in guiding you? All these are tricks to test the mental maturity and stability of the disciples. During this process some get swayed and leave the Guru. Only few accept this as it happens. For them his words are magical spells, serving him is like worshipping God. The ultimate goal of a true disciple is to, after deep thought, accept the Guru as one’s guide and to be faithful, loyal, and have belief in him.

Whatever the Guru says, the disciple should, without any hesitation, have the mind to do it. If the Guru ordered the disciple to climb atop a tree and stand there, one who does it without a second thought, is a serious believer of the Guru. It is definite that those who take total refuge in their Guru and stand by the virtue, will attain bliss.

—Antaryoga Retreat satsang

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C h ap te r 13 Miracles are Hurdles to Salvation To attain God’s abode, detachment from worldly affairs and serving

God with utmost devotion are necessary. Once the mind is under control, many supernatural powers will evolve. You will achieve many things, which are important for a layperson. Some people observe ascetic life just to accomplish the supernatural powers. Few others take interest in spirituality and observe ascetic life initially. But in the longer run they are attracted by accomplished supernatural powers and reach their goal. Whatever it is, supernatural powers do not give eternal beatitude; they lead to re-birth. Sadhus who wish to attain the state of supreme bliss should stay away from testing their supernatural powers.

In my life, I have met people brilliant in their accomplishments.

Once I lived with a sage for quite some time. He was great in his accomplishments. One day I, a sadhu, and some of his disciples went to a mango orchid. One disciple wanted a particular ripened mango and instantly it fell from the tree. Another time, a disciple informed the Guru that there was no oil to light the lamp. The disciple explained, “Guruji asked us to keep the oil can in the eastern corner of the room. After some time, we found that the can was filled with oil.”

Even the prasad which he offered—like food or banana—contained coins. During my stay I learned the way of exercising supernatural powers and its consequences. I was eager to relieve the sage from the adversities of these powers.

One day I was aware that he didn’t have money. I asked for some.

He opened his closed fist and gave me ten rupees. I politely asked him, “Swami, how did you get it?” He proudly replied, “One can get anything through supernatural powers.” Again I questioned, “Yes, it is visible, but how did you get the money?” Irritated by my question, he said, “It is not necessary now.” Adamantly I said, “If the money is fake, then it is a crime.” He replied, “No, it is the genuine money.” Then I 53

argued, “So it must have taken from somebody’s locker; it is stolen money.” My Guru was not happy with my inquiry. I left him. But my inquiry of mind bore fruits later.

A few years later, I met him by chance. From his own experiences, he explained the consequences of supernatural powers. One’s spiritual powers will go to waste in performing miracles. Sage Vishwamitra sent Thirisangu along with his body to heaven, so he lost all his powers gained through tapas (austerities). It also brings false pride to oneself.

One can say that our desires are tested by supernatural powers. To be precise, these powers are impermanent; they are not our ultimate destiny. Attaining supreme bliss of conscious existence of the soul is the sole purpose of going on pilgrimage to the holy places of Lord Shiva.

—Antaryoga Retreat satsang

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C h ap te r 14 Detachment A man travels by a forest where all creatures live. He gets scared by

seeing the dangerous creatures like lions, tigers, bears, etc. On the contrary, he gets delighted by the other harmless creatures like mynah, peacock, deer, etc. Eventually he forgets his destination. He has gone astray due to nightfall; his fickle mind lost all energy to reach his destination. Instead of analysing its root cause, he thinks about liberation.

Likewise, in this world many people lead aimless lives. While they enjoy worldly desires, ignorance engulfs them in darkness. They get caught in the middle of dense forest bushes of name, fame, status, inflated ego, and also become envious. Falsehood, deceitfulness, cruelty, and ingenuity are hurdles on one’s life path. So deviation from the right path, to attain the state of supreme enjoyment, ends up in suffering.

To guide such people, the liberated elders have shown the way.

Desires are the reason for the impermanence of joy and sorrow in our lives. We all are God’s children. God provides us with all the necessities of life like food, clothing, shelter, education, wealth, etc. We did not bring anything when we came and we don’t take anything with us when we go. Those who forget this develop ego and self-conceit.

Until this ignorance ends, there is no chance of attaining detachment.

Detachment is very important to attain supreme happiness.

To put an end to attachment, selfishness must go. The only way is by loving the godliness in all living beings. People who have kind hearts don’t cling to possessions but feel that everything they possess is to be used for the common good. People who are selfish accumulate wealth and they can never be happy even in re-birth. A kind person always gives to others. “Unkind people think that everything is theirs but, kind-hearted people think that they are born to help others,” is the noble saying by Thiruvalluvar.

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“Give forever,” is the watchword of Jagatguru Swami Sivananda.

Charity purifies a person’s heart. God dwells in a pure heart only. Then life becomes meaningful and you will attain heavenly joy when God comes to live in your heart.

—Written for the newspaper Vimochanam

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C h ap te r 15 Mystic Prayer In this age of Kaliyuga, prayer is the easiest and best way for the

manifestation of God. Even the Advaita philosophers like Acharya Shankara, Sri Swami Madhusudhana Saraswati, Sri Vidhyaranya Swamigal, etc., attained the highest consciousness through prayers.

Through mystic prayers the Saivites performed several rare supernatural acts like making stones float, converting a lime-kiln into a garden, taking churned milk cream from water, turning fire into ice, turning bone into a woman, etc.

All mystic verses carry the same amount of powers. There is no difference between small or long verses. Don’t get confused by a verse’s measure, language, and pronunciation. Repeating a verse with right expression, by understanding its meaning, is important.

Only prayers and meditation done with natural disposition and directed mind, can reach God. One should develop the strong habit of saying prayers; even if you forget, your tongue should pronounce the prayer spontaneously. Don’t worry if you do not receive a divine manifestation. The Name, instead of its meaning, bears power. If we adhere to God’s Name, God’s form will appear. Once Lord Sri Ramachandra fixed arrows in his bow against Hanuman. Hanuman escaped by repeating, “Ram.” It is evident that the name “Rama” is more powerful than Lord Rama himself. May God bless you with the spiritual power to tame the mind and senses and to be absorbed in prayer to attain great divinity for an eternal blissful life.

Practical Aids to Japa (from Japa Yoga by Swami Sivananda) 1. Select any mantra or name of God, preferably that is given to you by your Guru, and repeat it from 108 to 1,080 times daily (one to ten malas).

2. Always keep your Guru-mantra a secret. Never disclose it to anyone.

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3. It is better to stick to one mantra only. See Lord Krishna in Rama, Shiva, Durga, Gayatri, and in everyone.

4. Get up at 4 a.m. and do japa for two hours. The early morning period (Brahmamuhurta) and dusk is the most favorable time for japa and meditation. This is when sattva (purity or steadiness) is predominant.

5. Take a bath or wash your hands, feet, face and mouth before sitting for japa in the morning. At other times this is not absolutely necessary. Do japa whenever you have leisure, at the three junctions of the day—morning, noon and evening—and before going to bed.

6. Face east or north during the practice. This enhances the efficacy of the japa. Sit on a deerskin or rug. Spread a piece of cloth over it.

This conserves body electricity. Sit in a separate meditation room or in any suitable place, such as a temple, on a riverbank, or under a banyan or peepul tree.

7. Maintain a steady pose. Attain mastery of the posture. You must be able to sit in Padmasana, Siddhasana, or Sukhasana for three hours at a stretch.

8. Resolve to complete a certain minimum number of malas before leaving your seat.

9. Recite some prayers before starting the japa.

10. A rosary is a whip to goad the mind towards God. Use a rudraksha or tulsi mala of 108 beads.

11. Do not allow the mala to hang below the navel. Keep the hand near the heart or the nose.

12. The mala must not be visible to you or to others. Cover it with a towel or handkerchief, which must be clean and washed daily.

13. Use the middle finger and the thumb of the right to roll the beads.

The use of the index finger is prohibited.

14. Do not cross the meru while rolling the beads. Turn back when you come to it.

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15. Sometimes do the japa without a mala. Use a watch.

16. Do mental japa for a time. When the mind wanders, do the japa aloud, or whisper the mantra for some time and come back to mental japa again as soon as possible.

17. When you repeat the mantra, have the feeling or mental attitude that God is seated in your heart, that purity, or sattva, is flowing from God into your mind, that the mantra is purifying your heart, destroying desires, cravings, and evil thoughts.

18. Do not do the japa in a hurried manner, like a contractor who tries to finish his work in a short time. Do it slowly with feeling, one-pointedness of mind and single-minded devotion.

19. Pronounce the mantra distinctly and without any mistakes. Repeat it neither too slowly nor too fast. Increase the speed only when the mind wanders.

20. Be vigilant and alert during japa. Stand up when sleep tries to overpower you.

21. Try to associate the japa with the rhythm of the breath and meditate on the form of your Deity. Keep a picture or image of the Deity in front of you. Think of the meaning of the mantra while repeating it.

22. Regularity in japa sadhana is most essential if success is to be achieved. Sit in the same place and at the same time every day.

23. Do not beg for any worldly objects from God while doing japa.

Feel that your heart is being purified and that the mind is becoming steady by the power of the mantra and the Grace of God. 24. Observe silence and avoid distractions, calls, and engagements.

25. It is important not to leave the place at once after the japa is over and mix with everyone or plunge into worldly activity. Sit very quietly for at least ten minutes, humming some prayer, remembering God, and reflecting upon God’s infinite love. Then, after devout prostration, leave the place and commence your routine duties, and activities. In this way the spiritual vibrations will remain intact.

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26. Continue the current of japa mentally at all times, whatever be the activity in which you are engaged. Carry on your sadhana with tenacity and perseverance, without a break. Realise the glorious goal of life and enjoy supreme bliss.

Long live the sacred Name; long live prayer and meditation.

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C h ap te r 16 Legends are not Entirely Imaginary Most of the legendary tales describe wars between devas (divine

beings) and asuras (celestial beings opposed to the devas) A similar war is going on in this contemporary world, not in the outside world but, in the minds of the people.

The essence of all the epics namely Ramayana, Bhagavad Gita, and Skanda Purana are struggles between the devas and asuras. Devas were gifted with luxurious lives. In the world of the devas, there are kamadhenu (wish-fulfiling cow), karpagatharu (heaven tree), etc., and the devas could get all the necessities of a luxurious life. What was not there? Sorrow. The devas, due to their luxurious lives, forgot God. They didn’t realise that all they had was bestowed by God, so pride and arrogance emerged. Due to this situation, the asuras became valiant and monopolized the devas. The devas thought about God only when there was distress. They made a shrieking appeal, “Oh my Father, our Master, save us from danger!” Lord, in order to save the devas, and through grace, takes incarnation to destroy the asuras. And again the devas are restored to their luxurious lives. This is the essence of legendary tales.

The only enemies of the devas were asuras. Though many fought against them, their chiefs were always three in number. In the Ramayana, it was Ravana, Kumbhakarna, and Vibhishina. When Lord Shiva burned and destroyed the three cities, its chiefs were Kamalaksha, Tarakaksha, and Vidyunmali according to the Thiripuradhakanam. When we look at the significance of Navaratri (nine day festival of the Goddess), it centres around the history of three people— Madhu Kaitabha, Mahishasura, and Sumbanisumba.

In Skandapurana also there are three asuras—Tharagan, Singan, and Suran. Who are these three asuras? In some places they are rajas, tamas, and sattva. In other words pride, evil action, and delusions are represented as asuras.

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One can ask, since there are no asuras today, why do we need to read the old tales? Asuras have not perished, they are still living with us.

Many possess the natural disposition of Kumbhakarna—ongoing slumber, unexplainable laziness, senseless food habits.

Singhamasuran, what kind of person was he? His head would grow each time he was beheaded. He was fearless. He gulped down all the warriors who came to repress him to protect the devas. Desires are like Singhamasuran—desire for name, fame, money, etc.—if one desire is uprooted another erupts. Even if a good thought comes to replace a desire, such as, “I should reduce my needs,” the asura of desire gulps down those good thoughts. Likewise, desires and pride are instigated by the natural disposition of Rakshasa.

Surapadhman is the asura who causes the delusion that leads one to fight in wars. He took mystic forms of pitch dark, as night, fire, and air when Lord Karthikeya came to protect the devas. Those who strive towards Self-realisation and dedicate themselves to God will face severe trials and tribulation. Delusion will come in the form of comforts, attachment, and ignorance.

Live by destroying the asura within. God only can do this. Lord Shiva’s spiritual armour will destroy asuras. Jnana sthira, or spiritual armour (weapon of wisdom), means illumination. When clarity of wisdom happens, ignorance goes. Wisdom is an armour which is blunted by treachery, fraudulence, cruelty, and guile. To sharpen this armour or weapon, it has to be burnt in the fire of tapas (austerity) to defeat the impurities of mind. The mind will become clear and calm because of tapas. Now sharpen it through the trials of spiritual meditation and cool it down by the divine blessings in order to condition it. Emancipation of mind is the best weapon of wisdom and it can destroy asuras. Once the mind is involved in spiritual thoughts, greed, jealousy, and the ego cannot arise. Pride and other worldly bonding will surely be severed.

Religious austerities have been observed in order to control the mind and increase one’s spiritual power. Fasting is good for both mind and body. The human body is like a factory with various machines.

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To convert the consumed food into blood, many machines are functioning. We are aware, by experience, that a restless machine gets damaged. So, the machines in our body need to rest. Fasting days are resting days for the digestive mechanisms. Fresh, new energy will develop in the body. During such days, the mind is more involved in divine thought, which cleanses the mind.

The master of the soul is God. Our ultimate aim should be to realise God. Fulfil this and overcome all the hurdles of asura qualities. To attain spiritual wisdom, it is advisable to practise fasting to cleanse the body and soul. Spiritual thoughts give us happy lives. When we get God’s grace, radiance of happiness will fill our lives.

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. —Adapted from Skanda Shasti Vrata

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C h ap te r 17 Raja Yoga Raja Yoga, is the king of all Yogas. It is directly linked to our mind.

It is a boon for today’s modern scientific world. It is attracting many westerners. Raja Yoga is not built on faith. The experience one gains during one’s training period stimulates the interest to learn more. It helps to purify the mind, to focus the mind, to pursue introspection in order to analyse the in-depth nature of the mind. For those who cultivate detachment and seek renunciation, Raja Yoga has the power to bestow kaivalya or liberation.

Yoga means controlling the afflictions of the mind. What is meant by “mind?” What is meant by afflictions? This has to be understood.

The intellectual faculties—sense organs, consciousness, and pride all together are called as mind. The natural state of mind is pure but the sense organs drag it outside. Controlling the nature of being dragged, and regulating the mind towards truth, is the first step of Yoga.

When you succeed in Yoga, your soul attains peace in its natural state.

The true state of the soul is like the bottom of a lake or ocean—one can never see the bottom. Why? It is due to the rippling nature of the waves. When the waves stop, water will settle and, at that time, the bottom of the water is visible. The lakebed is like a true soul. The water is our mind, waves are mental afflictions. As the bottom of the lake is visible when the waves settle, likewise when the mind is free of afflictions, human beings can realise their true nature. By detaching oneself from worldly affairs, one finds divine happiness.

Yoga is necessary to control the mental afflictions. This can be achieved through practice and zeal. The effort to control mental afflictions is practice, which cannot be attained by practising Yoga just for a day or two. Perseverance brings fortune. The mind can be stabilized by doing Yoga regularly, with dedication. Instead of worldly things controlling you, if you control them, then that is zeal. Yoga also helps to attain the state of samadhi and helps to reduce despair.

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Samadhi can be attained through strong faith. Lord Shiva is beyond pleasure and pain, loss and gain, and all desire and aversion. The last seed of divine knowledge is with him. As he is beyond time and space, Lord Shiva is also the master to past generations. His name (OM) has been the principle prayer of the Hindus. The meaning of Omkara has to be realised while saying prayers. It gives knowledge about spiritual intelligence and clears life’s hurdles.

Yama, niyama, asanas, pranayama, pratyahara, dhyana, meditation, and samadhi are the parts of Yoga. Non-violence, truthfulness, nonstealing, sense-restraint, non-covetousness are yama. Yama has no caste, creed, nation, or time. The great abstinences can be observed by anyone, anytime, and anywhere.

Non-deceitfulness fills one’s life with all wealth. All clandestine activities begin well but end in destruction. Following brahmacharya will bring great knowledge and mental power. One who wishes to become a yogi should leave the lustful thoughts completely.

Aparigraha (non-greed) gives freedom of life. Those who depend on others’ generosity get stuck and polluted by the giver’s heart.

Accepting one’s fate is the moral obligation (niyama). Purity of heart, contentment, tapas, gaining knowledge, taking refuge in God are obligations; purity of body in turn purifies the mind. If our mind is free of polluting thoughts and filled with clarity, integrity, and control of senses, it qualifies us to see the supreme soul.

A contented soul brings great happiness. Contentment and discontent depend on one’s mind-set. That is why it is said that one’s life is based on their inclination. If we dedicate ourselves to God, there will be no dualities in life that is—good and bad, joy and sorrow, etc.

Asana brings the best results for those who practise yama and niyama.

Asanas make one fine and strong. Practising asanas in a simple way, without much strain and by concentrating within, brings success in asanas. Once asana is accomplished, the next step is pranayama.

It regulates the vital force or prana inside the body. It is wrong to say that pranayama means simply “breathing.” It is the practice of 66

inhalation and exhalation in a prescribed proportion, in order to bring the breath under control.

Our sensory organs are always fascinated by seeing and hearing external things. As they pull us here and there, so our minds take their shape. The act of withdrawing the senses and in-drawing the mind is called pratyahara. This practice enables the mental and moral faculties of the mind to be brought under control in order for us to experience the inner peace that is our true nature.

The practice of fixing or focusing mind on an object is called concentration. For concentration we can choose anything—like focusing on an uplifting quality of mind or any desired object of uplift.

Prolonged concentration on an object is called meditation. Sustained meditation, with higher levels of concentration, is called samadhi.

Concentration, meditation, and samadhi altogether are called samyama. In the beginning, focus the mind on an object, and then have a microscopic view of its parts. Such practice is called samyama.

Those who accomplish samyama will get all the skills and clarity of knowledge.

The accomplishment of samyama differs, as it depends on what sort of things one concentrates. Like doing samyama on the sun gives knowledge of the cosmos; on the power of the elephant brings strength; on the circle of the navel brings knowledge of the body system; on the larynx controls hunger and thirst; when focusing on the heart, the nature of mind will emerge; samyama on the subconscious gives knowledge of previous births, etc. All these make a sage reach a shore beyond birth and death which is called wisdom.

While practising Yoga, lots of interruptions occur. The human body is a boat to cross the ocean of life. For that, it has to be well taken care of, otherwise diseases will interrupt. Mental weariness affects the motivation and energy to practise Yoga. If the doer is strong and sensitive enough to learn by seeing and listening, the hypothetical questions can be answered. Sometimes the doer practises hurriedly then stops abruptly. Don’t get frustrated; continue the practice.

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Diseases, weariness, doubt, de-motivation, laziness, lust, false vision, deviance from the goal, and losing ground from the attained state, are interruptions to practice. While practising samadhi, sleeplessness, mental grief, nervousness, sighing, etc., will arise due to agitations of mind. In such situations, pronouncing pranava mantra (OM) and taking refuge in Ishvara (God) brings new energy in life.

Habituate the mind to fix on a philosophy to stop the interruptions.

During your practice, if bad thoughts interrupt, good thoughts have to be brought forth in the mind. For example, suppose someone did evil things to us, instead of developing hatred towards the person, think about the power and nobleness of love.

One who consistently practises by removing all the interruptions accomplishes more—apprehensions will wear off and kaivalya will be attained. Spiritual realisation dawns when the purity of nature and human unites. The clever person who no longer identifies with the body and mind, but realises the true nature of the Self, attains the stage of kaivalya. Surrendering to God with open hands is called kaivalya.

May God give all strength to your soul to engage in Raja Yoga so you can gain self-mastery and be blessed with the divine power to lead a supreme life.

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C h ap te r 18 Divine Life Divine life is a life linked with God, which is filled with only joy.

Mundane life is against divine life. It is a life of bondage. Those who lead worldly lives think all their deeds are their own. The ego “I” and “me” creates bondage and brings sorrow. To accomplish the divine goal, banish the bondages. It doesn’t mean that one has to run away from the world or to become ascetic.

Spiritual seekers can live in contact with the world, enjoy all the wealth of this world. But, true seekers don’t have any attachment to worldly matters. They live in the pure thought that God has created the delights of the world and we don’t have any rights over them; they are for our use only. It is all God’s property and all our deeds are God’s wishes. Spiritual souls live among people, utilize the God-given privileges, and serve the divine. Spiritual and mundane life naturally co-exists. Likewise all the people should attach divine principles to their worldly lives.

Only divine life can provide eternal joy. In the mundane life joys and sorrows toss us. But we all expect a life filled with a bed of roses. How to live to attain eternal joy? Before that, let’s think why joy and sorrow occur? How does it come? Do the worldly things bring joy or sorrow?

Do all the worldly professions bring happiness? When the truth is contemplated, one can understand that there is no joy or sorrow in things and no actions are vice or virtue.

Though it may be surprising, even theft can be good. I will illustrate this by an example. After a long deliberation Krishnan decided to commit suicide. He hid a poison bottle in his bedroom and waited for nightfall as everyone at home went off to sleep. Krishnan’s suicidal thoughts were somehow known by this friend. That evening, the friend visited him and conversed fondly. While going, he stole Krishnan’s only possession—the poison bottle. Is this theft good? As the intention is good, the action is considered as good.

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Here, in another example the government confines an accused to be hanged unto death. The person who carries out the execution is a government employee. He fulfills his duties, takes pride in his work, and is paid for doing his job well.

Now, imagine that this same person went on a week’s leave from his prison duties to go to his native place. One day he saw a man on the road and they got into a quarrel. He got furious and dragged his enemy to the rice field, beat him up, and hanged him in a tree. He did the same act as in his profession at the prison. But now he has no peace of mind.

The government that paid him for his earlier killings as executor, now, punished him. He did the same job so why the difference in treatment?

As a government executor he had no personal involvement; he did his duty and got paid for it. But now, he murdered his enemy; it is his personal involvement and he was rightly punished. Living with detachment and realizing that all are God’s actions lead to Karma Yoga.

People in the world work for survival. Without money, is it possible to do business? Today everyone has assets like cash, land, car, home, etc.

To whom does it belong? Did we bring anything when we were born?

No. We came into this world with empty hands and we leave the same way. In between, we may have some money for our use. Prosperity is yielded as per the karma of one’s previous birth. One child is born with a silver spoon and the other child is not. It is all according to one’s predestination.

We have the right to use the privileges given by God, but not the right of attachment or possessiveness. A man went to a farmhouse and paid rent for his one day stay. He enjoyed all its luxuries as he wished.

The stipulated time was over. When leaving can he take the things that he used there? He was permitted to use everything, but not to take anything away. Like this, all the worldly privileges given by God belong to God. Even our bodies don’t belong to us.

Our energy and actions exist as per God’s wish. We are dancing to God’s tunes. Nobody was born with work schedules or job 70

specifications. One becomes a king and another becomes a gravedigger and another a priest. Different kinds of work should prevail in this world. God knows which work is possible by whom.

There is no disparity between professions. A person was given a discourse filled with wisdom from a butcher. Can a butcher, who slaughters animals daily, give a discourse of wisdom? That butcher did his duty, without attachment. People who met him realised that this is the way to attain Karma Yoga.

A rishi who was in tapas opened his eyes. He saw a crane sitting on the tree and just by the rishi’s glance the bird was burned to ash. The rishi was proud that he attained the power of his tapas. He went and sought food in front of a home. The lady of the home was a graceful, chaste woman. She was preparing food for her husband sincerely. So it took time to offer the rishi some food. He became angry that this women did not give him due respect. At that time the woman from inside cried out, “Oh brahmin, do you think I am a crane?” What do we infer from this? We should perform the duty assigned by God with all dedication. All the professions are dignified. Each and every organ of the body is essential to human beings, likewise every profession is essential for our society. There is no master without servant, no king without subjects.

There are many wheels necessary for a clock to function—the slow moving, fast moving, and a wheel that moves to and fro. The slow moving wheel said to the fast moving wheel, “You idiot! Why do you move this fast? See how I am working with endurance.” The fast moving wheel replied, “You are scorning me? Look at him beside me, without an order or direction, moving to and fro.” Disgusted by their comments, the wheel, which was moving to and fro, stopped its function. That’s it, the other wheels also could not move. The world is also like a clock; God doesn’t create anything without a purpose.

All have their usefulness. Even a blade of grass is essential. Trees are essential. Police and thieves also live in this world together.

There is nothing called as vice or virtue, joy or sorrow in the actions of worldly matters—it is all in the mind. The stillness of mind 71

[detachment] is called absolute consciousness [samadhi]. For that, living a divine life is a must. Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj is leading a supreme divine life, he shows that way for others, too. His discourses are filled with golden words like doing service, charity, sanctity, love, meditation, individual consciousness, etc.

We are all one family. God is our incomparable Father, our Mother too. We are God’s children. There is no need for differences on the basis of caste, religion, nation, etc. May all get divine life to attain peace of mind.

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. —Speech delivered at Sri Sivananda Jayanthi

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C h ap te r 19 My Extraordinary Visions: Kedarnath–Badrinath Pilgrimage Do you want to have an experience the way I have? Let’s go.

Himalayas is the right place to see the manifestation of God through nature. Haridwar is situated at the opening of this nature God. Before entering, the shirt of pride and footwear of body smell has to be removed. To become purified inside-out, have a bath in the clear and cold water of river Bhagirathi. Wear ahimsa as your garment, wear the sacred ash all over the body, wear the truth of tilak, and hold the flower of love. Let’s go inside now.

Several kilometres can be travelled by bus. Do you want to carry something? What is this burden? You don’t need it. Good or bad, both are burdens only—vice as well as virtue both bring re-birth; don’t force yourself for tribulations. Leave it here.

This is Rishikesh: This place is full of saints and the practitioners of religious austerities. Next is Muni Ki Reti. Reti means soil/earth.

Muni Ki Reti means the living place of rishis. Since ages the place bears this name.

Ananda Kutir is the name of a recently opened postal district here.

Our renowned Vedanta yogi, Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati stays here and gives spiritual rendition to the whole world [this area is now called Sivananda Ashram]. Come, we will make a visit to receive his blessing. See, now our minds are peaceful and happy. All this is due to staying in proximity with the sages for a few minutes. Sri Shankaracharya proclaimed that if the soul needs to attain the state of final beatitude, satsanga is the first step.

Now we will go; the bus is waiting for us. This route passes by the banks of river Ganges. Yes, it is through mother’s blessing we can reach the father. Are you wondering why there are lots of motors?

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This is a winch that carries people up and down. But first priority is given to people who need to go up. Notice, the path is very narrow.

Even the spiritual path is similar to this. It is like walking on the razor’s edge. One has to be very careful.

Dismount, the winch has stopped. Others can help up to a point— after that it is all our effort. Hereafter, the travel is by foot. Feeling hungry? Let’s have light food because if we take heavy food then we cannot climb. “Those who eat too much or don’t eat at all, and those who sleep more or don’t sleep at all cannot accomplish Yoga,” is a verse from Bhagavad Gita by Lord Krishna.

Why are you frowning? How does the food taste? Is it tasteless? Yes, here you get only this. This is the right food for yogis—roti (wheat bread), boiled vegetables and a little dhal; even the salt used is not rock salt. It is black salt dug out of the earth. Tasty food is poisonous. Chew the food properly before swallowing. It will be all right once you are used to it. Take rest after food.

Now let’s walk, OM! Don’t run like that, you will become energy-less very soon. Some people do everything frantically without the necessary practice of yama and niyama and after some time they recede back.

Walk slowly and steadily. Why hesitate? Is the path full of ups and downs? Even our life path is also like this: high/low, praise/blame, joy/ sorrow, etc.—it’s natural. One who treats all these equally is a sage.

Learning Yoga is to protect the mind from becoming disturbed by all these things. “Equanimity is the pinnacle of Yoga,” says the Bhagavad Gita. Try to focus your mind in seeing the graceful face of Goddess Parashakti while walking in this Mother Nature. Then you will never feel tired; it motivates you.

A yogi does the same while walking; you get motivated by the divine sound or sight and proceed enthusiastically. Look at this! So many small waterfalls! Think about why and where it is rushing. It’s water is clear and pure like marble. Each of these falls is like practitioners of religious austerities who proceed with divine principle. Purity of water denotes the purity of mind. Where is it going? Towards the river 74

Ganges. It looks like the disciples flowing towards their Guru. But Ganges had attained bliss by converging on its birthplace, the ocean.

She leads the other river bodies too, to the ocean to experience the same. This resembles a saint, whose soul attained spirituality, inviting the disciple to drink the supreme enjoyment. And the dedicated disciple and supreme saint converge in divinity and attain the state of advaita [non-dualism] in the end. This is the higher status that all human beings should try to reach.

We are walking for the past two days; it has become easier now to walk. In the night, staying in small huts called “satti,” having simple food, and contemplating divine thoughts brings peace of mind.

Stop! Look what’s happening there. One of the people who travelled with us died. Time is over for the human body—the cover that wrapped the soul. They are throwing the body in the Ganges. Who will be with that soul now? Friends, kin, money, nation, home, name and fame have forsaken it. Only vice and virtues are following. Other people have started to leave, they did not even mourn for the death.

All the bondages of mundane life are going away automatically. How to complete the pilgrimage if one regrets for this. But if the same incident happened back at home do they leave like this?

The same fate happens to the bodily attachments. The path is full of dangers; a small slip leads to falling into the valley river. Even the mule carrying the load, the same thing will happen to it. Afraid of all these things, we can go nowhere. If we don’t banish the fears and bodily attachments and climb up boldly, we could not have come this far.

Look at how the fear of death and bodily attachment goes away.

Look at the amazing divine form of Lord Shiva, whose body is covered with sacred ash in the form of snow; at the head, heavy tangled locks of hair like dark clouds, crescent on top of it. See the Ganges bubbling from the heavy locks of hair. Our hearts are rejoicing; it is an ecstatic joy. This is a rare view of Kedarnath. Oh God! You are the all we have.

Join us! Sing with tears of joy and love.

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The mind doesn’t get bored if we stay long in this peaceful place. We don’t like leaving the place. Anyhow we will leave; we need to visit Tunganath and Badrinath. Say, “Kedarnath Ki Jai!” After several feats by travelling, climbing up and down, staying in huts, and sleeping on straw mats, we have reached Tunganath, which is 3,657 metres above the sea level. Jumping with joy, overpowered by an unknown happiness, it is not without a reason—Anandaroopan Tunganath is dwelling here. Come, we will go inside. Oh, what a supreme feeling. We felt like singing. OM! Anand! OM! Now we will hurry to Badrinath. We came far away. Badrinathpuri is visible from here. Come let’s hurry. Are you shivering? Don’t get scared.

Hot water is awaiting us. God sets a pool on fire for our sake. What?

Astonished? There is nothing in this world that God cannot do. Those are natural hot springs from the earth channeled and made to fall into this pool. It gets filled and is flowing on the other side. Healthy people can take bath. First take the water by hand and rub it on the body to equalize the body temperature with the outside temperature, then get in.

How pleasant it is, but it may bring bad effects if we stay long. The water is rich in sulphur. Enough—come up and dry yourself.

This temple is bigger and it has more workmanship than other temples. You will understand that this is the place of Narayana, the protector. We will go inside to get the darshan. Oh, supreme soul, Bhaktavatsala! Divine power! Bless me with vigour to follow the spiritual virtues. Accept my humble prayers.

We shall stay and meditate here for quite some time. What a magnificent view! The places we have seen altogether bring supreme bliss. Look at the different names and forms of God! First as Kedarnath, embodiment of peace, in the middle as Tunganath, in that delightful form, next as the form of divine power Badri Narayana.

In the Himalayas, Lord Shiva on one side, Mother Umadevi on the other side and Lord Skanda in the middle give us the philosophy of Sat-chitananda and soak us in eternal bliss. May auspiciousness flow everywhere!

—Reprinted from Atma Jyoti 76

C h ap te r 20 We Are Instruments of the Divine: Message of Blessings on the 44th Birthday of Swami Satchidananda The Creator of this world operates it according to a master plan

starting from a blade of grass, worms, birds; animals to humans, all are tools in God’s plan. God creates, protects, and uses them. As this being the truth, some forget God’s blessings. They think that their functions and actions are independent of God and get entangled in these. God guides all the living things but lets humans function independently.

The motto is to put us into trials and tribulations to attain mental maturity, only to embrace us in the end. But several times most of the people fail in these tests.

Are there any of us, who are aware of each and every breath? God is omnipresent—inside us in the form of air, mixed in our blood, and does all the actions. Sadly, not realizing this, we take pride in our knowledge and deeds. What is the result? The evil and good of the actions engulfs the prideful soul in the vast ocean of birth.

So friends, let’s realise that all the actions of this world are God’s actions.

Let us be instruments in God’s plan and save ourselves from falling into the vast ocean of birth, filled with joy and sorrow, and live like Karma Yogis.

“If you contemplate me, if you love me, if you do puja to me, if you worship me, you will reach me. You are my favourite. This is my sincere oath to you.” This is a verse in the Bhagavad Gita. Let us think about it, follow it and live happily.

All is God’s name! All are God’s forms!

All are God’s actions! All bring good!

Joy forever! Live forever!

With forever love, Swami Satchidananda 77

C h ap te r 21 The Fruit of Wisdom In this world there are banana, mango, jackfruit, and several other

fruits that we have heard of, seen, and tasted. Only a few have seen wisdom fruit. This cannot be bought for money, whoever wants it has to sow the seed, grow it, and get the fruit. The term wisdom fruit means fruit of wisdom; wisdom itself is a fruit.

How does it taste? Its taste has immeasurable sweetness. Among fruits banana, mango, and jackfruit are the best. These three fruits are called “mukkani.” The juice of each fruit has to be taken separately, mix them together and in that mixed fruit juice, add powdered sugar candy, sugar, honey, and cow’s milk. Generally coconut adds a special taste to the food, so add coconut milk with cow’s milk and spread any good nuts on it. Finally add pure ghee, boil, let sit until lukewarm, and remove. After preparing it with all the sweet ingredients, can one explain the taste?

Ramalinga Swamigal describing all the above exclaims, “Is there any other thing, which beats the taste of the fruit of wisdom?”

Where is this fruit of wisdom available? How can one get it? Suppose a person needs mango. Another person can grow the tree and give the fruit. In this world, trees are planted by one and its fruits are enjoyed by others. But the fruit of wisdom cannot be given by others. You have to grow it by yourself. When the tree bears fruit in right time, eat and attain the supreme bliss.

To sow the seeds of this fruit, our mind is like soil. For that the mind has to be suitably conditioned. The mind is like soil abundant with stones, thorns, plants, grass, etc. How is this possible? Do people grow all these things in their minds? Lust, anger, treachery, fraudulence, deception, and falsehood are weeds. They have to be uprooted.

Weeding out the plants is not enough; pulverize the boulders (arrogance) also. In the words of Thayumanavar, “Prisoners of pride 79

should weed it out, attain virtue and crack the arrogance.� Sow the seeds of faith in the conditioned soil (mind).

The mind should be pure to bear the fruit. Bondage spoils the purity of mind. Attachment to impermanent worldly things makes one forget God. In this world money, name, status, and beauty have been considered permanent. All these will perish in the long run; their transient nature can be seen in one’s experience over and over again.

In Bharat, a man lived with his family in the railway station. He ran a shop for a living. His handsome features, majestic looks gave the impression that he belonged to a royal family. He sold tea for travellers, his wife prepared tea and his two children cleaned the vessels. On sympathetic enquiry, the truth behind their life was revealed. He was once an aristocrat, his wife led a luxurious life, while his son never walked to school and servants carried the books. Then, where are all those riches? They lost everything during the partition of India. This is the nature of money.

Fortune brings glory when it comes but, while going, it takes away everything we have. What about status, is this permanent? How much respect is shown to the prime minister of a country? Whatever he or she says or does becomes a headline. Once stepped down from the position all the respect and status will disappear. It is difficult to get recognition even on the deathbed. What about beauty, does it stay?

Beauty at a young age disappears at the time of aging. The value of the beauty queen of 1954 will be overshadowed by the beauty queen of 1956. Like this, all the mundane things tend to perish.

People mistake the transient things as permanent. Not realizing that all the objects are for our use, they start living for the objects.

When human beings become slaves to worldly things, the weeds of selfishness and greediness shoot up. The passengers travel by ship, sailing on the seawater to reach the shore. If the seawater enters the ship, it wrecks the ship as well as the people. Slavery to worldly things is also the same.

Wealth given by God has to be utilized properly until death. Re-birth depends on the goodness of this life. If the mind becomes a slave to 80

luxuries, it will bring miserable life in re-birth. Life has to be lived with moral virtues. Thiruvalluvar portrayed the state of dignity and humility through “a palanquin rider and many carrying it.” It reflects the importance of virtues.

“Judge not the inequalities of life as the result of righteousness and its reverse, By comparison of the man in the palanquin with its bearers.”(37) The union of mind with virtues is like conditioned soil. In that soil, the seed of divine faith will grow and flourish like a tree. While watering it with dedication it grows lushly, it blooms into the flower of gentle love, and gives the fruit of blessing. Attainment of the fruit of wisdom, which never cloys brings supreme enjoyment.

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

—Speech in the temple of Sri Muthukumaraswami, Thirumalai

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C h ap te r 22 Cessation of Desires The human mind is rooted in desires. When the desires are good, the

deeds also are good. Similarly, evil desires evolve into evil deeds. Evil and good desires sow the seeds of vice and virtue respectively. If you want to attain the divine abode, the mind should not be swayed by these two and the desires have to end. Thayumanavar insisted the same through a poem, “Desires bring suffrage; cessation of desires brings Godliness.”

This enables one to emerge into a person beyond good and evil.

Why not experience the desires altogether? It is like pouring ghee to put off the fire. It is impossible to put an end to desires by experiencing them.

Once I went to a sericulture farm. There I noticed the worms trying to eat all the mulberry leaves. I was interested to observe it and visited the farm daily. For nearly twenty-five days the worms continuously ate the leaves and became plump. They each grew from the size of a thread to the size of a finger.

When the worms were tired of eating, the juice from the leaves drooled through their mouths and the worms rolled over it happily.

The juice, which was sticky and thread-like, caught hold of the worms like a net. Their freedom was jeopardized in their own prison. They led their brighter lives into darkness. At this moment the worms became conscious and realised their actions adored the perishing body in aberration, without considering their fellow beings; they had everything in selfishness and fell into the captivity of their bondage. The worms shrieked, “Oh God, please save us.” When heard, God’s heart melted and God showered all the blessings. The worms developed two wings of wisdom and perseverance. The web of desires was stopped. They tore open from their captivity, attained independence, and came out. Then they transformed into beautiful butterflies and flew high.

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Ignorant people think about God when entangled by the concerns of food, wealth, and other mundane things. But the intelligent escape from this through deliberation. When the string of attachment is cut, God will come to dwell in our hearts.

Remove all desires and increase the gracefulness!

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

—From “The Thoughts of Saivism,” Sri Lankan Radio address

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C h ap te r 23 The Purpose of Life Dear friends, we have time to contemplate the purpose of life as God is with us. Before contemplating the purpose of life, think about what is meant by life. How did it come? Who gave it?

God is the Master who creates everything. God endures and destroys everything whenever necessary. If you wonder why God creates, saves, and destroys it’s because God is playing an endless game. That is why God creates the world, endures it, and it dissolves into God when necessary. Why is the incomparable Master playing this endless game?

Who are we to question God? On what basis can we ask? Who will ask? Whom to ask? Trying to find the reason for the wonderful sport of the deity is like a child asking its parents, “Why did you beget me?”

God gave us life. It is God’s obligation to protect us. To serve God is our obligation. What is the purpose of life for those who are born as human beings? What is the motto of life?

Before thinking about this it is better to think about the life of other living beings. For example, the philosophy of life can be understood from a burning lamp, a tree, and an animal. We light a lamp and it burns and brightens the place. While the lamp burns oil, its wick dwindles. If the lamp thinks that its oil and wick should not dwindle, it cannot give light. There is a great philosophy entwined in this.

Benefits cannot be attained if we keep ourselves as we are. The purpose of life can be attained only when “I” or ego is destroyed.

Sri Swami Sivananda often said this philosophy beautifully. A person asked, “Swami, I want to live.” He replied, “Brother, do you want to live? In that case die now itself.” This seems like a funny answer. In this we must understand who lives and who perishes. The light from the lamp is the life, the dwindling oil and wick is the death. Our duty is to live and serve without any profit or selfishness.

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Another example is a tree. We sow a small seed in the soil. The hidden seed strives to get water and food and slowly emerge from the hardened soil. It sprouts leaves and gradually grows bigger, blooms, and bears fruit.

A shepherd came under this mango tree followed by a flock of sheep.

He climbed the tree and severed some branches, gave it to the sheep, and the sheep ate them with contentment. The shepherd, tired and hungry, found ripened mangoes and had these to his heart’s content.

He felt tired from the heat, so he moved under another branch that provided shade. It revived him from his weariness. Then he prepared to go home. Suddenly he thought of his wife. If he goes home emptyhanded she will question him, “Didn’t you bring logs for cooking?”

So, he broke logs into pieces, tied them tightly, and took them away.

This is the life of a tree. The seed sprouted after struggling, grew bigger, and bore fruit. It served itself as food to some sheep, even gave fruit to the one who butchered it, provided shade for resting, and even gave logs to him. To whom did it give? It did not give to the people who flattered its leaves, fragrant flowers, and attractive fruits. It gave itself to the one who butchered it! What will happen if a man tries to kill another man?

Two men were coming in opposite direction. If one didn’t show respect to the other, he would get furious. If the same who didn’t show respect happened to meet the other man for charity the next day, he would say, “No.” He will take revenge on the other man for not respecting him that day. This is the difference between a tree and a man. The tree disowns itself and serves others; people also should realise their dignity and live like that.

Imagine that we are watering a coconut tree with sewer water. Does the water inside the tender coconut get affected? It gives a tasty honeylike water of immense sweetness. We have to think about the selfless services of lamp, mango, and coconut tree. God gave us a body and soul to live. For whom God gave life? Why did God give this life? By whose grace do we live? Even we breathe by God’s grace. Do we ever concentrate on breathing? Who will think, “I am breathing?” Nobody.

Only when we struggle or fight to breathe we think about the breath.

Even that thought disappears soon. We are breathing without thinking about it. Is there any agreement that the exhaled breath should come 86

back? If you think about it you will realise that without God breathing doesn’t happen. God is greater than the mother who feeds the child thoughtfully. God is the mother who feeds us life. God gave not only breath, but everything to live.

God gave us life only to serve our fellow beings. Take the example of a factory where there are several tools used for different purposes. If any tool becomes useless, it will be melted and reshaped as another tool. The world is like this. God is the head of the world factory. God creates everyone with purpose—not even a single blade of grass is useless. God endowed everyone with a purpose. Once the duty is over God takes that person away, destroys the previous shape, and gives a new shape. If there is no use God doesn’t incur loss by giving life.

No master gives a salary to the servant who doesn’t do the job. Even God gave food, water, air, sunlight, etc., for people to live. When the determined purpose is over, our breath will stop. Life will be over. We are puppets, God is the puppeteer. But we think, “I am doing, I am dancing,” and we forget the purpose of life. If “I” and “me” dies, the divine presence can be manifested automatically. If I want to live, “I” should die. If big “I” gets a dot over it, it becomes small “i.” If we lose our dignity and attain littleness, it is the dot of arrogance. If the dot of arrogance goes, we become great and attain benefits.

To attain the purpose of life, arrogance should be destroyed. For that, detachment from body and soul is necessary. This is not found in many people, most of the people adore their body. When you say, “I am living, I am falling,” it reflects the attachment to the body. “I fell down” means what fell down? It is the body that fell down, not you.

A great person lives in detachment towards the body. “I am a puppet, You (God) are the puppeteer. If I have bodily attachment, I will become your disciple. If I am soulful, I will become You. You are the Supreme Being, I am a soulful spirit. You are operating, I am functioning. If I have a spiritual mind, I will become pure soul because in that state you are me.” We have to decide what state we are in.

Think about that: Do we have bodily attachment or soul attachment?

Bodily attachment is prevalent among many. Even in that state, it is good to do service to people.

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All are God’s children. All are equal. If you take a clock, there are so many different types of wheels—small, big, rotating to and fro, back and forth, left and right, etc. If all these don’t do their duties, will the clock function? Even if a small wheel stops its rotation, we can’t gain anything from the clock. Everyone is great in their respective status, there are no differences between king or a subject or a grave digger.

We are being used by the divine hand of the God. Those who do selfless service will attain supreme bliss. Let us follow the divine path and be happy.

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti.

—Sri Lanka Radio address on 24 November 1957

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C h ap te r 24 The Glory of Fasting All the religions show the way to reach God. The signs, symbols,

and forms of worship may be different from each other, but the basic principles at the foundation of all religions are similar. For example, fasting is common in all religions. Saivites, Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, etc., all observe fasting. Fasting cleanses the body, purifies the soul, and gives joyous life. Only those who have pure heart are eligible to attain divine grace. The grace of the divine is showered upon all who seek God. God is the ocean of grace. God is more thoughtful than a mother. To attain God’s grace, worship and observance of fasting are necessary.

Questions may arise in the minds of today’s youth. “If God is omnipresent and gives us all we want, why doesn’t God come looking for us. God doesn’t even give a drop from the ocean of grace. How can God’s love be greater than mother’s love?” They criticize without knowing the nature of God’s pure mind.

In a village, there lived an opulent man who was generous and believed in leading a virtuous life. He decided to make the people of his village happy. An advertisement was placed at the entrance of his bungalow saying, “To all, anytime, how ever much is needed, milk will be given.”

The passersby read this advertisement. Some criticized him for being selfish and doing this for publicity. A few others eagerly went inside the bungalow to get the milk. The generous man brought the milk container but all were standing with empty hands. He can give only milk; is it possible for him to give the vessel too? They all went without taking milk. They called this generous man a cheat, not realizing their mistake.

Some people brought vessels and the generous man kept pouring milk happily. The bigger vessels were filled with more milk and less milk was poured into the smaller vessels. Some vessels appeared empty before reaching the road, all because of having holes in them.

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Milk could not be poured in some that were closed on all sides. Even some had openings, but there was no place for milk, as it was filled by something else already. Everyone expressed different opinions. Those who carried small vessels felt offended for not having been given more milk. Was that the giver’s or the receiver’s fault? Very few drank the milk and attained happiness. What happened to the rest of the milk?

It was contaminated because they took the milk in a sticky, unclean vessel.

The opulent man treated everyone equally and gave milk to all. Only the ones who brought the good vessels got the benefit. Like this, God gives the divine milk of blessing to all and everything bountifully all the time. But the mind must be in a suitable state to receive it. Some minds are contaminated by lies, jealousy, treachery, and filled with several mundane desires; some are disinterested in divine grace itself and live with stony hearts closed on all sides. Others are like vessels with holes that let leak whatever they receive. The mind has to be pure, broad in nature, and free of all the above said defects. Only then, one can attain divine spiritual power and be happy.

Fasting purifies the mind. Being at temples during fasting days is a special practice. Fasting helps to control the five senses—tongue forgets the taste of food, eyes contemplate only the divine form and devotees of Lord Shiva, ears listen only to divine songs, and thoughts converge with the divine waves. In short, no distress will come near to those who surrender themselves to God. The disciples who observe Skanda Vrata to attain the divine grace of Lord Muruga are ascetics. Great tapas [austerity or penance] can overcome death. In the words of Thiruvalluvar: “Those who have achieved the strength of penance could defeat even the Lord of Death.” (269)

There is no use observing fasting without having good thoughts. What is the point of observing fasting with a wicked mind? Think about it. Is there any progress in purity of mind, while observing fasting?

Without becoming unmotivated, observe these practices and try to qualify for attaining supreme life.

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I will illustrate this point through a story: Govindan wanted to listen to discourses of wisdom. He expressed his desire to his Guru. The Guru looked at his new disciple and said, “Your mind has to be purified to receive the discourse of wisdom. So leave your luxurious life, go to a secluded place, and do tapas.” Govindan went back to his country, built a hermitage, and observed tapas as his Guru ordered.

A year passed and, with happiness, he went to take a bath in the Ganges and came back to wear fresh clothing. An old man who used to bring flowers for his puja and cleaned the hermitage was sweeping the place hurriedly. The dust settled on Govindan. He became furious, scolded the old man, and the old man was beaten black and blue. Then he had a bath again and went to meet his Guru. The Guru exclaimed, “A man who helped you so far was ill-treated just because of a small mistake. If your mind is in the state of doing all these things, is discourse necessary?”

Govindan realised the truth. He did tapas for another year. The same events happened, this time along with the dust, a broom hit his body.

He became angry and scolded the old man but did not beat him. This time again the enraged Govindan did not receive the discourse from his Guru. He went on doing tapas for one more year. In the end he had his bath in the Ganges. As arranged by the Guru, the old man dropped the swept-up dust on the head of Govindan and Govindan was beaten with the broom. Govindan did not get angry but smiled in return. There was peace in his mind, glory in his countenance.

He went to meet the Guru eagerly. This time the mentally matured disciple received the discourse on wisdom. He attained eternal life.

So, there must be progress every year in observing fasting. For that, perseverance and motivation are important.

Fasting not only purifies the mind but also cleanses the body. Our body is like a big factory. Observance of fasting helps the digestive mechanisms to rest and revamp with fresh energy. Hunger pangs consume the impurities and clean the intestines, so we attain the state 91

of healthy life. It is good to observe fasting as often as possible. This will purify the mind and cleanse the body. Fasting is necessary for a healthy life. We are all aware that Mahatma Gandhi also observed fasting. May God bless us with control of the senses, which brings divine life. Fasting saves us. Let us live by keeping this in mind.

OM Shanti, Shanti, Shanti. —From a discourse rendered for those who observed Skanda Shashti Vrata at the Temple of Villundri Kandawami, Thirumalai, 24 October 1957.

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C h ap te r 25 Shiva Rathri (the Holy Night of Lord Shiva) Among all the fasting observed by Saivites, Maha Shivaratri is the

greatest. From the Puranas we know that many devotees attained the bliss of union with Lord Shiva by observing fasting this day, knowingly or unknowingly. Shivaratri is important for Saivites in the same way Vaikuntha Ekadasi is for Vaishnava Alwars. The holy night when Goddess Parashakti did puja for Lord Shiva is called Shivaratri.

During the kalpa period, Brahma’s work of the Creation came to a standstill, and the universe was engulfed in destruction. The bodies of human and animals were destroyed, and everything was covered in darkness. During that night, with love in her graceful heart, Goddess Umadevi offered puja to Lord Shiva as per the rules of the Vedas. All the four jamams [ancient measurement of time] passed. Umadevi prostrated to the Lotus Feet of Lord Shiva and requested, “The day I worship you should be called as Shivaratri, and those who worship on that day will attain eternal life.’’ The supreme soul granted those two boons to Umadevi.

In Sagarapuram there lived a hunter called Angulun. Once he did not get any prey, he wandered the forest throughout the day. He was famished; evening slowly set in. He did not like to go home emptyhanded. So, he decided to go to a pond where there was a likelihood of deer coming there for drinking water. As he was afraid of ferocious animals like lions, tigers, or elephants also coming there, he climbed up a tree. Sitting idly brought sleep, so he plucked the tree leaves and dropped them downward. The tree, which was climbed by the hunter, was a sacred tree, also called as vilvam in Tamil. Below the tree there was a Shivalingam. Angulun was not aware that he was sitting on a sacred tree and that below it, there was Lord Shiva’s form as a Shivalingam, and that the day was Shivaratri. Angulan had starved for the whole day, kept awake the whole night by showering the sacred leaves on Shivalingam, so he attained liberation at Lord Shiva’s Feet.

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Unknowingly, a hunter who kills animals observed Shivaratri and attained liberation. Could it be possible to tell the benefits of observing Shivaratri by knowing it?

Whatever else it is, one thing is confirmed: those who skip food and sleep according to God’s will, have more mental strength. That strength along with pure thoughts, becomes divinity and it brings greater benefits. If the mind is controlled, one can attain God. Let our minds be filled with divine thoughts, with the name of God. Let us observe fasting, keep awake the whole night, and if feasible attend the four-time puja on Shivaratri. We will end the fasting tomorrow by having light food and attain God’s grace.

Those who cannot observe fasting for the whole day can drink only fruit juice or take saltless boiled vegetables. At homes and thapovanams, devotees can join together and do yagna, spend the night by singing any divine songs, or panchakshara mystic bhajans.

—From the Sri Lankan Radio address, “Good Thoughts.”

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C h ap te r 26 Divine Education Education that is in communion with divinity is divine education.

If not, it is worldly education. Divine education is bliss; worldly education brings sorrow. The purpose of education is to understand God and to be happy. Thiruvalluvar said, “Learning and scholarship are of no avail if they do not lead One to worship at the wise one’s divine feet.”

Today’s children are the future of this world. If we imbibe good faith, sacrificial thoughts, brotherhood, and good character, our future society will be enriched in culture. To develop and utilize the abounding good nature of students, divine education is a must.

Colleges and places of art should exist as places of teaching people about leading a loving and virtuous life.

We can never attain wholeness unless we attain aesthetic and cultural development. If you are not interested in divinity, then you can never understand culture. Worldly education brings name, status, money, and many more things that are short-lived like lightning, and disappear like bubbles in water. So, for eternal bliss, divine education has to be fed to the students who see God as the ultimate.

There is a close link between good qualities and religion. One who observes religious virtues properly can lead a disciplined life. The divine power of the Supreme Being, which is omnipresent, is in harmony with our actions and thoughts. This should be realised from childhood onward.

Children are like growing plants—if we provide all the necessary fertilizer, water, and temperature, they will flourish and bring good fruits. Similarly by understanding their nature, if we provide the right environment, children will become virtuous people. Teachers have the responsibility to develop morality in children. It is wrong to think 95

that their role is over by teaching only academic subjects. Divine education, which reflects the greatness of our culture, has to be fed to the children.

In this time of scientific advancement, it is not easy to cultivate faith in students just through teaching. In their quest for knowledge, they are not ready to accept legendary tales, religious rites, and prayer songs as they are. In earlier ages, people were very loyal. If an elder said, “God is powerful and can make the dead re-born,” everyone trusted and believed the elder. Faith guided them. If we request the youth of today to leave all the scientific research and just have faith in God, they are not going to listen.

We are building temples to God, why? Praising God, why? Will God be angry if we don’t give praise? We are offering coconut, milk, fruits, and food. If we don’t offer all these will God get hungry? Like this, the youth of today are raising enumerable questions. We are calling them as revolutionaries or atheists. Even if the same questions were thrown at those who are strong theists, not only the children but, also, the elders would be blank without answers.

These days the children who don’t know what is meant by religious virtues will call these superstitious beliefs. If this state of ignorance is to be removed from our religion, we have to understand the meaning of religious rites and rituals. For that, the teacher of religious education should be aware about religious philosophies, stories, and morals. Then only, all the questions of today’s students can be answered. After that the children will also take interest and understand the religious matters and progress in the area of spirituality.

I would like to express some opinion to the Hindu community about the method of worshipping God. Most of the people do puja and say hymns without knowing their meaning. It is painful to hear the devotional songs when they are sung without knowing the meaning.

To remedy this, the meaning has to be understood. In olden days, in appropriate settings, the Nayanars recited poems of praise to deities.

But singing these now, without understanding, not only fails to inspire faith but sounds funny.

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So the teachers should guide the students to sing devotional and suitable songs by learning their meaning. It is difficult for children to sing the recitations of the Nayanars. They can sing the salutations of praises to the deity. Children as well as elders will develop mental integrity and spirituality if they sing the salutations of God. Group prayers are more effective than praying alone. At least weekly, once during a class hour, the students should observe group prayers.

While doing this, pray for a few minutes for the welfare of our country, the poor, the sick, and also for the well-being of others. —Reprinted from the yearbook of Atma Jyoti.

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C h ap te r 27 Memories of Journeys to East Asian Countries

By God’s grace and the blessings of Satguru Sri Swami Sivanandaji

Maharaj, Divine Life Societies are doing great service all over the world. On behalf of them I got a chance to serve the East Asian people.

Last year, in May, when I was on pilgrimage to Kailash, I decided to get the blessings of Gurudev. There in Rishikesh, an invitation from the Hong Kong Divine Life Society was awaiting me. The Hong Kong branch was started one and half years ago and they were progressing notably in their service. But the quality of service was diminishing due to the influence of western exercise methods. In order to bring the practice of Yoga to the right form, they requested me to come and serve them. They sent the invitation to Rishikesh itself. I could not accept the invitation immediately. I replied that I would inform the date and feasibility upon going back to Sri Lanka after my pilgrimage.

On the basis of my letter, the Hong Kong sangha considered that I was likely to arrive during October. They publicized it to people and spread my concise bio-data printed in English and Chinese. So, everyone was eagerly waiting for my arrival. I informed Hong Kong that I would come after a few months, as I was involved in the Kailash yatra for five months. Moreover, I had some pending work in Sri Lanka and I did not want the Sri Lankan devotees to feel my long absence.

The Hong Kong sangha replied and insisted that I come by midFebruary and sent a flight ticket along with the letter. Then I felt that it was not fair to postpone. On 22 February, I took the flight from Colombo, then I stayed in Madras and Calcutta for a few days due to some work. On 2 March, early morning, I reached Hong Kong by flight from Calcutta via Bangkok. On behalf of the Divine Life Society, people of different religious backgrounds had gathered to welcome me.

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By God’s grace, the service began well in Hong Kong. Before saying about the services done there; I would like to say few words about Hong Kong.

Hong Kong has gradually developed to become a country where the emigrated Chinese people who are rich in art and culture, as well as lots of Sindhis, Punjabis, and Europeans are living. Today the population is more than 25 lakhs. When it came under British rule, this island extended up to 83 square kilometres. Next to it was Kowloon peninsula, which was just over eight square kilometres.

The border of newly leased out land from China was 919 square kilometres. Today, the land surface of the British occupied Hong Kong is extended up to 1,012 square kilometres. Hong Kong has the world’s prominent ship harbour and airport. It levies a small amount as tax and otherwise functions as a tax-free harbour to attract international business. Due to the workforce, faith, and authenticity of Chinese people, it is progressing in the international market. Hong Kong is also known as “little London.”

Hong Kong means “fragrant air” in Chinese. Accordingly, the smell of attractive and fragrant flowers spills over the place. The beauty of mother earth cannot be expressed or confined to words. In this island there were several small hills, which display colourful and magnificent natural views. Added to this luster, the women are fond of dressing well.

Many more scenes and places added more beauty. There is a peak, which is more than 530 metres in height. People travel by peak tram to go there. The tram is pulled by iron strings as they go up. On the way to the peak, all the natural scenery gives pleasure like watching motion pictures. In short, Hong Kong is a place of abundant natural beauty. The people are nature lovers, painters and sculptors. All the things and magnificent pictures will captivate the mind.

Rickshaws of Hong Kong are also famous. Even the world famous Tiger Balm Garden doesn’t have any comparison. In an excellent way, it portrayed the Puranas by creating hell and heaven with life-size figures of people and animals that were painted with pleasant colours.

The historical stories of China also have been portrayed in detail. This 100

big Tiger Balm Garden was built by its owner later Mr. Aw Boon Haw. He spent several crores of dollars to build this. He built the same in Singapore.

Chinese people speak Cantonese language. Their eminent literature is in that language. English is the official language and most of them know English. I could not find any Tamil-speaking people. The Chinese here are Buddhists. Before the British conquered the country, Buddhism was practised everywhere. After the European invasion, many embraced Christianity. But still there are lots of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Buddhist monks and bhikkus stay there and do the religious services. Among the Buddhist monasteries I have visited, the Precious Lotus Monastery on Lantau Island was different.

Many followers are learning Buddhism there. In the meditation hall, walking continuously day and night and standing for some time, this was the way they practised meditation and tough tapas.

Among many festivals celebrated by the Chinese, six festivals are important. The dragon boat winter festival attracts the pilgrim. The dragon boat festival boat race is nice to watch. There was a festival where the people visit the cemeteries of their forefathers and worship.

All the different religious places of worship are in Hong Kong. For the people from Pakistan there are mosques. There is a Hindu temple in Happy Valley; for Sikhs there is a Gurudwara. A Buddhist temple, Temple of the 10,000 Buddhas, is very famous.

Chinese food has been considered as special delicacy. During dinner time one can have the chance to see and try a variety of tasty foods kept in different plates. It is an art to eat by using chopsticks. A Chinese mother taught me how to use them and everyone was amazed to see that I learned to use them in two minutes. They gifted me with many chopsticks so that I will think about them while having food in Sri Lanka.

People of all religions and castes learned the art of Yoga. It is beyond religion. They considered it as an art that gives a healthy body, motivates progressive mind development, and leads to happy spiritual 101

life. So, Yoga classes were going on in many places. The day I went to Hong Kong, press meetings were held at the office of the United Nations Association. My inaugural speech went for half an hour.

After that people interacted through a question and answer session.

The meeting would have given faith in Yoga; the press spread the information.

Yogic posture classes were held in four to five places daily. In every class at least sixty to seventy people have participated. As I could not visit the branches every day, I visited every other day and held classes.

I conducted sixteen classes in a week. In between, discourses were given and satsangs were also held.

Foreign ladies eagerly learned Yoga at the YWCA—starting from little girls to elderly women—and were attaining benefits from Yoga training.

I was happy to hear that the people attained wonders through Yoga.

Sixty year-old C. C. Lee’s head was bald. After a year of Yoga practice, there were hairs growing. Mr. N. B. Chang, an old man was hard of hearing. After one year of doing Sirshasana he started hearing clearly.

A lady who filed for divorce from her husband informed us that she was living happily with him as he became gentle in nature after attending Yoga. A sluggish student became active and sharp minded and a top scorer. This was how the people of that country respected and cherished the art of Yoga. But, we are all aware of what the condition of it is in its birthplace India and its foster country Sri Lanka.

Several well-to-do business people and great people were also learning Yoga, as they thought that it was a scientific art. They all expected to learn more yogic postures. But I did not like to end with the practice of Yoga. I tried to relate spirituality and train the mind. So when I arranged a training class to teach meditation and yogic postures, nearly seventy-five members eagerly participated.

I thought that this is the initial interest and that the number will go down in the longer run. But all participated in all the days. I went to Lantau, a mountain island to teach Antaryoga [Yoga retreat] for 102

nearly twenty-five devotees. Though Antaryoga was new to them they participated eagerly with interest. In the end, they were very happy that they had benefited so much.

For the first time in the history of China, we celebrated Shivaratri.

By playing musical instruments, singing bhajans, conducting religious discourse, meditation in between, we spent the night of Shivaratri happily. Among the big Rotary Clubs in Hong Kong, the members of the Theosophical Society invited me to give a religious discourse.

In this way, I have served as far as possible for six weeks. On the final day, to felicitate me, they gave a grand party worth nearly four thousand dollars. Next day it became news on television. They gifted many things that were useful for my service and requested me to come back again to work with them.

I reached Singapore after a nice farewell from Hong Kong. I stayed in the Sri Ramakrishna Mission, gave lectures, and conducted Yoga sessions. From Singapore, the next stop was Kuala Lumpur.

I took part in the Divine Life Society activities, giving discourses, and having meditation classes. I was happy to see people from all religions attending the programmes in Sutta Samajam led by Swami Satyananda Swamiji. I lectured in the British Counsel and travelled to many places in Kuala Lumpur. With the affectionate farewell by various groups of people, I returned to Sri Lanka.

I thank Radio Ceylon for giving me this opportunity to spread the value of Yoga and let me wish everyone good mental, physical, and spiritual health through Yoga. —From talks on Sri Lanka Radio

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C h ap te r 28 Quintessence of Raja Yoga This is written based on the English book, Raja Yoga, by my Master,

the Himalayan ascetic, Sri Swami Sivananda Maharaj. [Note: Some of the Tamil book’s translation of the individual sutras has been edited to reflect Swami Satchidananda’s later translation of the sutras].

Raja Yoga is the king of all Yogas. It has direct interaction with the mind. For the modern-day person, with a scientific bent of mind, this is a blessing. It is because of this reason that it is attracting many people from abroad. Raja Yoga practices did not arise just based on belief alone. It is the experience during the training that gives rise to the interest and inclination to learn more and more. Raja Yoga is capable of removing impurities of mind, to focus the mind, to know the mind as it is by deeply analysing it, to gain several spiritual powers due to that, and to provide total control for those who are in search of salvation.

[Note: The numbers in parentheses reference the chapter and sutra contained in the Yoga Sutras] Y oga 1. This union is achieved through the restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff. (1-2) G oal of Y oga 2. When this has been accomplished, the Seer (Self ) rests in Its own nature. (1-3) D evelopment of M ind 3. The mind states are five and are either painful or painless. (1-5) 4. These activities are right knowledge, misconception, verbal delusion, sleep, and memory. (1-6)

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5. That which is directly perceived, inference, and statements of scriptures are true sources of knowledge. (1-7) 6. Misconception occurs when knowledge of something is not based on its true form. (1-8) 7. Verbal delusion is false, illusory, erroneous beliefs, or notions. (1-9) 8. That mental modification supported by cognition of nothingness is sleep. (1-10) 9. Memory is what stays in the mind after experiencing things. (1-11) H indrances that C ause S uffering 10. Ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, desire not to die, are hindrances that cause suffering. (2-3) 11. The womb of karmas (actions and reactions) has its root in these hindrances and these karmas arise as experience in the present and the future births. (2-12) S orrow 12. To one of discrimination, everything is painful indeed, due to its consequences: longing and the fear of losing what we have; suffering through arousal of desires by resulting impressions left in the mind; constant conflict among the three gunas (sattva, rajas, and tamas), which control the mind. (2-15) 13. So, whatever sorrow that is expected could be removed. (2-16) 14. The identification of the one who sees with the thing that is seen, is the reason for sorrow. (2-17) 15. The cause of this union is ignorance. (2-24) 16. When such ignorance is removed, the misidentification also goes off. This is kaivalya, our ultimate state. (2-25) 17. To remove the ignorance, one should incessantly pursue the reasoning that could differentiate the non-Self from the Self.

(2-26) 106

A chievement of Y oga 18. These mental modifications are controlled by practice and non-attachment. (1-12) 19. Practice is the effort to secure steadiness of mind. (1-13) 20. This practice becomes well-grounded when continued with reverent devotion and without interruption over a long period of time. (1-14) 21. If one is able to go towards things seen and heard, without getting attached to them, this is known as non-attachment. (1-15) 22. Yoga practice (tapas, svadhyaya, Ishvara pranidhana) helps one to reduce difficulties and attain samadhi. (2-2) 23. By learning the limbs of Yoga, impurities dwindle away and there dawns the light of wisdom, leading to discriminative discernment.

(2-28) 24. The eight limbs of Yoga are: self-restraint in actions, observances or training, posture, regulation of energy, control of the senses, concentration, meditation, and samadhi. (2-29) H indrances to A chievement 25. Disease, dullness, doubt, carelessness, laziness, sensuality, false perception, failure to reach firm ground, and slipping from ground gained—these distractions of the mind are the obstacles. (1-30) 26. Distress, despair, trembling of the body, and disturbed breathing are co-existent with these obstacles. (1-31) 27. To prevent the above hindrances one should practise mastery of mind through the method of concentration on a single subject (or the use of one technique). (1-32) A t titude 28. One attains peace of mind by having an attitude of friendliness to the joyful people, compassion to the suffering, cheerfulness to the good people, ignoring the wickedness in bad people. (1-33) 107

29. When negative thoughts hinder one’s attitude, one should bring in positive good thoughts. This is pratipaksha bhavana. (2-33)

Some examples:

Negative a. Lust

b. Anger

c. Miserliness

Opposite Celibacy, desire for salvation, good health, physical strength.

Love, forgiveness, mercy, friendliness, peace, patience, non-violence Non-attachment, generosity, impermanence

30. When negative thoughts or acts such as violence and falsehood are done, caused to be done, or even approved of, they are based on ignorance and bring certain pain. Reflecting upon this is also pratipaksha bhavana. (2-34) D evotion 31. We can attain salvation by worshipping Ishvara (God). (1-23) 32. Ishvara is unaffected by any hindrances that cause suffering, any actions, fruits of actions, or by any inner impressions of desires. (1-24) 33. In Ishvara is the complete manifestation of the seed of omniscience. (1-25) 34. Not being conditioned by time, Ishvara is the teacher of even the ancient teachers. (1-26) 35. The mantra expressive of Ishvara is OM. (1-27) 36. We should chant the OM mantra with reflection upon its meaning. (1-28) 37. From that practice all the obstacles disappear and simultaneously knowledge of the inner Self is gained. (1-29) A bstinence 38. Yama (self-restraint in actions) includes abstention from: violence, falsehoods, stealing, sexual excesses, and greed. (2-30) 108

39. These abstentions are not limited by rank, place, time, or circumstance, and constitute the Great Vows. (2-31) R eligious O bservance 40. Niyama (the observances) are: purity, contentment, austerity, study, and persevering devotion to God. (2-32) P ostures 41. The postures should be steady and comfortable. (2-46) 42. Posture is mastered by lessening the tendency for restlessness, and by meditating on the infinite. (2-47) 43. By the successful practice of Yoga one is free from dualities like cold and heat, joy and sorrow. (2-48) P ranayama ( breath control ) 44. After gaining steadiness in posture, it is good to do pranayama, which regulates the movements of inhalation and exhalation.

(2-49) 45. The veil that surrounds the light of the Self diminishes with the practice of pranayama. (2-52) 46. Thus, the mind becomes fit for concentration. (2-53) [Note: Detailed explanation of posture and pranayama can be obtained from Hatha Yoga and other asana books written by Sri Swami Sivananda.]

P rat yahara 47. Pratyahara is when the sense organs withdraw themselves from the objects and imitate the nature of the mind-stuff. (2-54) 48. In this way, comes mastery over the senses. (2-55) C oncentration 49. Concentration (dharana) is the binding of the mind to one place, object, or idea. (3-1) 50. One can achieve control of mind by the practice of concentration on subtle sense perceptions. (1-35) 109

51. Or, by concentrating on the supreme ever-blissful Light within. (1-36) 52. Or, by concentrating on a great soul’s mind, which is totally freed from attachment to sense objects. (1-37) 53. Concentration can be done on the knowledge gained during dream or deep slumber. (1-38) 54. Or, by meditating on anything one chooses that is uplifting. (1-39) M editation 55. Meditation (dhyana) is the continuous flow of cognition towards that object. (3-2) S amadhi ( final stage of meditation ) 56. Samadhi is the same meditation when there is the shining of the object alone, as if devoid of form. (3-3) S amyama 57. The practice of dharana, dhyana and samadhi upon one object is called is known as samyama. (3-4) 58. By the mastery of samyama comes the light of knowledge. (3-5) S ome of the S amyamas 59. If we do samyama on the sun, we gain knowledge of the entire solar system. (3-27) 60. By samyama on any kind of strength, such as that of the elephant, that very strength arises. (3-25) 61. By samyama on the navel arises knowledge of the constitution of the body. (3-30) 62. By samyama on the pit of the throat one subdues hunger and thirst. (3-32) 63. By samyama on the heart brings knowledge of the mind-stuff. (3-35) 64. By direct perception, through samyama, of one’s mental impressions, knowledge of previous lives arises. (3-18) 65. When samyama is done on the marking of others’ bodies, their mental images are known. (3-19) 110

66. When samyama is done on characteristics like friendliness and other such qualities, the power to transmit them is obtained. (3-24) K inds of S amadhi ( final stage of meditation ) 67. Samprajnata Samadhi is accompanied by reasoning, reflecting, rejoicing, and pure I-am-ness. (1-17) 68. By the firmly convinced practice of the complete cessation of the mental modifications, the impression only remain. Then, samadhi without seed is attained (asamprajnata samadhi). (1-18) 69. In the purity of Nirvichara Samadhi, the supreme Self shines. This is Ritambhara Prajna, or the absolute True Consciousness. (1-47, 48) 70. The impression produced by this (Nirvichara) samadhi wipes out all other samskaras. (1-50) F inal H igher S amadhi 71. When even this impression is wiped out, every impression (other samskaras) subdue and there is Nirbija Samadhi. (1-51) U ltimate 72. When non-attachment even to the siddhis is renounced, the seed of bondage is destroyed resulting in the ultimate independence (Kaivalya). (3-51) 73. When the tranquil mind attains purity equal to that of the Self, there is Absoluteness. (3-56) 74. To one who sees the distinction between the mind and the Atman, thoughts of the mind as the Atman cease forever. (4-25) 75. Then, the mind is inclined towards discrimination and gravitates towards Absoluteness. (4-26) 76. Thus, the supreme state of Independence manifests while the gunas reabsorb themselves into Prakriti, having no more purpose to serve the Purusha. Or, the power of pure consciousness settles in its own pure nature. This is liberation. (4-34) Om Peace! Peace! Peace!

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D ivine N ectar Examination is for the educated! Obstacle is for the devoted!

Purity of heart is the first step for all religions.

The goal of all soul practices is to remove the impurities from mind and be focused.

People attain Godliness when their minds are totally dissolved in union with the divine.

Collectivity of thoughts is mind.

When thoughts cease the mind is dead.

Desire is the root cause of all miseries.

One without desires does not get into bondage. When one desires God’s grace, worldly desires get cut off.

The person of bondage is like a silkworm. By getting into worldly desires, just like the silkworm that consumes as many mulberry leaves as it gets, we suffer by setting up our own prisons. By austerities in solitude, we get the wings of wisdom and fortitude and attain freedom by breaking open the cocoon.

This world is filled with difficulties that appear as happiness. A wise person does not like such insignificant joys.

The one who gains mastery over his or her own mind is the king of kings, queen of queens. — Published by Vibulandar Tri-Tamil Society on 30 June 1956, on the eve of Swamiji’s visit to Batticaloa.

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C h ap te r 29 Full Solar Eclipse and Mantra Prayer The prayers during eclipse are many times more beneficial than in

ordinary times. The prayers on that day will be more effective than done during ordinary times. So, may all well-wishers get redemption with God’s blessings by chanting mantras of their chosen deities as per their convenience.

Even those who have not been initiated in mantra by a teacher could chant the mantra or name of the deity of their choice. For example, Hindus can chant names like “OM Shivam,” “OM Shakti,” “OM Ganapati,” “OM Muruga,” “OM Ram;” and mantras like Pranava, Panchatcharam, Satatcharam, Ashtacharam, Devimantra, Mahamantra, and Mritunjaya mantra; other religious people can offer their own prayers. This period is also good for those who perform prayers pertaining to curing venoms.

Methods of Performing Prayer: The day of a solar eclipse, take bath before 7 a.m. and perform prayers without taking any food. Once the eclipse is over, one can take food after taking bath once again. The food should have been prepared only after the eclipse. Food prepared during or before the eclipse is unsuitable.

Those who are living near to sea, river, or ponds, it will benefit immensely if they could pray standing in hip deep waters. If not, it is good if they could take bath before and after the eclipse by standing on the shore. One can even pray at temples.

Those who wish to see the sun during eclipse can do so during prayers.

Instead of seeing with the naked eye, it is good to observe through smoke-coated glass, or through photo negative, or by looking at the reflection on water kept in a big vessel.

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May the sun, which gives light to the entire world, illuminate you as well.

In this scientific world, blind belief in the ideas of our ancestors is disappearing and its implications are also well known. Why to pray?

How to do? What benefits will it give? Find the explanations for these in the book Japa Yoga written by Srimath Sivananda Swamigal of Rishikesh.

Our wise ancestors opined that the shade of eclipse acquires some venom and the injuries during that time troubles us longer time; and that venomous bites are fatal during that time and diseases gain strength. The venomous activities are an experience for those who are capable of keenly observing the changes in physical and mental processes. It is because of this reason that cooking and eating is not favoured during eclipse.

During eclipse, sun’s rays create changes in our breathing and digestive systems. In such circumstances the food we consume becomes poisonous. The wise say that the babies conceived during eclipse carry the chance of deformity.

Because of these reasons, taking bath often, standing in hip-deep water, and praying neutralize the bad micro-changes taking place within us. Thus, we gain by such natural changes.

Even if we consider that by observing the above measures it will not cause any benefits, it is certain that ills will not approach. Bathing, fasting, and praying always do us good. For patients who are unable (to do the above), they can at least involve themselves in divine thoughts. —From Veerakesari, 1 June 1955

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PART 3

God and Religion: Discourses Given at Sri Lankan Temples

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C h ap te r 30 Images Depicting Characteristics of God Life Form — Shiva Form

There is a common and fundamental truth in all religions: to take

people from this stagnant life form to the higher Shiva form. Life form is the stage that consists of blemishes like lust, ignorance, stupor, and ego. Shiva form is to refine this and reach a pure stage. This is also known as the blissful state or divine state. This is common to all religions.

The world has varieties; people also have different qualities. A taste liked by one is not liked by another. Because of this, in restaurants we serve dishes in all different tastes so that they could be relished by all, according to their preferences.

As every dress, style, and language has different benefits, our ancestors have derived one form for each characteristic of God so that any one could pick-up and worship according to their liking to achieve their basic objective.

Among God’s characteristics Shiva’s form signifies esteemed and godly features. To explain this philosophy Sri Nataraja and Shivalingam have nature as their base.

What is Seen Inside an Atom?

After thorough research, scientists have found that everything is made up of finer particles called atoms. In every atom there are male and female parts. The reddish male part, known as the nucleus, is vibrating up and down at the centre. The female parts, known as the electron, proton, and neutron, circle around this nucleus. This is referred to as Nataraja philosophy. The male part is the reddish Nataraja and the rest is bluish Shakti.

— Excerpts of Srimath Satchidananda Swami’s Speech on 12 February 1953 at Trincomalee, reported by T. Duraisingam for Veerakesari.

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C h ap te r 31 Philosophy of Sri Nataraja’s Form What does Sri Nataraja show through his dance? By dancing on

Muyalagan [Tamil for Apasmara] he conveys that Maya, the demon, is trying to seduce everybody; don’t become a slave to him; control him by stamping on him under your feet and achieve success. He wears a tiger skin which signifies liberation from arrogance that intoxicates the intellect. A deer that is standing beside him refers to our erratic minds.

We have to focus our minds towards God. Sound is the cause for the origin of this earth. One who knows this sound of the Supreme Being conquers the world. The small drum Lord Nataraja holds refers to that sound. To make us know that those were agents of God’s creation he is holding the small drum in his hands.

— From a speech by Sri Swamiji on 12 December 1953 on Shivaratri day at Sri Koneswara Temple.

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C h ap te r 32 Is Temple Worship Necessary?

Human beings prefer to enjoy pleasure. They try to enjoy it through

material means. Though there is some pleasure, difficulties predominate.

For example, let us take jewellery. There is a worry in saving money to purchase jewellery by reducing other expenditures; then there is a worry about the purity (is it pure or is there some alloy metal in it) of the ornament purchased; there is a worry to safeguard it after the purchase; while wearing it there a worry that it should not fall anywhere; there is also a worry that no one should grab it. After some time, there is a worry about it being an outdated style. Thus, there are numerous hidden difficulties in the pleasures we enjoy.

The goal of life is to balance this joy and sorrow. To achieve this we have to leave our desires and renounce attachment. “I” and “mine” encourage attachment. A good, beautiful, and intelligent baby from a neighbouring home suddenly dies; but we don’t worry much about it. We may philosophically remark: “Life is like that.” But when our own child dies, we deeply mourn. Why? Because of attachment. To remove this attachment a feeling of selfless sacrifice must arise. Our ancestors have paved way to bring that feeling through temple worship.

When we go to temples we take offerings to God. Some may ask, “Is it enough to offer a handful of rice to God who helps to produce tons of it?” When a father comes back home in the evenings, he brings sweets to his child. His joy knows no bounds if the child puts a bit of sweet in his mouth. If the child refuses to give, the father thinks that the child needs to develop a feeling of selflessness. When a father feels ecstatic over a small piece of sweet, there shouldn’t be any doubt in God feeling happy over a handful of rice. Won’t God appreciate our sacrificial mentality?

We, in fact, gain altruistic tendencies by taking offerings to the temple.

Disregarding even mist and rain, early in the morning after taking bath we visit and worship in the temple. Due to this, the body gains a sacrificial tendency. Step-by-step this feeling increases to a higher stage where we offer ourselves. Aren’t temples necessary for this?

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Imagine a person is returning home after his work. His mind is occupied by thoughts of complications in his work and of domestic problems. On his way a friend takes him for a wedding at another friend’s house. Upon reaching there he unconsciously feels happy upon seeing nice decorations and charming people. The happy vibrations there pervade and he imbibes these. Similarly, even when a person is in a happy mood he turns gloomy on visiting a funeral because of the mournful vibrations there. When people come with a worshipful mentality to the temple and there is a worshipful atmosphere and peaceful vibrations in the temple these vibrations get built up. Such temples are imperative for worship.

We provide light by absorbing electricity from the sky, storing it in a box, and by taking it through cables. Likewise, God’s energy is stored in the temple’s sanctorum. To renew that energy, rituals, worship, and once in twelve years installation sanctification (kumbabishekam) are conducted. As high voltage components are stored safely, the sanctum sanctorum is kept charged. People receive benefits from the sanctum.

To bring light to our heart we remove dust from the good and bad through our life experience and by getting power from the temple sanctum. A rod gets magnetized by keeping it with a magnet. By repeating this, the rod turns into a magnet. Similarly, by visiting the temple regularly, God’s divine characteristics reach us. We will be raised to a divine state.

—From a speech of Sri Swamiji on 15 May 1954 at Jaffna Kadiresan Temple, reported by T. Duraisingam for Veerakesari.

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C h ap te r 33 Significance of Rituals and Temples A baby calls its mother by various names when it starts talking.

Mother responds kindly to all the names. Likewise God accepts prayers irrespective of sound and words.

If we go to the temple, we should worship without shyness by saying, “God! I am your devotee.” We should not follow the modern style of worship of present day people who abstain from prostrating on the ground.

Money, dress, jewellery, etc., are like scorpions that sting human beings.

We have to escape from this. Temple worship is the only way for this.

Many ask, “Since God is everywhere, why should we go to a temple to worship?” There is a suitable answer for that. Electricity is everywhere, but we need a bulb and a dynamo to display that. Likewise, there are waves in space constantly beaming musical dance from London, Hindustani music from Delhi, and Carnatic music from Madras. We could hear the music to our liking by tuning the radio to the desired station. Similarly, temples are like the radio broadcasts so we can know God who is omnipresent.

There is a plan for a radio; and similarly for a temple. Temples are constructed as per the plans of an architect and the installation sanctification (kumbabishekam) is conducted. We get power for the radio by charging the battery; energy for the temple is gained while chanting Vedic mantras during the installation sanctification. There are several ritual kumbams (pots holding the holy water and other items) in the sacrificial hall; they are like powerhouses and transmitting stations—the power of Vedic mantras is interpolated.

At this juncture, let us analyse the power of words. Considering them as just words, we would know the consequences if we call a stout person, “Hey! Stupid!” Similarly, a person will feel happy if you speak 123

nice words to him or her. Words possess that much power! Speech is everything. Because of this, in Hinduism, God is also known as the Supreme Sound. The Bible also associated God with sound [“In the beginning there was the word. And the word was with God; the word was God.”].

By chanting Shiva’s core mantra—“OM Namah Shivaya”—we can see the image of Lord Shiva. A bija mantra has that much power.

When scientists in a foreign country experimented on a plant by saying “Die, die,” the plant finally died. Why? Even if people around a patient constantly say, “You won’t get well, you won’t get well,” he or she will never get well. This is what we see in day-to-day experience.

I went to an exhibition held in Madras. An instrument that showed forms of sound was kept over there. When I said “cut” it showed a figure of cutting. When I said “mercy” a merciful figure appeared. Then when I chanted “OM” in front of the instrument it showed a yantra or geometric form of God. This is known as chanting the divine mantra.

When we chant panchakshara mantra we could see God firstly in a dream. Then, Lord Shiva appears finally. That mantra has that much power.

Water has the quality of attracting the power of prayer. As electric current passes through a wet wood swiftly rather than via the dried one, water kept in golden, silver, and copper vessels has more of this power. It is because of this reason that water is kept in copper vessels in the hall of sacrificial offerings. Vedic mantras are chanted and then the power of the mantras is transferred to the stone during the installation sanctification. In the end, the stone form and mantra power merge to form the grace-giving divine form. Then that form gives energy to the devotees. Can we do this from home? So we construct a temple and worship there. Since sages have the fortune of seeing God through chanting mantras they need not to go to temples.

The temple structure is set like an ascetic lying on his back. The front portion is like his feet; the sacrificial altar is like the navel. Similarly situated are the sanctum sanctorum and the paved way around it. The central part of his body is like the light kept at the place where the 124

deity is installed. The light inside reminds us of God’s divine form.

His right ear is like Lord Dakshinamurti and his left ear is like Lord Chandeswarar.

In big temples there are three stone images of bulls. The biggest bull signifies the presence of greater ego in us. The second biggest bull represents lesser arrogance. The sacrificial altar near to it is to bring down the ego. The third and smallest bull signifies humility in us, which bends “like a matured paddy ear” [rice plant] as Thiruvalluvar remarks.

Let’s now analyse the manner of worship. As the temple set-up is like a yogi, the manner of worship is like Yoga practice. We have to keep our bodies fit. So, physical exercises are incorporated in temple worship. With a pure heart, if we do pradakshina (going around the temple), palikarsha (pulling the ears, while bobbing up and down by bending knees), and prostrating on the ground, it is good for both body and mind.

God is placed on hilltops like Palani Hills and Sivanoli Hills for the purpose of this practice. While climbing the hills we do pranayama like yogis. Offering of food to God is to show the sacrificial mentality of devotees. Coconuts and fruits are offered for this purpose. Our vows are many; to show that all those vows finally merge for the purpose of God, camphor is lit at the apex of multi-story camphor lamps.

Many people, not aware of these basic principles of Hindu religion, are speaking about atheism. It is sure that those who know the religious truth behind temple worship and all our practices attain the benefits of this birth and reach Lord Shiva’s abode.

—Summary of a speech by Trincomalee Sivananda Ashram leader Sri Satchidananda Yogishwarar on the occasion of 6th day function of Nayinai Sri Nagabooshani Ammal

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C h ap te r 34 Do as Told by the Four Saints We have to think who the four Nayanar saints are. In the Tamil

world, it is said, “We have to follow what the four say.” They are divine Appar, Sundarar, Gnanasambandar, and Manickavasagar. They have each shown us the way by following a path of virtue and attaining salvation. Appar followed the path of deity worship in temples.

Sambandar adopted ritual worship in temples. Sundarar tried the path of friendliness, and Manickavasagar attained Shiva’s abode through the path of wisdom. These four paths of salvation are known as, “as told by the four [Nayanars].” They helped Saivism to flourish. From then on temple worship came into being.

Shiva means auspiciousness. Those who worship the divine Shiva are Saivites. The true Saivites are those who follow the Saiva principles in action and not in mere words. Duty to human beings is duty to God. To whomever or in whatever way we do that duty we gain benefits.

Love and Shiva are one and the same. Thiruvalluvar remarked, “Life without love is like a dried tree sprouting in a drought land.” It is not enough to be a Saivite in outward appearance; discipline is very important for Saivism.

A true devotee is one who is pure at heart. Do not worship the statues in temples considering them as dolls. While singing the songs of the “four” [Nayanars] we should sing with utmost devotion and understanding of their meaning. Singing like a tape-recorder or a parrot must change. Meaningless music is like slander. Discipline of mind is most suitable for worship.

Those are true devotees who reach God through these four paths: deity worship, ritual worship, meditation, and wisdom. Their work is sacred; a jobless mind wavers. Because of this, each involved himself in work.

Each controlled his five senses with his mind and diverted it to the four paths through his intellect. If we mindlessly worship statues in 127

a temple, it is an illusionary stage. On the contrary, each of the four Nayanars worshipped God by being a devotee, a son, and a friend.

Appar took the devotee path; Sundarar followed the friendship path, and Manickavasagar picked the path of wisdom. Let us reach God by following the paths shown by them. —Summary of a speech at Analai Island Temple’s 10th festival on 26 September 1954, reported by T. Duraisingam for Veerakesari.

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C h ap te r 35 Essence of Philosophy in Worship of Shakti The world functions because of energy (Shakti). All beings operate by energy. Shiva, the Supreme Being, cannot do anything without energy. This we could see in our day-to-day life. We could hear people casually saying “Do some work if you have energy; otherwise be quiet.”

The importance of Shakti is hidden in this casual remark. We need the blessing of Shakti in whatever we do in our life. Shakti is like the mother of this world. That mother’s blessing is easily available to her children. Nine days of Navaratri are the days for Shakti worship.

Once injustice dominated the virtuous; demon forces swelled enough to harm the gods. The gods were compelled to do the tasks unsuitable and contrary to their positions. Demon leaders like Mathukaitabar, Mahishasuran, and Sumbanisumbar represented the cruelty.

Unable to bear the misery, the gods went and complained to the divine trinity (Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva). But the trinity said, “We have no powers to subdue the demons; their power has increased.

Parashakti, the compendium of all energies, only is capable of doing that.” Accordingly, mustering the energies of all the gods and the trinity, Parashakti appeared. She transformed herself into Durga, Lakshmi, and Saraswati, and respectively fought with Madhukaidapar, Mahishasuran, and Sumba and Nisumba for nine days, three days each, and destroyed them. This was a big relief for the gods. They celebrated the 10th day by happily worshipping Shakti. That day is known as Vijayadasami. That was the day of liberation for the gods from their enemies.

But there are many enemies within us that continue to disturb us—anger, deceit, enmity, etc.—that are equal to Madhikaidabar. To remove these enemies from us, with the blessings of Goddess Durga, we worship her for the first three days.

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Greed, desire, and expectations are equivalent to Mahishasuran. To replace them with good qualities like radiance, wealth, virtue, and the helping tendency, we worship Goddess Lakshmi for next three days. Sumba and Nisumba possessed pride, arrogance, and darkness.

To remove these bad qualities and to gain good sense, amicability, wisdom, and humility, we worship Goddess Saraswati during the last three days.

So, to remove lust, anger, arrogance, haughtiness, and similar bad qualities and to lead a virtuous life we worship Mother (Shakti).

The Vedas describe the Divine Mother in two forms—victorious and non-victorious. Her mercy flows from the victorious form. Durga gives us courage and strength, which must be spent constructively. If they are used to harm other beings, her blessings dwindle; her grace fails to reach us.

Like this, we receive beauty, radiance, and wealth with the Goddess’ blessings. Those grace us in the form of many Lakshmis—Lakshmi of grains (Dhanyalakshmi), Lakshmi of wealth (Dhanalakshmi), Lakshmi of valour (Veeryalakshmi), Lakshmi of victory (Vijyalakshmi), and Lakshmi of Well-being (Soubakyalakshmi).

We see much ugliness in the name of beauty in this modern world.

Today’s dress fashions fail to display modesty and humility. This is because of misusing the Goddess’ blessings.

Several among the rich are spending their money extravagantly. This is like disrespecting Goddess Lakshmi; this should change. When the wealth of those spending in philanthropy expands, the country where such people stay will become richer. If the country has to prosper, the people of that country have to be virtuous.

Likewise, the power of speech has to be spent in a good way.

Unnecessary chatting has to be avoided; speech should be pleasant.

One never eats vegetables leaving behind fruit if he or she has both.

Similarly, why should we use harsh words if we have sweets words to speak? We should not use harsh and crude words with anyone; we must speak softly, so speech has to be limited. Most importantly, there 130

must be truth in it. Truth is God; we should never tell lies. In that case Goddess Saraswati blesses us; otherwise it is like insulting her.

Parashakti in her three forms—Goddess Durga, Goddess Lakshmi, and Goddess Saraswati—is blessing us to live with prosperity by liberating us from bad qualities. So Shakti is like mother. Generally, it is the mother who introduces the father to her child. The child knows her mother automatically. Likewise, we come to know Father Shiva through Mother Shakti. So Shakti’s blessings are important.

A temple becomes a suitable place for us to get Mother’s blessings.

Many facilities are available for us in the temple to develop our energy.

The priest gets us blessings from God by collecting them through prayers, religious rites, mantra chanting, worship, and abishekam (ritual of pouring fluid substances such as water and honey over the consecrated murti or image of the deity).

A temple is like a charging station. God’s grace is stored like divine electricity here through priest’s daily worship. We are like power storage boxes; we should visit the above mentioned shrines to obtain divine grace or divine power for our daily livelihood and put them to proper use. So, may Mother Parashakti’s grace, through temples and their priests, help you all in your good life.

—From a speech at Unugengai Sri Vikneswara Temple on 17 October 1954, reported by T. Duraisingam for Veerakesari.

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PART 4

Question and Answer Sessions with Sri Swami Satchidananda (from the “Peaceful Path” Section of Suthanthiran Newspaper)

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C h ap te r 36 Questions about Sri Swamiji’s Life and Views Question 1: Can you tell which books inspired you to involve in spiritual life?

Answer: Firstly, I read books like Patinathar and Thayumanavar. They sowed spiritual seeds in me. Then Sivananda Vallalar and Vadalur Vallalar watered that seed. Then I read in English all the books by Swami Vivekananda. Among them, Raja Yoga attracted me the most.

I immersed myself in them day and night. A spiritual tree began to sprout. The tree blossomed with the touch of Patanjali. And finally, on reaching the Feet of Sivanandar, his Amrita Gita, Jnana Yoga, and similar precious books provided fruits of spiritual experience.

Question 2: We are aware that you went on a pilgrimage to several holy places from Kanyakumari to Himalayas on foot. In which period, which age, and how did such spiritual interest come to you?

Answer: Such obsession was there right from my childhood. Fearing my renunciation my parents put me into wedlock. I lived a married life for some time. Even then the urge for asceticism would raise its head now and then. Yet, I did not have the guts to desert my wife. At the same time I indulged in religious rites and practices. During such detached married life I became the father of two sons. Then, I lost my wife. My family voluntarily accepted the responsibilities of rearing and educating my two children. I transferred whatever was in my name to them. I decided that it was God’s will for my complete renunciation and got involved in yogic activities. I went on pilgrimage by foot for two years. I visited several parts of North India, and I spent five years at Sivananda Ashram in Rishikesh.

Question 3: What were you doing at Sivananda Ashram?

Answer: Mostly I was involved in activities pertaining to selfdevelopment and spiritual education. I also got training and experience 135

in naturopathy. In addition, I taught at the Yoga Vedanta Forest University over there. Often I toured North India and taught Yoga and gave discourses to students from schools and colleges situated there.

Question 4: Then you must be knowing North Indian languages. How many languages do you know overall?

Answer: The main advantage of my pilgrimage on foot was the opportunity to learn some languages. I taught Yoga in Hindi in North India. I know languages like Tamil, English, Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam.

Question 5: Before becoming involved in spiritual life were you in any occupation?

Answer: Not one, but in many occupations. Initially I was studying in an agricultural college. Then my mind went to engineering. I ran a business of electrical goods and machines. Then I tried to become a producer by becoming involved in the cinema field. For some time I worked as a manager at Perur temple. In short, I did almost all jobs from petty shop to motor industries.

Question 6: We heard that you gave a valuable speech at a Tamil function held in Batticaloa. What is your opinion about the Batticaloa Tamil function?

Answer: I went to the Batticaloa Tamil function not as a speaker; I went as a spectator. But I was made to speak. I find much interest in Tamil language among the youth of Batticaloa. I appreciate the interest of the Tamil Cultural centre, which mobilized the interests of the youth to an extent of organising a function. The function went on well. But I felt that the speakers spoke only about the antiquity of Tamil. Some speeches could have been on aspects like the present development of Tamil, how it should be in the future, and how to introduce new branches of learning in Tamil.

Question 7: Some opine that the use of words from other languages wherever necessary might corrupt Tamil language. What do you think?

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Answer: I don’t think so. I consider that the use of words from other languages wherever necessary would improve a language. We may find suitable names for those things found in our country. But things coming from foreign countries are named and sent by them. Those names spread easily among people all over the world. If we try to name such things in Tamil out of difficulty, even our people cannot understand them. All know if we say car or train. But, it is wrong to believe that Tamil grows only if we say respectively in Tamil “motor that runs on oil” or “motor that runs on steam.” Those who believe that everything should be in Tamil fail to understand the basic objective of language. The aim of a language is to express to others the thoughts that arise in our minds. In this regard, instead of undermining the wealth of the language by giving importance only to words, we should develop Tamil to express ideas in various fields especially science, medicine, law, and engineering. If we need to develop Tamil to such an extent, it is sensible to accommodate words from other languages.

Question 8: What is your opinion on reform in Tamil letters?

Answer: Half of the answer to the previous question may form an answer to the present question. Like spoken words, written letters are also a mode of expression. So, ultimately, it will affect the growth of the language if we block necessary changes by insensibly clinging on to its antiquity. Then, by reforming the written form, one could quicken the printing process. In this mechanical world faster printing is imperative for the growth of a language. Hence, I welcome the reforms in written letters.

Question 9: Is it necessary to perform rituals in Sanskrit in Tamil temples? Why can’t we perform in Tamil?

Answer: Before answering this question I would like make clear that, according to me, there is not much difference between Tamil and Sanskrit. Sanskrit means, “a language that is perfected.” So, it must have been perfected from some already existing core language.

Why can’t that core language be Tamil? I can show several proofs for that. Tamils were satisfied with one “ka.” With the view to 137

keep Tamil sweet and soft they did not create letters that demand pronunciation down from the navel. Those who reformed Tamil to Sanskrit created four variations of ka’s: viz., “ka,” “kha,” “ga,” “gha.”

Since the pronunciation was difficult for the common folks, Sanskrit disappeared from day-to-day usage. But Tamil stays young as a spoken language even today. The use of Tamil for conducting rituals in Tamil temples would help induce the feelings of those gathered around there.

But, it is laid down that mantras have to be chanted according to the rites. I don’t find mantras in Tamil for these specifications. When we chant mantras they kindle certain vibrations. These spiritual vibrations, apart from kindling cosmic vibrations, give powers to both those who recite the mantras and the listeners. So, I cannot reject puja mantras (in Sanskrit).

Question 10: What is your opinion on the Dravidian movement that is spreading in South India?

Answer: As far as Tamil Nadu is concerned, the Dravidian movement did great service. At the same time, it is leading people on the wrong path. I welcome all their tenets for reform. They taught the right lessons to those who commercialized temples. They have motivated people to question if they are submerged in superstitious belief of God. Had they stopped there, their service would have been incomparable. But they have gone a step beyond to the extent of preaching to people that there is no God. This is a dangerous message.

It is like inserting a bad thing by removing an old one.

Question 11: What is your opinion of Thirukkural?

Answer: In those days, I thought Thirukkural was a grammar of morals, wealth, and bliss. Then it became an incomparable book of justice for me. Now it appears to me to be a holistic Yoga book. People should praise Thirukkural; their lives should become like that of Thirukkural.

The life of Thirukkural and spiritual life are not two different things.

“A blemishless mind is the basis of all virtue; Everything else is empty show.” ~ Thirukkural (34) 138

Question 12: What do you think about opening of temples to the backward people?

Answer: There are no “backward” people. There is no high or low standing among people by birth. There should be no discrimination against people based on his or her occupation. In ancient days, the varna system was derived based on social responsibilities. Even in that there is no superior and inferior.

One who is performing puja to God and one who is doing scavenging work are performing equal service to the community. One who chants the Vedas, not only for God but also for the benefit of all, is a brahmin; one who sheds blood and gives life to protect the country and its people is a kshatryia; one who is involved in merchandise and brings various goods from distant places is a vaishya; one who does all services to the community like sowing and weaving is a sudra. What is inferior and superior in this?

Good conduct is the measuring rod for inferiority and superiority.

It is not divine if a brahmin demands money at the place he goes to perform rituals. Then that Brahman is doing business and becomes a vaishya. Hence, it is better that we take everybody, without discrimination, to God’s abode.

Question 13: Do you have any message to give for the Ceylonese through Suthanthiran?

Answer: Through Suthanthiran (meaning independence or freedom in Tamil) I would like to talk about freedom. Freedom is important for people. Not only political freedom, but also spiritual and freedom from ego. After attaining freedom from egoism—to forget the ego and to not be preoccupied with one’s body—and to be in a state of equanimity is spiritual freedom. My wish is that whoever has taken human birth should try and attain this objective and lead a pure, free, and advaita (non-dualistic) life.

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C h ap te r 37 Questions about God Question 1: What is the aim of the Supreme Power (God), which is causing so much distress to this world and its inhabitants?

Answer: Why should you think that the aim of the Supreme Power is to cause distress to this world? Electricity is powerful. But, does it have any separate aim? No. It is depending on our usage that we receive good or bad results. If you plug in a lamp it gives light. If you plug your finger in electricity, death results. Who is responsible for this? Is it appropriate to blame electricity? Similarly, is it not our mistake for failing to properly utilize the Supreme Power that runs this world?

Who is trying to use atomic and hydrogen powers, which are small aspects of that Supreme Power? We only. Weren’t they in existence all these years? On whom they threw bombs? Will difficulties come when these powers are converted into life-giving things rather than devastating bombs? Think well; the mistake is ours and we cannot put the blame on worldly things or the power that operates them.

Then a question might arise whether this Supreme Power has any personal objective. The Supreme Power aims to live in perpetual peace without ego. People call this Supreme Power or God by different names.

Question 2: How did this Absolute Power come into being to an extent to protect all the living beings?

Answer: Whether arrogance afflicted the human beings from the beginning or came in between, don’t you feel we are grappling with it now? Then we should seek a way to attain peace by warding it off. If and when we are freed from its bondage we automatically realise how it has caught human beings in its snare. Until then it is impossible to explain it. Even if explained it is not possible to comprehend. When the Vedas and shastras tried and failed in this exercise, who can explain it?

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Question 3: Scholars say that all religions are one. Then why did Manickavasagar argue with Buddhists? Why did Thirugnanasambandar argue with Jains?

Answer: Manickavasagar and Thirugnanasambandhar did not argue against the religious principles of Buddhism and Jainism. They only argued against those religious leaders who faultily interpreted the religious principles or manipulated religion for their selfish interests.

Even today, such debates are conducted by good people, for the welfare of the masses.

Question 4: According to Valluvar, if we traverse a difficult path we could ultimately attain pleasure. But, how could those laymen, who suffered even at the end, attain happiness?

Answer: Which end are you pointing out? Life is for the soul. This soul attains ultimate happiness after experiencing various ups and downs by entering into different bodies. So life does not end with the end of this body.

Question 5: I am a ten year-old boy. I have a brother four years younger to me. We were living without any problems thus far. But when my mother died, my father handed us over, with some things and land, to my paternal uncle and he became an ascetic. We don’t know where he went. Is it not father’s duty to be like a mother when we lost our mother? After losing both, we are suffering as orphans.

Can you tell us a way to make our mind peaceful?

Answer: Children! You are not orphans. God and Goddess, who are your real parents, will not desert you. Your father handed over land and wealth along with you to your uncle without destroying them. So your paternal uncle is like your father and mother. In that case it is incorrect to blame your father. Love your uncle deep from your heart, get his affections, and live in peace. Pray to God about your future with confidence. Your wholehearted prayer will change this state caused by acts of your previous birth. May new fragrance blossom in your life.

Question 6: My friend, who has been practicing Yoga for the past two years, has stopped eating vegetarian food for unavoidable reasons, and is now taking non-vegetarian food. Will there be any harm to his health because of this? Please let us know.

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Answer: There is no harm in consuming non-vegetarian food while practicing Yoga. But one cannot expect the same amount of benefits in non-veg food as there is in vegetarian food prepared without much spice.

Question 7: Merciful God is always an image of love to the people.

Our suffering is due to our sins and not because of lack of love from God. But, does not that omnipotent God have the power to purge such sins and spread goodness everywhere? Doesn’t God prefer that?

Then why isn’t God doing so?

Answer: In school there is both learning and examination. Learning appears joyful and examination is difficult. There is no school only with learning or only with examination. Both are necessary to succeed in education. Similarly, both joy and sorrow are important in life. God never likes that this world should be only one-sided. God likes to peacefully attain the objective of the victory of a soul utilizing both joy and sorrow.

Question 8: A mother beats her child with reason. You may say that God also similarly offers difficulties. But, a mother beats her child by stating, “I’m beating you for this mistake. Don’t do this again.” The child also does not repeat such a mistake. But, why does God punish us without stating any reason? Is there any use in that?

Answer: God never hides reasons for the punishments. They are there in our sub-conscious minds. Since people mostly function in the conscious mind they do not realise what is stored at the sub-conscious level; they do not try to realise as well. If they try, they will know.

Question 9: I’m 19; 1.5 metres tall. I’m very lean. When I consulted a doctor he said there was no disease. I do Yoga daily, especially standing on my head. I request you to give me an idea about how to remove this leanness.

Answer: Slenderness can be overcome by proper exercise, nutritious food, enough rest, and an active mind. I am happy to know about your Yoga routine. But don’t overdo it to the extent of getting tired. You decide for yourself for how much time you need to do. Along with 143

standing on the head, it will be good if do sarvangasana, matsyasana, pachimothasana, halasana, bujangasana, salabasana, and nadi suddhi pranayama.

It is good to go for a brisk walk either in the morning or in the evening. Pay attention to your food as well. Have enough easily digestible, nutritious food. Faith in God, discipline, and a straightforward life will reduce mental tensions. Worries are the main cause for many diseases and weight loss. May you start a new life from today. May God bestow upon you peace and abilities.

Question 10: A severely hungry snake is going to eat a frog. A sympathetic person is witnessing this scene. What should he do during that time?

Answer: A frog as a prey for snakes is natural. We do not have the right to prevent that. If it is destined, that frog will live for some more time and it will escape. Nevertheless, a snake never considers killing a frog as sin. However, since we have the capacity for reasoning, we should stay away from such killings.

Question 11: The ancient shastras say that we could attain Selfrealisation by renunciation. Can’t we attain the same through the life of a householder?

Answer: No shastra has pronounced that we could gain Self-realisation only through asceticism and not by leading a family life. In whatever stage we are, we could achieve Self-realisation by detaching our inner self from name, fame, and material possessions. But in the name of asceticism, those who arrogantly and hypocritically claim that they are great hermits and that they command respect, never attain realisation.

Question 12: We reap good and bad as per our deeds in our previous births. If so, is there hell or heaven? I request you to explain.

Answer: Apart from this visible world there are various subtle worlds in various stages. Hell and heaven are part of them. The soul, after leaving this visible body, reaches one of those worlds depending on the deeds we have performed in this and past births.

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C h ap te r 38 Questions about God, Body, and Soul (8 August 1954)

Question 1: Gospels say that there is no such thing as “idols” in this world; there is only one God. So, instead of creating a deity for yourself, bow to Jesus and worship only him. Statues are man-made; they don’t speak, see, hear, and breathe. Those who create and believe in them possess the same qualities. In that case, do Hindus, who worship several deities, belong to this category of people? Do you also belong to this type?

Answer: How could we bow and worship only the Christ? Worship by what mode? Only through the mind? If you accept this then you will have to accept statue worship.

At an ordinary level, our mind always understands the five elements (earth, sky, fire, water, and ether) with some form. For example, when the mind tries to feel the characteristics of “sweet” it associates that with the sugar of candy or something that is sweet. It is not possible to directly feel something that is formless.

Likewise, God, who is beyond forms, is felt by people through some form or statue. It is because of this that Catholic brothers and sisters, who form the majority among Christians, offer worship to statues (of Jesus, Mary, the saints). If the Gospels say that God is everywhere, will God not be present in statues as well?

If we could not worship the omnipresent God in one statue, is it possible to think of the vast universe? It is jest to say that those who worship statues are like them—dumb, deaf, and blind. Can we apply the same logic to one who worships his father’s photograph hung in his house? Will he assent to either throw away or stamp or spit on the photograph for the reason that the picture does not speak, does not hear, and does not see?

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Does a devotee worship the stone or metal from which the statue is made? If so, he could worship a grinding stone or a metal pot. Through that statue he sees God’s love and power and receives it. On seeing the picture of the well-built body of a wrestler, even a weak person stands erect and looks at his own arms. Why? Did that picture ask for anything? Did it feel happy about the act? Neither. It was the feelings hidden inside that body-builder’s picture that induced the person looking at it to be more self-reflective.

Therefore, worship of God in the form of the various Hindu deities, and statues of these deities, was introduced to bring focus, in the initial stages, to the mind; it is not the final goal. Real wisdom is achieved through self-inquiry. Once you gain that wisdom and that self-mastery, there is no harm in no longer worshipping statues.

Question 2: Spiritual leaders say those who realise Self, realise God. What does this mean?

Answer: Everyone refers to self as “I.” Who is this “I”? Body or soul?

Or something beyond these two? Self-realisation is to know that one’s Self is the same as God. God means something that is beyond the body and mind. Until you realise the Self, you need to distinguish yourself from God and worship God. When that worship matures both become one. This is known as “soul identification.” It is futile to enquire “Who am I?” using just the mind. It should come by experience. For example, how will it become an experience to say, “I fell down”? After knowing, at an intellectual level, that I am not a body. So, this comes after long and continued reflection and experience.

Question 3: What is the relationship between body and soul?

Answer: The relationship between body and soul is akin to the association between a householder and a house or a driver and a car.

The soul is immortal and it lives in various bodies.

Question 4: When will peace prevail in human life?

Answer: When you maintain equanimity between joy and sorrow; gain and loss; adulation and disdain; friendship and enmity, and remain detached from worldly desires and live for others. Peace will engulf you.

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Question 5: Why do people who are sad lose weight? Will they attain peace of mind through prayers and meditation?

Answer: There is a close relationship between the body and mind. If one worries, the other responds. Both our bodies and minds attain peace through prayer, meditation, Yoga, and pranayama.

Question 6: Is there any difference or similarity between the mental worries as a result of ill health and worries that are due to the obstruction of enjoyment?

Answer: Both are the same, though their causes are different. The first one is due to weakness of the body and the second one is due to weakness of the mind. But overcoming the second worry is more difficult that the first one.

Question 7: What miracle would have happened in the life of a 20 year-old to attain the wisdom of the elders?

Answer: Age is for body only. A soul that was wise by acquiring various experiences in its previous birth becomes so in this birth at a very young age. Despite becoming aged by the body, those who fail to acquire enough knowledge stay as children. There is no change in their worldly desires.

Question 8: Compare and contrast, in various dimensions, the fame earned through the art of dancing or what is gained by helping others.

Answer: Any reputation earned by helping others is praiseworthy and immortal. Everyone could become famous in their respective fields depending on their ability. It is good to dedicate that fame to God and serve God. Question 9: Many elders have said that we could reach God through music. Nayanars performed wonders through music. Muthuthandavar even removed poison by his music. All that happened in those days.

But, today our music experts cannot perform such feats. They are just happy in composing captivating imagined musical notes. But, my eyes were brimming with tears once I was mesmerized by the music of some experts. Since I crave for the music that associates me with God, I humbly request you to show me the way for that.

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Answer: If the musicians fuse their marvellous musical notes with devotion to God, they could perform wonderful acts like those past elders you have mentioned. It is better if the musicians sing songs in the languages they know.

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C h ap te r 39 Questions about the Practices of Yoga (12 October 1954)

Question 1: What kind of love is required to reach God? Answer: If we divert our entire love to God we can reach God. Then a doubt might arise as to where God is. God is everywhere; all are God’s forms. So, whatever love you show for the material things you should show to God. Don’t show it for you own self-interest. Then whatever you do, becomes God’s act. All beings in this world are God’s representatives. Even more, showing affection and serving the poor, sick, and suffering reaches God. Serving one’s nation with love is also for God. Generally, selfless love is divine. This does not mean that you should not love yourself. If you consider that your very being is to serve God then love shown and tasks performed for yourself belong to God. By this complete love we could reach God. Question 2: Are asanas capable enough to cure diseases?

Answer: With appropriate diet, asanas are good enough to cure more or less all diseases.

Question 3: Is pranayama harmful to the teeth? Can’t we practise pranayama without a master?

Answer: There is no harm to the teeth because of pranayama. Even if there is already some problem, while holding the breath if we continue to imagine that the air percolates into our teeth, the problem gets rectified.

In the present age, there is no need to expect a master’s presence.

You can practise with patience and caution by thoroughly reading the book written by a person who has your confidence and who is an expert in those exercises. Or you can meet that person and learn some exercises and practise. Now and then you may meet that person to show your progress.

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Question 4: Is prayer to God imperative for peace of mind? Can’t we achieve it by, as St. Benedict said, “laborate est orare”—“To work is to pray”?

Answer: The said duty by you is what devotees call as God. When you dedicate yourself and your duties to God, it becomes a divine worship.

All beings are God’s forms. God never heeds to those who forget their duties.

Question 5: What is the link between Yoga and peace mind?

Answer: For spiritual peace, peace of mind is required; for peace of mind, good health is necessary. In this regard both Yoga and peace of mind are linked.

Question 6: Some say Yoga practice is not appropriate for those who are the householders. Is that true?

Answer: Leaving out certain difficult and dangerous Yoga forms, there is no harm for persons in family life doing simple Yoga and pranayama exercises. In fact, it is good. Many are reaping benefits by doing them.

Renowned Yoga experts like Sri Sundaram and Sri Kumaraswami are householders.

Question 7: Can those who practise Yoga consume meat?

Answer: Those who consume meat cannot reap the full benefits of Yoga. Only vegetarians can. I have discussed this in the earlier issue of Suthanthiran.

Question 8: Is it beneficial to do physical exercises along with Yoga?

Answer: It is good to do both. But there should be sufficient time gap between the two—one in the morning and the other in the evening.

Good health and sufficient strength is achieved from Yoga; physical exercises strengthen muscles further.

Question 9: Can’t numerous Tamils benefit if you write in Suthanthiran about Yoga, the ways to practise it and such other aspects?

Answer: True. May God give sufficient time and space for that!

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Question 10: Is the life of a householder a hindrance to peace?

Answer: Never. If you keenly look into Thayumanavar, he says, Oh heart! You know God controls the whole show Like a string that rotates the top If spiritual pursuit is your job Both home affairs and asceticism are same.

Question 11: When someone suffering from poverty goes to an elder to explain his situation, the latter consoles the former by simply saying, “It will be like this for few days; later it will become alright.” What is your opinion of this?

Answer: Just observe from where poverty and simplicity arise.

Everyone who thinks, “I need this; if I don’t have that there is no respite for my worries,” is indeed poor. As wants increase, worries and poverty heighten proportionately. Who else is poorer than those so-called unfortunate “mega rich,” who increase their wants and resort to black marketing and corruption for that? So, the elders know well that poverty and richness arise in the mind. Also, elders never abstain from doing their best in ameliorating the povertystricken situation.

Question 12: It seems God appeared before our ancestors. Why is God not appearing before people in the present world?

Answer: How do you know that God is not appearing before people nowadays? Whoever tries with utmost devotion gets God’s vision like our ancestors. If a person achieves something in a particular period, in a particular way, there is no doubt that others also can get the same thing if tried in the same way. This is the law of nature.

Question 13: What is the link between God and Nature?

Answer: God is life; Nature is body.

Question 14: What is the real idea of applying sacred ash on the forehead?

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Answer: Sacred ash is a pure white ash extracted by burning cow dung.

It signifies the burning of people’s ego with God’s grace. Yet another meaning is that when we apply sacred ash we think that even this body will be reduced to a handful of ash one day. By this there is an opportunity to reduce over-attachment to this body. We indulge in too many luxuries when it comes to this body, which would turn into ashes if burnt. Magazines are filled with numerous advertisements of glamorous goods—garments, powders, lipsticks, nail polishes, etc.

Brother! Are you thinking that this ascetic is speaking in his own language? Wait, think about the truth. Are these things necessary for survival and to save the dignity of this body? What is the use in outward show? We can always spend that money for social welfare or to help the poor instead. From a health point of view, if we apply sacred ash on our forehead and body after taking bath, it will suck out the excess water and avoid pain.

Like this there are several meaningful symbols derived by our ancestors and sages. It is good to know and follow them. Even if we are not aware of the meaning, following them with faith will do good.

When the time comes we can know the meaning.

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PART 5

News Reports about Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Ser vice in Sri Lanka

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C h ap te r 40 General Reports about and Appreciation for Sri Swamiji’s Ser vice in Sri Lanka

We Greet Sri Swamiji

Is it not foolish to offer a half measure of milk rice to the God who

has created thousands of acres of paddy fields in Burma and China?

Is it not funny attempting to satisfy the God who has created loud thunder and lightening by sounding bells, gongs, and drums?

Is it not wasteful to pour pots of milk over rock and copper statues when thousands of children starve without milk even once a day?

To respond to the above questions with philosophical meanings, there is someone presently in Trincomalee. He is Swami Satchidananda Yogishwarar. He is head of the Trincomalee branch of Sivananda

Ashram in Rishikesh, situated near the foothills of the Himalayas, and is one of the prominent disciples of Swami Sivananda. Belonging to

Coimbatore, his previous name is Ramaswamy. Presently his age is 38.

Sharp nose; broad forehead; pearl-like teeth; dark hair; eyes reflecting deep knowledge and joy; charm that could win even enemies; child’s

heart; lean, but tall, body moulded by yogasana; saffron cloth; radiant face; this is how Swami Satchidananda looks.

He accepted an interview with Suthanthiran happily. Space constraints have prevented us from publishing all the excellent answers by him to the several questions posed. On behalf of readers we greet Swamiji.

—From Suthanthiran newspaper, 1952 155

Yogiraj in Northern Province We feel ecstatic on knowing the religious services started by Northern Province scholar Mr. Somasekaran. Those teachers who live knowing the path of virtue could only lead the students who come to them towards good path. I felt happy on knowing that Swami Satchidananda is going to give religious lectures in the schools of Jaffna town.

Yogiraj does not belong only to Saivism. He is a man of status to give spiritual words acceptable to all religious people. Mother India gave birth to him for the Ceylonese to benefit. I had the fortune of listening to Swami’s good commentaries many times. Jaffna town is blessed. It is a good opportunity for teachers. Apart from benefiting for yourselves by not failing to listen, you should show good way to those children studying under you. —From Veerakesari, Letter to Editor, 20 September 1956.

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C h ap te r 41 Advice to Teachers

Teachers Should Set Examples for Students

“To set an example to students, teachers should perform their duties

outstandingly. Teacher is one who encompasses in himself mother, father, and teacher and serves by imparting wisdom and practical

knowledge in children’s minds. Materialistic education is not enough

for students. Life-supporting education is what is necessary for them.

If teachers educate through Gurukula system (a system of education in which learning is done by living with teacher), discriminatory attitude will not arise among students.”

Thus spoke Swami Satchidananda Yogishwarar during his introductory address at the Regional Teachers Vocational Society Conference held in Methodist Mission School Hall, Trincomalee.

—From Veerakesari, 18 September 1955. Swamiji’s inaugural address at conference of retired teachers.

Yoga Practice for Teachers: Yogiraj Inaugurated Classes at Vaitheesvarar School Yoga practice classes for teachers began at Vannai Vaitheesvarar School Hall in Jaffna last evening.

While speaking after inaugurating the practice class, Yogiraj Satchidananda said, “Yoga exercises help in purifying the heart and controlling the mind.”

More than 50 teachers selected from various schools and colleges participated in the practice classes. While presiding the practice 157

classes, regulated jointly by the Department of Education and the Department of Culture, Northern Province Education Officer, Mr. S. U. Somasekaran, by introducing Yogiraj Satchidananda, said that the latter would be conducting the practice sessions.

Mr. Somasekaran said, “The physical exercises of any country should suit the culture and religion of that country. Yoga develops higher objectives in man’s heart. This is based on the cultures of Buddhism and Hinduism. Yogiraj, who has considerable amount of experience in this field, is an expert. We must feel proud for getting his services,” he said.

Inaugurating the practice classes with a prayer, Yogiraj Satchidananda said as follows: “Yoga is the initial step for salvation and spiritual freedom. All religions accept two basic truths. All religions accept that for the salvation of the soul, pure heart and controlled mind are required. Yoga exercises help in purifying one’s heart and controlling one’s mind. Yoga exercises provide valuable help to people from various fields in achieving success their lives.”

Yogiraj informed that Yoga practice classes will be held for fifteen days daily at 5 in the evening.

—From Veerakesari, 19 February 1957

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C h ap te r 42 Yoga for Police and Prisoners Lord Muruga is the Common Deity for Buddhists and Saivites

Deity installation function held yesterday at newly constructed

Murugan temple at Kundasalai prison. The installation was done by Swami Satchidananda of Divine Life Society. Several prominent persons including Minister Sir Kanthaiya Vaithyanathan attended.

Assistant Government Agent Mr. Thirumurthy, in his welcome speech said that Murugan is common deity for both the religions of the island; we obtained Hinduism and culture from India and Lord Muruga would strengthen the relations between the two religions.

Later the Minister, after lighting the lamp in his speech, said that even Buddhists were worshiping Kathirgama Kandan (other name for Murugan) with utmost reverence. We worship with the hope that God gives all betterments. We believe that special benefits would result due to the temple in this prison; and feel happy over the opportunity to attend the function.

After the installation puja and worship, a meeting took place under the chairmanship of Swami Satchidananda. Minister Sir Kanthaiya Vaithyanathan before appreciating the great efforts of Kandy Maha Sabha members said, “There is no one infallible. Some are caught; many remain elusive. The condition of those who are caught is better; they get away with a punishment. The status of the rest is difficult.

Muruga, who spared even demons, will protect everyone.�

Superintendent of this prison Mr. Azhagakon took special attention in this regard. Mr. Ramachandra spoke in his praise. The function concluded after many spoke including Mr. K. B. Haran. —Function at new Murugan temple in Kundasalai Prison; from Veerakesari, 31 October 1955.

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Speech of Swamiji in Kalutara Police Training College: Benefits of Yogasana Practice Swami Satchidananda gave a special lecture to the police trainees at Kalutara Police Training College. He mentioned about the necessity of Yoga for man’s healthy physical growth. While speaking on the benefits of Yoga Swamiji said: “Yoga occupies an important place in regulating our mind. Physical exercises help in the circulation of blood to our skin and nerves. But, Yoga helps blood to pass through nerves leisurely. I am giving training on Yoga from young children to 82 year-old persons. I see police personnel in Ceylon can turn into yogis and do better service for us.”

This is not a joke but the truth. As per the arrangements made by Police Inspector General Joyesa, Yogiraj Satchidananda preached in English on Yoga and taught class at the Police Training College in Kalutara last Monday. It is learnt that all those police personnel who are undergoing the training are showing much enthusiasm.

“The great responsibility of maintaining law and order and protecting peace is in your hands. So it is important that you stay in good health.

Not only in body, but the mind should also be strong. For this Yogasana is the best way,” said Yogiraj and clarified many of their doubts: Question: Is doing Yogasana harmful for family life?

Answer: No way. It strengthens our heart and regulates our family life.

Question: Can the aged do this?

Answer: People from age 5 to 82 are learning and benefiting from Yogasana.

Question: Will the body get tired because of this?

Answer: On the contrary, it removes tiredness. Indian Prime Minister Nehru works enthusiastically 18 hours per day. Didn’t he announce that the secret of his health is Yogasana?

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After the questions he taught the first class. There was a person there as a teacher who was earlier a boxing champion and later affected by paralysis. Including him, nearly twenty people came forward and did Yoga exercises. That person reported to have gained new energy after doing Sarvangasana for some time!

Siva Subramanium, working in Irrigation Department, went there with Yogiraj and demonstrated several Yoga exercises. He said that he had sinusitis and ear pain some years back and got cured because of Yoga. He also was able to stop eating meat gradually.

It seems this Yoga class continues to be held at the Police Training College.

—From Veerakesari 9 December 1957

Yogasana of Police Chief Sinhala Police Inspector General Asmen de Silva presided the Kandy Tennekumbara Divine Life Society Second Anniversary function and spoke on some truths on the necessity of Yoga and the benefits that he begot due to it.

He said, “I got benefited from Yoga in various ways. I regret for not learning this in my early years. Had I learnt, I should have certainly achieved higher success in many sports. I could have become a big personality as well. I am learning Yoga exercises through my younger son. He is learning from Swami Satchidananda.”

Police chief father is learning Yoga from his son! Son is master, father is disciple! Wow! He said, “It is my fortune that I met and got the acquaintance of Swami Satchidananda. It is praiseworthy that Swami is trying to spread Yoga in Ceylon without caste, religion, and race discrimination.

I am seeing for the first time in my life someone who has dedicated himself to selfless service. Because of this I consented to participate in this function.”

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We have already written in this paper on the precious selfless service rendered by Swami. He has shown that Yoga is beneficial not only to body but also to mind; it helps in solving problems with calmness and patience.

Mr. de Silva requested wherever Swami goes he could meet the police officers and give the benefits that he has got; he expressed happiness over Swami’s speech and Yoga coaching to some at the Police Training School.

Political leaders are especially responsible for the disturbance of country’s peace. More than police it is the various political party leaders who require calmness of mind and patience. So, if Swami conducts Yoga for all political party leaders, the country would benefit.

I am aware that the Health Minister, Mrs. Vimala, has realised the importance of Yoga and that she has visited Rishikesh and met Swami Sivananda. Education Minister earlier said Yoga gives benefit for aged.

If the police chief helps all ministers, including the Prime Minister, in learning Yoga through Swami, there may be a way for crisis resolution and development.

—From Veerakesari

Second Anniversar y of Kandy Ashram: IGP Appreciates Ser vice of Swamiji On 6 April, Sunday, the second anniversary of the Kandy Ashram was celebrated in a grand manner under the leadership of Swami Satchidananda.

Speaking, while welcoming the police Inspector General Mr. Asmen de Alwis, who participated in the function, Yogiraj said the former was interested in Yoga and spirituality.

Kandy Divine Life Society leader Mr. S. Vaithyalingam while speaking said it is the fortune of the people of Ceylon that we have a spiritually thinking police chief during current crisis situation.

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Asmen de Alwis while speaking underlined the greatness of Yoga and the benefits he got out of it. He said because of Yogiraj’s higher services, all people of Ceylon should benefit without caste and religious discrimination. For this, if Swamiji uses Sinhala also, apart from Tamil, people could live in unity without quarrels.

The prizes and certificates for those who won the Yoga competition were distributed by Asmen de Alwis.

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C h ap te r 43 Sri Swamiji’s Ser vice at Tea Estates Do Not “Worship” Cinema Stars Which is greater? Meat-eating Cat or Plant-eating Elephant?

To transform the pitiable life of lakhs of estate workers into divine life, a group of volunteers under the leadership of Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal have started to perform religious service.

They have achieved major success in the initial stage itself in their door-to-door instructions on thrifty living, religious theories, elimination of drinking, and gambling. In this Society, spiritual light teacher Mr. N. Muthaiya, Veerakesari Editor, Mr. K. B. Haran, Mr. S. Sokkanathan, Mr. M. S. Duraisami, Mr. S. Palanisami, Mr. K. Kannaiyaraj, Mr. M. A. Gnanapandithan are members. I believe that Eelam Tamils, especially upcountry Tamils make use of Satchidananda Swamigal, disciple of Himalayan hermit Sri Sivananda Saraswati, and attain divine life.

First meeting of the Religious Preaching Board, sponsored by Divine Life Society, was inaugurated in Unugoloya Gardens near Navalapitya.

Estate people headed by Mr. K. Ponnaya welcomed Swami and the volunteers with band and garlands.

Along with volunteers, Swami visited estates, every hut, and spoke with the people there affectionately. In one hut he saw film actresses pictures hung along with Mahatma (Gandhi), Vinayagar, Subramanyar, etc.

Swamigal: (pointing out Vinayagar picture) Are you waving incense to these pictures?

Worker: Yes, Swami.

Swamigal: (pointing out an actress’ picture) Are your waving incense to this as well?

Worker: (Blushingly) No. 165

Swamigal: Is this Parashakti or Madurai Meenakshi?

Worker: (with shyness) No, that is a photo.

Swamigal: What photo is that? I don’t know.

Worker’s wife: That is an actress.

Swamigal: When your wife is there like Goddess Parashakti in your house, why have this photo?

Worker: What I did was wrong. Today itself I will remove this and hang God’s picture.

Like this, through questions and answers, Swamigal advised the people to keep their houses, surroundings, children, etc., clean and to sing prayer songs in mornings and evenings for the good of the family and world.

A large number of estate workers participated at a gathering held in Unukaloya Ammal Temple Hall in the evening under the leadership of Mr. K. Ponnaya.

Yogiraj Satchidananda said, “Urban life is changing into hell due to lavishness like face powder and scents. Your life surrounded by natural beauty is blissful. But, you earn misery by bad habits like drinking, smoking, and gambling. Alcoholic drinks change human character.

We need to correct our bad habits through self-control rather than through legislations. Drinking and smoking make our body venomous.

Meat-eating grows cruelty in us and harms our health. You will know the truth when you see a meat-eating tiger and a plant-eating elephant. Unknowingly thus far, you must have made mistakes. To err is human. It is great human quality to realise those mistakes and correct them.”

Thus saying, he appealed to come forward those who wanted to start a new life. Immediately a large number of youth took oath: “From today we neither smoke nor drink.”

During his speech, spiritual light teacher Mr. N. Muthaiya said, “Today is the happiest day in my life. I feel very happy that we realised 166

the benefit of religious discourses for several days through youth’s oath.

I believe that every estate follows your example. This is a good sign and success for the first meeting of Religious Preaching Board. Due to prayer a power is created. If you pray you would realise that power leading you. Both house and community prayers should increase.

“It seems you are earning more than urbanites through your hard work. It is your life style that is making you pauper. Instead of spending unnecessarily on drinking and gambling, if you could save Rs. 5 a month, in five years you could save Rs. 300. Likewise, if 1,000 workers do so, Rs. 30,000 remains. If every worker wills, you could buy and own estates through cooperative manner. Vinoba’s principles may become success through you in Ceylon.”

Divine Life Society’s secretary, Mr. M. S. Duraisami, in his speech said without caste and religious discrimination all are coming to Kandy Ashram to learn Yoga; religious discourses will soon commence in estates like Heavens Grey, Katrapola, Carolina, and Kadavalai. He requested donations from the rich and services from all according to their abilities.

—From Suthanthiran, 20 May 1956

Prayer is the Right Path of Life Thousands of estate workers gathered to welcome Swamigal, who made maiden visit to Nanu Oya town. Filled with religious feeling, the welcome displayed the spiritual quest of the workers. The trustee of the temple and supervisor of the estate Mr. K. Subaiah welcomed Swamigal by garlanding him. To meet Swamigal thousands of estate workers stood in queue for a long time disregarding the sunlight.

“It was the power of Mahatma Gandhi’s ‘Ram’ mantra that brought us independence. All should gather and do prayers in the morning and evening to remove difficulties in the estate. The power of prayer is immense; if we pray for the welfare of others we can also live well.”

Thus Yogiraj Satchidananda spoke after the reception given to him at the temple in Seeni estate.

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Swamigal was called to draw a suitable plan in utilizing Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Hall, built at the cost of Rs. 35,000, and to establish Divine Life Society.

While speaking after general prayer and dedication of Divine Life Society, Swamigal said: “God is the great power who operates this world. This power, which filled many places, strengthens in places of worship. If we pray with faith, we could get God’s vision. I am happy that efforts are being made to construct Sri Sivasubramanium temple near this hall.”

—From Veerakesari, 3 April 1957

Divine Life Society in the Estate Areas: Youths Vow Not to Eat Meat At the beginning of the meeting Swamigal was brought in a procession along with a bhajan group. So as to welcome Swamigal at his house entrance, the owner of the estate Mr. Dixon also participated in the procession. While welcoming Swamigal, Lord Dixon said: “I have heard about Divine Life Society. Its branches are serving all over the world. I feel happy that Swamigal, belonging to that society, has visited our estate. It is not enough to only listen to what he says. You should try and follow it.”

“Language is used to express an idea. We can worship God in any language. Mother will certainly come however child cries. Don’t worry about the words or language. Love in the heart and pure devotion is more important. Among sixty-three Nayanars there were many illiterates. They reached God because of the strength of love. All religions teach truth.” Thus spoke Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal while speaking in a meeting held at Kaipugal estate.

He added in his speech: “For all people, father and mother are gods.

Respect for parents and elders is essential. Follow the good advice of the parents. We should wipe out bad habits. Then only our life becomes divine. We should worship by having love, enthusiasm, and 168

faith in our mind.” At the end of Swami’s discourse, in the first step to prepare themselves for divine life, a large number of young men and women took vow before Swamigal not to eat meat.

—Speech at Tea Estates on 10 April 1957

Satchidananda in Navalapitya: Get Rid of Bad Habits At the beginning of the meeting Swami was garlanded and brought in a procession along with a bhajan group. Dickoya’s Divine Life Society General Secretary, Mr. S. Jeevarathinam, organised these meetings to propagate religion in estates.

“Parents console those children who cry father and mother. Likewise, if we call God with affection, He will bless us.” Thus said Yogiraj Satchidananda while speaking in a meeting at Nona Estate belonging to Dikoya.

Yogiraj further said: “All religions preach the same. They exhort us to speak the truth, serve with love, do meditation, and converse in a brotherly manner. There is no difference from man to man. All are God’s children. We should do good to all through selfless service.

There should be regulation in our daily schedule. Religion is not a matter of futile argument. We should know the method of worship and realise God’s divine acts. We should avoid bad habits and the company of bad people.”

After enjoying Swami’s lecture many people took oath not to drink thereafter.

—From Veerakesari, 13 February 1958

Workers Vow to Abstain from Alcohol While giving his presidential speech on the occasion of Thai Pongal function, estate lord Mr. N. Sivalingam said: “Since religious preaching is rectifying the anomalies, the estate workers are getting new life in large numbers.”

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While speaking on the occasion Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal said: “Hindus are spending their time in speaking old pride. The numbers of those who are following the proper religious ideas are becoming less.

Worship is not done in a planned manner like in other religions. I feel happy about the methods of religious life of Muslims and Christians.

Why don’t we also conduct worship in an orderly manner like they do?

We will have immediate benefit if our worship is wholehearted. Today, we had an example: Because of the power of your worship the rain, which would have spoiled today’s function, disappeared. We should think over the secrets in life. It is not enough to work hard; workers should enjoy the fruits. Not only body, but mind should be used properly. Religious life helps in such an orderly life.”

Many workers resolved before Swamigal not to drink again.

—From Veerakesari, 19 January 1959

Appreciation from Ceylon Workers’ Congress Leader: Swami Satchidananda’s Ser vice at Hill Districts “More than trade union meetings, invitations for participating in estate temple functions have increased. Those who claim that divine life has not blossomed among workers, today’s function is an example.

I am happy to see the flood of devotion among the estate workers with Yogiraj Satchidananda coming to the upcountry. We are ready to cooperate to our capacity to the services done by Swamigal in the upcountry.”

Thus said CWC leader Mr. S. Thondaman while speaking at the installation ceremony in Lovukalai Estate. Thousands of workers from neighbouring estates participated with devotional interest in this function. They built this temple costing Rs.12,000 with the help of one day’s salary and from donations. Estate owner Jenaf Asgar Ali, European estate owners, CWC leaders, etc., took part in this function.

Asgar Ali, who is a Muslim, appreciating workers’ devotion, gifted pedestal oil lamps, pots, pictures, etc., to the temple.

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Sri Thondaman further said, “As food is necessary for body growth, worship is needed for spiritual growth. While fighting for rights, at this juncture, we should strive for spiritual growth.”

While speaking at the function Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal said, “God wishes all in this world to live happily. We beget difficulties by forgetting God. We should not think that we reap benefits by placing Goddess Ambal in the temple. God’s grace reaches those who are disciplined.”

He explained the evils of drinking; he requested to come forward those who would like to stop drinking from that holy day and take vow. Many promised before Swamiji not to drink.

—From Veerakesari, 15 September 1959

Vow Not to Drink: Estate Workers’ Religious Fer vour The interest shown by the estate workers on spiritual ideas was evident in the meeting held at Palankottah.

Last week Satchidananda Yogishwarar paid a visit to the reorganised meeting in this estate. The estate owner couple stood in front and welcomed Swami by garlanding him. While speaking at the meeting Yogiraj Satchidananda explained elaborately that it was the drinking habit that was obstructing the development of the estate workers.

Swami’s preaching gave good results. Workers, supervisors, accountants, etc., promised to leave their long habit of drinking from that day.

In his vote of thanks, estate owner Mr. Cyil Tarsen said he was surprised to see the power of Swamiji who could change the long standing drinking habit of workers in few minutes; from that day he said he was handing over the responsibility of social and spiritual welfare of the workers to Swamigal.

On the serious efforts of Mattale Rath estate owner Mr. Rathwatte, the estate’s Nicoloya Kathirvelayutham Swami temple was renovated and installation ceremony was held.

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Speaking at the ceremony Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal said: “No mother would sacrifice one child considering the welfare of another.

Sacrificing hens and goats is like this. Animal sacrifice diminishes the glory of temple and status of devotion. We should drop this habit. Do not sacrifice in temples in the name of God.” At Panguni Uthara function held at Dickoya Sri Muthumari Amman temple Swamigal said: “How much ever degree, position, and influence are there in man’s life, all will become waste without God’s grace. Chanting God’s name always is the easiest way to worship in this Kali Age. As butter is churned out of milk, we should daily pray to bring out the divine power hidden in us.”

—From Eelanadu, 23 April 1960

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C h ap te r 44 Interfaith Programs and Teachings Function Participated in by Leaders from all Faiths: Sri Guru Purnima Day at Tennekumbara Ashram

At Sri Guru Purnima Day function sponsored by Kandy Divine

Life Society leaders from all faiths participated and spoke. Men and women from Hinduism, Christianity, and Islam came in large numbers.

Function held at Tennekumbara Satchidananda Ashram; Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal presided. Function began with Gurunama Bhajan. While speaking on the meaning of “Saiva Siddhanta,” Mr. R. Thatchinamoorthy remarked that the elders are those who reason out God, soul, and love.

While speaking on the meaning of Buddhist Dharma, Ven. H. Dharmarathina Thero of Navalapitya Kathiresan College remarked that it was on full moon day Buddha left his palace, became ascetic, and got enlightenment. So like Hindus, full moon day is very auspicious for Buddhists as well.

Speaking on Christian culture Miss Ruparani Joseph of Kandy Nallaiyan Convent explained in detail the holy preaching of Jesus, who lived not for himself but for others. She said the Christ did not limit by just preaching truths, but followed them in his life.

Speaking on “Saiva Spiritual Masters,” Kandy college teacher Mr. P. Subramanium remarked that like Appar and Sundarar, Gnanasambandar did not condemn the pleasures of this worldly life; since he attained enlightenment at a very young age, thoughts about worldly pleasures did not come to his mind.

Pandit Vishvalathvajiresena spoke on the meaning of Buddha Sangha in Sinhalese.

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Speaking on “The Achievements of Saivism,” Navalapitya Kathiresan College President said that, centuries before, those who were defeated in religious debates were hung to death. But in this developed age, people from all faiths congregate to earn good will; it is imperative for everyone to hold a belief of their own. He also remarked that in Hinduism there are four steps laid down to reach God. They are deity worship, ritual worship, meditation, and wisdom.

In his concluding remarks Yogiraj Swami Satchidananda said: “I am happy to see people from all religions meeting here like brothers.

Hinduism is vast. It has the capacity to hold all religions in it. Its only God is understood in the Sanskrit sloka: ‘ekam sat vipraha bahuda vadanti.’ Its form is truth. Those who sail in boats on different rivers reach same ocean. None could argue that only their way leads to the right place. Likewise, all religions lead us to God. There is a close relationship between Buddhism and Hinduism. Buddha was a Hindu.

He was born as a Hindu. He left the palace as a Hindu. But it was those who followed his principles that created a religion in his name.”

In Trincomalee “This is the day when people have to worship their respective teachers.

No one born in this world could develop wisdom without teachers’ help. There should be a Guru for everybody.”

This was said by Swami Satchidananda Yogiswarar this morning during Guru Purnima day worship held at Trincomalee Sri Sivananda Ashram.

In the above function, which started this morning, students from Thiruvalluvar Society from 6 to 8, from Hindu College from 8 to 10, from Sri Shanmuga Vidyalaya from 10 to 12, from Youth Goodwill Association from 12 to 2, from Datchanagana Society from 2 to 4 participated in bhajan (choral singing of devotional songs). At noon, there was free distribution of food.

In Nawalapitya Guru Purnima day was celebrated at the Spiritual Light Hall sponsored by the devotees of Navalapitya Spiritual Light. The pictures 174

of Buddha, Christ, Muruga, and other spiritual leaders were decorated with flowers. The worship, which started at 6 o’clock in the morning, went on till seven o’clock in the evening. Since Kathirgama journey was obstructed, large number of devotees participated and thus utilized this opportunity.

“Religion of Love is Hindu Religion” “Love is Shiva; Shiva is Love. We can say that Hindu religion is a religion of love. If there is not love in one’s heart, there is no benefit in worship. If Hindus do not have love then they cannot claim that Hinduism is their religion,” remarked Swami Satchidananda Yogiswarar while speaking on the meaning of “Saivism and Temple Worship” at a meeting held at Gurunakal Saiva Great Society.

The Swamiji continued: “All the six major world religions are included in the religion of love. Though religion is called by different names, each religion points out that love is the basis. All living beings are God’s children. Children can consider God as father. There should be brotherly love among those children.

“If love dwells in our hearts, then there will not be any feeling of committing violence. There will be purity in the course of thought, word, and deed. For this, Hinduism—the religion of love—shows the way. If love leaves your heart, it means that you have left Hinduism.

The food of an affectionate person is based on non-violence [i.e., vegetarian food].

“The image that arises in a loving heart is Shiva’s form. Because of this, the formless and nameless God gets an image. To explain the form of love, temples came into being. For love to flourish, temple worship is necessary. ‘Temple worship is very good,’ is our ancestors’ utterance.”

—Speech at Great Saiva Society, Gurunakkal, 4 March 1957

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Swami Satchidananda in Navalapitya: No Scope for Religious Conflict if We Understand Essence of Religion Swami Satchidananda, while speaking at the third day function of Tamil Teachers’ Association at Navalapitya, said conflict would not arise if people understand the true philosophy of their religion.

Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal further said: “The basic discipline of religion and the pride of discipline is important in life. All religious ideas teach the same truth: Leave ignorance behind and move towards wisdom. The Ten Commandments in the Bible and the ten Yama/ Niyama in Raja Yoga are the same truth. There is not much difference between the cross and the trident. ‘OM,’ ‘Amen,’ and ‘Amin’ have the same sound used for worshipping God. People are united on the basic principles of religion.

“None in this world are ‘untouchables.’ Avvaiyar said that evildoers are untouchables. No one will become an untouchable by differences in their occupation. Both brahmin and drummer are in our body. We do not ostracize our left hand just because it is used for sanitary purposes.

People should follow this same principle in all things. We should respect everybody by seeing their hearts.” He said there is no high or low status in birth.

Presiding over the function, Tamil Teachers’ Association President Mr. N. Muthaiya said education is inexpensive charity. We should use this opportunity and do it as a great service. It is wrong to think that our life is different from religion.

—From Veerakesari, 14 July 1959

Swami Satchidananda’s Discourse at Guru Purnima Meeting: “No Problems if Religious Differences are Removed” “As all rivers converge in the ocean, all religions have the same ideas of how to know the one God. Guru Purnima is the holy day of worshipping religious leaders. All the rest of the problems will be wiped out if religious strife is removed.”

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Thus said Yogiraj Swami Satchidananda while giving the presidential speech at the all-faith meeting held in Tennekumbara Satchidananda Ashram.

Swamiji expressed happiness over the participation of large number of Muslims in the meeting. Swamiji said, “If we have good qualities and discipline in our lives, reaching God is easier. Salvation, renunciation, and conviction all signify the same higher stages of consciousness.”

Jama Aak Islamic Association leader Jenap M. U. Sayeed Muhamad, Nallayan Women’s College teacher T. Rooparani, Prof S. Vithyanandan, and Mr. P. Kandya spoke.

—From Veerakesari, 26 July 1959

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C h ap te r 45 Social Ser vice: Harijans, Lepers, Anti-dowry, Non-violence, Orphanages Entry of Harijans in Trincomalee Temple: Harijans Worshipped with Tears of Joy

Trincomalee, 13 July: Today (the holy day of Uthira in the month of Aani) the historically renowned Dhambulakamam Tiriconeeswarar Temple was opened to harijans (untouchables). Satchidananda Yogiswarar and Temple management Board Chief Mr. A. Saravanamuthu took the harijans inside the temple.

In Trincomalee district, Dhambulakamam Tiriconeeswarar Temple was the first temple to open its doors to harijans. Special pujas and group prayers were held. The temple entry was peaceful. For this ceremony, which held this morning, many harijan women did not turn up. Harijan men went inside the temple and worshipped God with tears of joy.

The doors of Mariyamman Temple in Trincomalee also opened today for harijans. Special consecration and worship were conducted in the temple. Harijan men and women went inside the temple and worshipped Amman (Goddess) with much devotion.

It was announced that Muthukumaraswami Temple, Bathrakali Amman Temple in Trincomalee; Kandaswami Temple in Villoondri; Veerakathi Pillayar Temple, Rathina Singa Pillayar Temple, Aaladi Vinayagar Temple, Thiruchitrambalar Pillayar Temple, etc., were made opened for harijans from today.

Let the Light Grow Within Us Swamiji gave a speech at Spiritual Light Centre’s fourth light vision function held in Colombo. He instructed, “God who dwells in the 179

temple should come to our hearts. Various kinds of pujas done by us should turn into light. Our bodies are temples. Those who fail to see God in their bodies cannot find God in temples. Those who fail to see God inside their hearts cannot find God in temples. If we want to see God in temples we will have to see God firstly in us. Our minds should refine and purify. Otherwise, temple worship will become a hobby. All our outer prayers should become inner prayers. When we reach that stage, we reach God. God’s graceful vision will also be attained. A leper may have a disease in the outer body but may have a pure heart. It is more dangerous that many amongst us have contracted leprosy in our minds. Diseases like greed have afflicted our minds. We should purify our minds from such diseases. Only divine worship could show the path for that. Through divine worship, we could live not only without external disease, but internal as well.”

Thus Swami Satchidananda remarked last morning while speaking at Murugan Temple installation ceremony in Hendela Leprosy Hospital.

Further speaking Swami Satchidananda said, “Temples are built to give form and worship to the formless; the omnipotent God is waiting to give grace; I pray for the relief of both external and internal diseases and for all benefits.”

Take Anti-dowry Oath “Man has two hands. One of those is used to perform rituals to God; the other does scavenging for man. One is not keeping away the other.

It is not just the ritual hand alone but both hands join together to worship God. We realise one thing from this: Despite any difference in our occupations, we are the same before God. It is ignorance to label people as ‘untouchables’ and shut them out of our temples because of their occupations.” Thus Swami Satchidananda Yogiswarar said while speaking at Saiva religious preaching meeting held at Velanai Central College.

In the above meeting, held under the presidentship of Northern Province scholar Mr. S. U. Somasekaran, most of the teachers, students, and parents gathered.

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On the meaning of “Life and Religion” Swami continued to speak: “Religion is not different from life. Both are connected to each other.

Religion helps one in leading a peaceful and blissful life. If you could restrain from uncontrollable desires, your life becomes a religious one.

To lead a spiritual life one should know the real meaning of love.

Religious life is living with love and eliminating one’s attachments and whatever is unnecessary.”

Then his request to young men and women was: “Dowry system is a big curse on a holy event like marriage. This system is responsible for troubled lives and suicides. Every young man should vow to not take dowry when marrying. Likewise, every woman should take into consideration a man’s character and not only his job when considering a potential husband.” Supporting this many young men and women cheered by raising their hands.

—From Veerakesari, 26 September 1956

Opinion of Yogiraj Swami Satchidananda: Vocational Training of Women will Eliminate Dowry System “The important goal of human life is to reach God through simple living and high thinking. This can be achieved only when the three aspects like head, heart, and hand come together towards this one goal.”

Thus said Yogiraj Satchidananda while participating as a chief guest at prize distribution function of Vocational Education School sponsored by the Jaffna Youth Socio-economic Development Forum.

The function held at the meeting presided by Jaffna Government Agent Mr. M. Sri Kanda, programmes like physical exercises and Yoga were also included.

Appreciating those programmes, Swami Satchidananda further said: “This school is set-up to enable you to gain a good livelihood through self-effort. Those people who have graduated with degrees from other institutions, after applying for jobs, are waiting daily till the 181

postman brings ‘no vacancy’ response. But the students who graduate from this institution are in positions to be welcomed in advance for employment opportunities. Importantly, the women who graduate from this institution are in a position to also earn good livelihoods.

Such quality education is capable of putting a full stop to the dowry system.”

Forum’s Secretary Mr. R. Samuel gave vote of thanks.

—From Veerakesari 20 August 1960

Animal Sacrifice: Can You Remove Your Sins by Sacrificing Other Lives?

In his lecture at Urumpirai Hindu College, Yogiraj Satchidananda, while condemning the growing importance of the practice of sacrificing animals mentioned that: “It is wrong to consider that all our difficulties will wither away if we do sacrifice animals in temples. The sins done by us surround only us.

They cannot be removed by killing other beings.

“As a thing has different names, so the same God appears in different forms and names. Since God is the father of all beings in this world, we should consider all living beings as brothers and sisters. But that good quality is not seen in mankind today. Since we kill our fellow beings, it is evident that we lack love. No love, no Shiva (God). No Shiva, no Saiva.

“We try to cheat God through making sacrifices (animal). Sacrificing is like trying to bribe God. When it is a sin to kill, killing (sacrificing) in temples and witnessing that begets twice the amount of sins.

“That the practice of sacrifice still prevails in Urumpirai is a shame upon the youth there. So they have to do away with this practice by pointing out to their parents the sins of such practice.”

—Speech at Urumpirai Hindu College 182

Swami Satchidananda’s Condemnations at Temple Ceremony: Can you Kill Animals in the Name of God? “We should not undermine the quality of devotion and the temple’s glory by undertaking a vow to the deity and to do sacrifices with business interests in mind. We should stop sacrificing animals in the name of God. No mother would like to sacrifice one child considering the welfare of another. The situation of sacrificing sheep and hens in temples is like this.”

Thus said Swami Satchidananda while speaking at the group prayer during installation ceremony at Sri Kathir Velayuthamswami Temple in Nicoloya Estate belonging to Rath Estate.

Yogiraj further said: “Good omens came in during the installation ceremony. This explains the maturity and interest of the people belonging to this area. It is a good sign for their future welfare. The installation ceremony explains the concept of concentrating God’s power. It is people’s duty to keep up the vibration without diminishing it, so as to obtain the divine grace. To strengthen the vibration in the temple, at least once in a week, all should gather and sing the praise of God and keep up the divine grace without diminishing. Then we should use that for the good of body, mind, and a life filled with devotion.”

—From Veerakesari, 14 April 1959

Spiritual Strength of Mahatma Gandhi Swamiji’s speech at Gandhiji’s 86th birthday function was held at Trincomalee Hindu College. The Swamiji explained, “Satyagraha means strength. Gandhiji did not like to live with physical strength.

He had spiritual strength or satyagraha (soul force) as his fortress.

His belief was that through this spiritual strength anything can be achieved. It was because of this spiritual strength that freedom was won for the whole of India, without sword or blood. Regarded as the world’s father and a great man, Gandhiji praised the services of 183

Tamils in the South African struggle. But it is senseless and shameful that such peaceful Tamils are now involved in caste, religious, and customary tussle. Only when these are eliminated will the life of Tamils brighten.� —From Veerakesari

Orphanage Home During the 73rd birthday of Swami Sivananda held in Colombo the necessity of instituting a home for orphan Hindu girls was rightly stressed. To fulfil such a great social service, no organisation other than Divine Life Society is suitable for this. The precious works of the Divine Life Society, under the leadership of Yogiraj Satchidananda, in the spiritual field is common knowledge.

During his recent visit to countries like Hong Kong, Malaya, and Burma, Swami Satchidananda witnessed non-discrimination based on caste and religion and the respect for Yoga and the Divine Life Society there. That Swamiji was invited by the far eastern countries to learn Yoga is not only a matter of pride for our country, but also a good endorsement for the spiritual services of Divine Life Society here. Having gotten such a good name, if the Divine Life Society does not limit its services to the spiritual field, and involves itself to some extent in social service that is necessary for spiritual growth, it will help people to a great extent.

Pure life is imperative for spiritual growth. Where there is no pure life, spirituality will never grow. Keeping this as a basis, Swami Satchidananda has already untiringly visited several estates and schools propagating intensely in favor of alcohol prohibition. In addition, if he could institute a home for orphan Hindu girls, thus making their lives better, the pride of giving new life to several thousands of poor girls would come to Divine Life Society.

There are institutions among the people of other religions for such work. Christians and Buddhists are doing excellently in this field. To open a hostel for Muslim orphans, Speaker Hon. H. S. Ismail started 184

Baithumal Fund two years back, and is making arrangements to open it. For this a building is coming up in Maligavathai. Like this, it is certainly not a great task to start a fund with the help of rich and open a home for the orphan Hindu girls. Like Sevasadhan orphanages in cities like Madras, we could arrange for support and education and vocational training for orphan girls in such home. If Divine Life Society takes efforts in this regard, the support of Hindus in this country undoubtedly will be there.

—From Veerakesari, 10 September 1959

Swami Satchidanandaji’s Opinion After the Tour: F lood Victims Need More Help “It seems the relief given by the government and general institutions to those refugees affected by floods in Batticaloa is not adequate.

Help is required for thousands of those affected by floods in villages.”

Thus Swami Satchidanandaji said after returning from visiting the flood-affected areas. Swamiji continued: “I have visited almost all the flooded areas. The assistance given to the flood refugees in Batticaloa is not enough. Many families in Unisai and Makizhavettivan are suffering without food to eat and clothes to wear. God will help. Moreover, this flood has paved the way for the people to become one with God.” Swamiji distributed thousands of clothes collected by the students of Trincomalee Sri Shanmuga School and Hindu College to the refugees.

After visiting the flooded areas with Batticaloa MP Mr. Rajadurai, Swamiji spoke with the refugees and consoled them.

While speaking on the meaning of “new life” at the meeting held at Vipulanandamani Hall presided by Mr. V. Dharmasangari in Akkaraipattu, Swami Satchidanandaji said: “Many difficulties have come because of the floods. All these are to test us. We should realise that God is testing us. So, we should act with purity of heart and without greed. The government has given Rs. 80 as advance to construct houses. But as long as people spend Rs. 40 for stones and sand and then the remaining Rs. 40 for liquor, our life will not blossom; our heart will not become pure.”

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C h ap te r 46 Understanding Temple Worship Sri Swami Satchidananda’s Moving Message: We Should Understand the Methods and Meaning of Worship

“We go to temple—why was that practice created? Where is the

religious life that was during the Nayanars’ period? Where are we?

Where is the spiritual feeling and those days’ discipline? Where is spiritual power? We go to temple and worship there. While returning home shouldn’t we see whether there is any change or divine grace in our hearts? Shouldn’t we ask by touching our hearts? Think and see.

Live in that way.”

Thus remarked Swami Satchidananda Yogiswarar while speaking after group prayer held at South Koppai Karpaga Vinayagar Temple sponsored by Irupalai Saiva Governing Society on 16 October 1958 at 8:00 p.m. Swami was welcomed with a garland. From Aiyal and other places, hundreds of Saiva supporters both men and women relished Swami’s speech. Special puja was held at the temple. Firstly, in the presence of Swami, students were taught divine poems and prayers in groups by Siva Sri Esvara Sarma. It is also to be mentioned that group prayers are held here in a grand manner every Friday by the youth.

Swami Satchidananda questioned the audience, “Why do we build temples to God? Why do we pray to God? Will God become angry if we do not pray? Why do we sing in praise of God? Why do we take coconut, milk, fruit, and prasad (sacred offering to deity) to offer to God? When such numerous queries are posed before people today, those who ask questions are abused as ‘atheists,’ or ‘communists,’ or D.M.K. or D.K. (two parties of Tami Nadu said to sponsor atheist ideologies), or modernizers.

“But, at the same time, when we ask who thinks of themselves as theists, or whether there is any justice, or any meaning, or is it just outward show, not only the youth but even the elderly are blinking.

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How many amongst us can tell the meaning for this? How will it be to worship without knowing the meaning? Many amongst are doing the same. Without knowing the meaning they are chanting mantras and Puranas. Shouldn’t we sing God’s name with love?

“It is a sad matter to hear some of us read Tirumarais (Saiva canonical literature) instead of singing with emotion. Alas! Is this the services rendered by this many Saiva societies? There are not only youth, but also even elders amongst us without understanding the meaning, arousing the emotions, and who are struggling to split the syllables.”

He explained through many stories with valuable examples that we wish God to live happily. In today’s world, some are suffering with arrogance thinking that all is happening because of them; such thinking reminds of statues kept around the sanctum as bearers of temple’s tower—they look as if they are bearing the tower but, in reality, they are stuck to the tower and, if the tower falls, they too will fall.

By citing many such examples, he said: “We should control the arrogance of ‘I,’ and ‘mine’ and stand by God’s prayer saying, ‘God, You are the reason for my rise and fall; my rise and fall depends on Your grace; if You move I shake; if You make me to wander, I must do so; You are feeding, I am eating; You are showing, I am seeing; God is conducting all.’ Let us live in happiness by feeling that this universe belongs to God and by surrendering our love to His Holy Feet. Let the Almighty give us His Grace.”

In the end, Sri Eswara Sarma, remarking Saiva Governing Society’s great growth, and the interest of the youth who are participating in the community prayer, thanked Swami and his Society members in his vote of thanks.

—From Hindusaadhanam, 17 October 1958

Meaning of Offering Coconuts “We go to the temple and break a coconut. Why? Would our one coconut appease God’s hunger when it is God who created thousands of coconut trees in this world? Or are our little coconut and banana 188

bribes done to get God’s grace, like we give ‘something’ in government departments to get a work done? How foolish is it to think of getting a work done by bribing God? If you ask me, we need not go to temple and worship with coconut and fruits. All these acts are meaningless.”

Swami Satchidananda explained beautifully the secret of breaking coconut to God. “God, who creates crores [one crore is 10 million] of coconut trees, certainly will not expect a coconut from us. But, to thank God who creates everything, we offer coconut back to Him and take it back as prasad. Take an example of a father who affectionately offers sweets to his child. What does that child do? He gives a piece back to his father saying, ‘Father you also eat.’ On seeing this affection the father becomes happy. Instead of eating he stuffs the sweet into his child’s mouth. This is an example of child-father mutual affection. This is the philosophy of love in offering a coconut to God and getting it back.

“There is an important meaning behind breaking the coconut. The top layer of fibres on a coconut is compared to our tamasic nature. Beneath that is the hard shell, which can be compared to our rajasic nature.

When we break into these two layers we could see the pure white sattvic nature within us. Like peeling the top layer of the coconut, it is easy to peel away the tamasic character. But, to break into the coconut shell is as hard as destroying the arrogance of ‘I.’ We need saints’ help to destroy arrogance. So, we hand over the coconut to priests, the servants of God and it is God who destroys our arrogance.”

When Swami Satchidananda explained this, it was a feeling of sadness to think that there aren’t many amongst us to tell religious ideas to laymen like this. Swami, who is working in Divine Life Society in Ceylon, is travelling to Hong Kong by Air India as per the invitation of Hong Kong Divine Life Society.

—From Veerakesari, 21 January 1959

Principles of Deity Worship With students’ devotional songs the function began. In his welcome address, the college Principal, Mr. C. Veerasinghe, said that education 189

should be taught on basis of religion; people of religions should follow the philosophies portrayed in their respective religions.

In the memory of late Mr. Thirumalai Reddiyar, who studied in Prasthap College, Mr. Ramalinga Reddiyar donated a library to the college.

Welcoming the dignities, Gnanabhaskara Forum leader Mr. V. S. Sundarasingam said it is the duty of souls to seek knowledge and happiness; the only path to acquire them is to seek God. During his speech Mr. S. P. Vaithyalingam said that Tamil, which was praised by the Three Kings and developed by the Three Societies, is one of the national languages of Ceylon; there is a necessity to make serious efforts in developing our language.

Sri Satchidananda Yogiswarar in his lecture said: “The meaning of OM Tat Sat is: OM is truth. Saivites call OM (Omkara) as Shiva.

We should understand that the maturity of love is Shiva. Love is Shiva. We could find in Thirumoola Nayanar’s Thirumandiram that ‘The ignorant say love and Shiva are different.’ What is love? We should analyse this. In this worldly life we have to show love. The characteristic of love is determined by where it is shown. For example, there is the love of a parent for a child. There is the love a husband has towards his wife. The love shown towards a friend is friendship. So, all these are different forms of love.

“It is impossible to live without love. Life will stay only when we love that life. But all these loves are concerned with impermanent things. The highest expression of love is when we display it towards something permanent and eternal. That is love shown towards God. Small loves are necessary to produce this big love. In the school of love we practise with love. Through this practice we could get higher love.

Through that we could reach God. We should live with this objective.

To achieve this objective of reaching God we should show love to all beings. To lead a life with love is Saivism. We should live for the common good, with purity of mind and body.”

Next, speaking on the meaning of “Universal Brotherhood of Saivism,” Vice-President of the Province, Mr. Datchinamoorthy, said: 190

“Various kinds of people are living in this world. Religion is the one which stands in support of their lives. Saivism’s outlook is universal brotherhood. In Islam, God is considered as God; in Christianity, He is considered as father; in our religion God is called by various names like father, mother, loving uncle and aunt.

“We should reach a stage of thoughtlessness. But, we cannot do the act of thoughtlessness immediately. The sweetness of a matter can only be shown in relative terms. Likewise, to worship formless God, it is an imperative to worship Him through some form. Thus it is clear statue worship is important. Our religion has many truths in it. There is a chance for the have-nots to get jealous of the haves. Those who graced Saivism, which has in it broad vistas of philosophies, have no jealously with any other religions. Our religion is like the waters of Ganges.

Our religion belongs to the world.”

—Presidential speech at the Thalath Oya Government Central College Gnana Bhaskara Forum’s anniversary function.

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C h ap te r 47 Cultivating Good Habits and Overcoming Adversities Sacred Words of Yogiraj Swami Satchidananda During Sadhana Week 1. Difficulties pave the way for divine thought. Only during difficulties people are thinking about God. We can say that difficulty is like a messenger sent for the people to think and seek God. 2. Where is there happiness without difficulty? Happiness comes when there is adversity. The state of salvation is the state of neither happiness nor difficulty. This stage is reached when everyone realises who he is.

3. Man enjoys as per his actions. One’s thoughts and actions determine his future life. Thought is more powerful than action. Therefore, each and every one should live with good thoughts.

4. Ascetic life is holy. The seven ancestors and predecessors of he who adopts selfless asceticism reap benefits.

5. Prayer is powerful. During prayers we should fully know the meaning of songs and names used.

6. It is ignorance to find fault and criticise others; because of this we only reap sins.

7. This body is given by God for a divine journey. With Yoga, pure thoughts, and vegetarian food we should keep this body in good shape and serve.

8. Soul is a divine form. So, it does not require practice. Only mind requires practice. Whoever wins the victory over his or her own mind is the king of kings, queen of queens. —Compiled by Eras, 5 April 1958 193

Swami Satchidananda at Antar Yoga Function: Self-control is Imperative for Achieving Goal While speaking at the inauguration of Antar Yoga function at Kandy Ashram, Yogiraj Satchidananda urged that inner purity and self-control are necessary for achieving objectives.

Many devotees from various parts of Ceylon participated at the Ashram, which is on the banks of Mahaweli Ganga, surrounded by natural beauty. Good exercises for robust life occupied important place in the function.

In his inaugural speech, Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal said: “Body and mind are mechanisms we utilize in order to achieve life’s goals. To bring them under control it is important to perform soul searching.

God has created us as humans to fulfil the flaws of previous births.

Having come to take bath we should not pour mud on ourselves. Life’s goal is to attain Self-realisation. So, if we attain self-purity without allowing dirt in our hearts, we need not undergo the difficulties of births again.

“Inward life is Antar Yoga. In normal times, the mind loses its power and suffers by indulging in worldly pleasures. At least once in a year we should control the mind and recognize the somersaults of the inner instruments in our mind. We have taken a precious birth.

“We cannot reform ourselves if we ignore our mission and allow our senses to scatter. For this we should not control our minds all of a sudden. It will end in disaster if we suddenly fast or obstinate. Soul searching is a joyous act. While correcting the mistakes of our minds we should make them feel contrite for old mistakes.

“We are forgetting that we are essentially pure in spirit. Since the spirit works along with the mind, we don’t feel it. Mind has many divisions. The mind will be subdued if we realise fully, through God’s grace, by maturing with a sattvic heart. We attain peace and joy as much as we turn our minds inwards.”

—From Veerakesari, 25 May 1959 194

Swami Satchidananda Yogiswarar’s Discourse at Birthday Function: Way to Overcome Obstacles on the Spiritual Path “We need to cross three important stages when we enter into spiritual path. If we cross those three stages successfully we could certainly attain salvation.” Thus said Swami during a lecture at 46th birthday function of Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal celebrated at Tennekumbara Divine Life Society Ashram near Kandy.

Mr. S. Vaithiyalingam presided the function. People in large numbers gathered from various parts including Kandy, Kalaha, Navalapitya, and Trincomalee.

In the function which was held from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., archana, temple worship, ritual of washing Swami’s feet, group prayer, bhajan, musical concert, lectures, food distribution, and so on were included.

Yogiraj Satchidananda further in his speech said: “All religious scriptures say this. That is, instruction is the first stage; achievement is the second stage; tests and trials comprise the third stage. If we cross these three stages, we could attain oneness, salvation, and liberation. Achievement is to be attained in non-violence, love, selfless service, truth, purity, renunciation, charity, austerity, Yoga, pranayama, and meditation.

“We should conquer obstructions like laziness, slumber, losing the opportunity, and doubt in us. Among all these, doubt is very important to conquer. A doubtful person will perish. You should have belief in your ability to achieve your goals. The entire world moves because of belief. If doubt persists in your heart, no task will come through. If you have self-confidence, if you have faith even the size of mustard seed, you can move mountains. Faith is the basis for all worship.”

Miss S. Rajalakshmi, who has come from Trincomalee, while speaking on the meaning of devotion to Master, said: “We should show affection to teachers. Love is there in all beings. Whole world moves by attraction or love. Devotion towards God gives bliss. If devotion towards Master enters into one’s mind consciously or unconsciously he could attain God.” —From Veerakesari, 27 December 1959 195

Don’t be Disheartened by Failures in Life “There is no one in this world who lives without committing some mistake. Our mistakes should be steppingstones for our learning in the future. Mahatma Gandhi, Nehru, Aurobindo, and many others achieved high goals during their time in prison. Learning lessons from this, knowledgeable people should not be perturbed by the setbacks that occur over and again.”

Thus said Swami Satchidananda while speaking on Divine Life at Kathiresan College Tamil Association. Association President Mr. R. Muthaiya presided the meeting and spoke welcoming Swamigal.

Speaking further Swamigal said, “We all are caught in a prison called ‘the body.’ Why did we come into this prison? How did we come?

When did we come? We should think about these questions. We attain liberation when we become free from body and mind.

“We should listen more to good ideas; speech should be less; we should be men of action. We see the reason for this in our own physical bodies: We have two ears to listen and only one mouth to speak. In ancient days, the Vedas were taught by hearing. Modern educational facilities were not available in those days. The reason for high discipline and academic excellence of students of those days was their control over their senses. Those who live by focusing their senses without allowing them to scatter have good memory power. Because of this, during those days, even without reading and writing, people gained wisdom by learning through careful and attentive listening and repetition of the lessons gleaned.

“From a young age, we should learn to control the senses. For this, we need pure hearts and minds. Our seeing, speaking, listening, thinking, and so on, should be pure. Life will depend on the maturity and purity of the mind. That is why our elders said, ‘As the mind, so the man.’

Life that observes these disciplines is divine life.”

Secretary of the Society Mr. C. Jaganathan gave vote of thanks.

—From Veerakesari, 27 July 1960 196

Swami Satchidanandaji’s Presidential Speech at Sadhana Week: “Adversity Shows Path to Divine Thought ” “Adversity opens the door to divine thought. People think about God only when difficulty approaches. We can even say that difficulty is a messenger sent to help us to think about and seek God.” Thus Swami Satchidanandaji said while presiding over Sadhana Week held at Kandy Ashram.

Swamiji in his presidential speech continued to say: “Man enjoys the outcomes of his own acts. One’s future is determined by his thought and action. Thought is more powerful than actions. So, everyone should live with good thoughts.”

Mr. N. Muthaiya, Onkarasaithanyar also spoke. Apart from Kandy people also came from Trincomalee, Colombo, Navalapitya, Mathala, and Jaffna.

—From Veerakesari, 8 April 1961

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C h ap te r 48 Living a Divine Life Life of Giving is a Better Life

Swamiji gave a speech at the meeting held at Kalaha Muthumari

Amman Temple. He said: “The importance of one’s life is to live by giving to others. This selfless service is a possibility even for the poor in this world. We get God’s grace if we live by helping others as much as possible. It is because of the acts in previous births that some are born rich and some are poor. But, for this, we should not blame God. Difficulties are to test our capabilities. It is impossible to avoid difficulties. Obstacles draw out our inner capabilities. We should have courage to face these obstacles and challenges in life. We could get God’s grace if we pray with a melting heart. It was through prayer that Gandhiji got strength enough to drive away the mighty British so that India could gain her independence. We all should group together and pray. We should have absolute belief in God’s spiritual power.”

Then he explained in detail the ill effects of drinking and meat-eating.

Kalaha town’s notable businessman Subiah and four others vowed not to either drink or eat meat. Then appropriate answers were given to the questions raised by the people at the meeting.

—From Suthanthiran, 22 December 1955

The Purpose of Birth is to Ser ve Others Mr. S. Jeevaratnam spoke welcoming Swamigal. In the beginning of the meeting they garlanded and brought him in one kilometre long procession. In respect for Swami, shops were closed and all participated in the rally.

“Beauty, talent, degree, status, wealth, etc., are impermanent. Life’s aim is not to waste time on these. Wealth accumulates as people gather in 199

a theatre and leaves as people exit after the show. The wealth given by God should be used for the benefit of all. Human beings were created to live for others. One should spend his entire life time in social service.” Thus said Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal while dedicating Divine Life Society at Poonduloya Government Kandaswami School.

In addition, he explained: “This world is like a rest house. God has given some playthings here. We enjoy happiness or difficulties according to our acts. We leave when our time is over. We don’t bring anything while coming into this world and we don’t take anything when we leave. There is no one who has gone down by giving. All should benefit by the wealth attained by God’s will. We should qualify ourselves to welcome God in our hearts. We should develop God’s power by establishing worship rooms in every home.

“Like in olden days we need not waste money by building huge temples. A big hall that can be useful to many and for a school should be a necessary part of the temple structure. Love, serve, give, purify, meditate, realise! These are divine life steps. God’s grace will reach us if our heart become pure.”

—Speech of Swamiji at Poonduloya, 4 April 1957

Family Life with Divine Faith is Even Better than Asceticism “A person’s life blossoms when he or she get married. Since householder life attached with divinity is sweet, there is no doubt that it is several times better that asceticism.” Thus, said Yogiraj Satchidananda while presiding the meeting held at Kathiresan temple marriage hall.

Yogiraj further said: “It is wise to act only after knowing how to lead a good life. This is life’s art. Love, knowledge, and ethics are capable of refining our lives. We do not get happiness by just possessing wealth. We should have experience and practice in good environment, responsibility, expenditure as per income, sweet words, honesty, self-satisfaction, trust, tactfulness, effort, and so on.”

—From Veerakesari, 6 November 1957 200

We Must Attain all the Four Stages of Life “In this very birth, we should complete the four ashramas: brahmacharya, grihastha, vanaprastha, sannyasa. It’s the proficiency in brahmacharya that is the basis of all other ashrama life. Brahmacharya’s power is immense. The glory of brahmacharya should be taught to children at a young age.” Thus spoke Swami Satchidananda while speaking at the 38th anniversary of the Navalapitya Hindu Youth Society. In this function held at Kathiresan College Hall, Regional Educational Secretary Mr. Pe. Chinnadurai presided.

Yogiraj Satchidananda further said: “If we dedicate ourselves to world service, the world is ready to sacrifice for us. Only the spirit of sacrifice is capable of raising us up in life. When compared to sacrifices we see in nature, the human being’s sacrifice is not much.

Simple life, high thought, social service should be the objectives of Hindu youth.

“Hindu women are acclaimed as Mother, and Shakti (power/ Goddess Shakti). They are the wealth of homes. Women take pride in safeguarding the Hindu culture. It is because of this that so far none of the Hindu girls participated in uncivilised beauty pageants. They are trying to sell women’s beauty through advertisements. Will it give pride to our men to see our women in half-naked peculiar appearance in the advertisements for cigarettes and such other products? This degrading situation for women should be eliminated. Women’s associations should protest and demand bans on the practice of the use of women’s pictures in advertisements.”

—From Veerakesari, 17 November 1957

Swami Satchidananda’s Advice at Jayanthi Function: Faith in God is a Must for Man’s Redemption “The mind can either make or mar. If we have faith, even a stone can appear as God. Those who don’t have faith, when visiting temples see only black stone sitting there at the altar, instead of a deity. The 201

mind is responsible for one’s bondage and salvation. A person with a pure heart and faith in God is what we call as a spiritual person. If we don’t believe in having a pure heart and steadfast faith nothing will work out and we won’t succeed in the spiritual path.” Thus said Swami Satchidananda at Kandy Ashram at his 46th birthday function.

Speaking further Yogiraj Satchidananda Swamigal remarked: “Truth in all religions takes us to a single place. We have to face many trials like disease, laziness, slumber, disturbances from others, lost opportunities, etc. We have to practise selfless service, love, truth, purity, non-attachment, the habit of giving, the desire to do good for others, pranayama, meditation, and so on. This is the secret of all Vedas.”

Former nominated Member of the Parliament Mr. S. P. Vaithyalingam, while presiding the function, said what Swamigal said in his birthday message that we should eradicate arrogance is apt in the present situation of the country. Even in developed countries in Europe and such as China, arrogance is spreading. We could feel the arrogance in Sri Lanka if we listened to the radio from 7:15 to 7:30 in the morning.

In this age of scientific developments to destroy the world or to reach the Moon, there are doubts in many minds whether God is there or not. The incidents, which happened two or three months back in Ceylon, must have clarified this doubt.

Pandit S. Lakshmi sang the birthday offering to Yogiraj Sri Satchidananda Swamigal with music. Miss Dhanalakshmi assisted in the singing. Prayer songs of Sinhalese artists and Tamil music songs found important place. “Inner Light” teacher Mr. N. Muthaiya, Mr. B. Subramaniyam, Mr. Dissanayaka, Miss C. Rajalakshmi also spoke during the function.

—From Veerakesari, 23 December 1959

“Spiritual Association is Imperative for Spiritual Achievement” “Divine life is man getting perfection in selfless service, showing love to all, giving liberally, purity in thought, word, and action. Among 202

these, the first three are serviceful acts to others and the fourth one is related to ourselves. If there is purity within one’s heart, then purity in the world will blossom. In trying to correct others we should first correct ourselves. For spiritual development we all should join in spiritual groups. To reach a stage of liberation spiritual association is imperative. Hence, it is said ‘relations with men of virtue is necessary.’

Such relations can be achieved by spiritual association.”

Speaking while inaugurating a branch of Divine Life Society, aimed at paving the way for divine life for the whole world, at Thenmaratchi, Swami Satchidananda Yogiraj said as above.

Continuing his speech Swamiji said, “Swami Sivananda Maharishi is serving the world in the name of Divine Life Society. This Society has completed 25 years. There is no country without this Society.

Thousands of people are serving. It is a pleasure that this Society is spreading in Ceylon as well. It is matter of joy that one of the Society’s roots that has spread all over the world is also taking root here.”

—From Veerakesari 22 August 1960

Satchidanandaji in Batticaloa: “Life Filled with Love and Ethics is Divine Life” “A life filled with love, virtue, beauty, and meditation is divine life.

Man should be man not only by his body, but also by his soul. Then only he could live a divine life. As God’s children we should break the fetters of identifying ourselves as per our religion, caste, nation, race, and colour and be broad-minded in understanding we belong to one single family. This is universal brotherhood.”

Thus Yogiraj Swami Satchidanandaji said while speaking at Divine Life Society silver jubilee function held at Paruthithurai Cithivinayagar School.

In the function held under the leadership of Paruthithurai Judge Mr. C. N. Rasadurai, Swamiji continued: “We humans are like boats in family life. Our minds are like the sails. If the sails do not unfold, 203

the boats would not move. Similarly, if our minds do not broaden or become cultured they cannot move. Our minds should get pulled towards God. That is divine life. If mind broadens, then confusion decreases. Having a taintless heart is virtuous life. That is divine life.

“Control of mind is the main ingredient in spiritual and divine life.

Body and mind should function harmoniously. Those who have self-control could control the world. Only a pure heart could get controlled. If one does not cause pain by utterance, action, and speech, we cannot see enmity in him.

“During Manu Needhi Cholas’ reign, due to his spiritual strength, even tiger and cow shed their enmity and lived in his country peacefully. Two small aspects of divine life are truth and non-violence.

Mahatma Gandhi said he could follow these only to some extent in his life. But even in following these two to some extent, Gandhi’s spiritual strength could hang the heads of the superpowers. We should understand the necessity of improving in those areas.”

—From Veerakesari, 1 September 1960

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C h ap te r 49 Sri Swami Satchidananda in Hong Kong Fame of Yoga

It is good fortune that Yoga exercises have gone to Hong Kong.

Swami, who has gone there, writes that Chinese, Indians, Japanese, Europeans, etc., are learning Yoga without considering it as based on religion. The interest they show in this is astonishing.

Swamiji, who is the president of Divine Life Society in Kandy, on the invitation of Hong Kong Divine Life Society, has gone on a spiritual tour there. Here is the message Sri Swamiji has written to me from Hong Kong: “I started from Colombo on 22 February. After staying at Madras and Calcutta for some time, I reached Hong Kong early in the morning on 2 March via Rangoon and Bangkok, through an evening flight that left Calcutta on 1 March. Disregarding severe cold, a large number of devotees of the Divine Life Society garlanded and welcomed me at the airport. “The same evening the members of the United Nations office, its leaders, and press persons gathered and interviewed me during a press conference. Firstly, there was a small discourse by me; then answers to various questions. I supervised Yoga classes held there. “In several places, Yoga classes are going on enthusiastically here.

On seeing them, I have been able to make necessary changes, give new exercises, and conduct meditation classes. I am surprised by the immense interest in the Yoga field. Many prominent persons, including foreign dignitaries, are taking part in this. They are requesting me to stay here indefinitely. But I am thinking to return in about two months. Invitations have come from places like Japan and Manila.

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“Yoga is given prominence here. Since nobody is considering this as a separate religion or as a part of Hinduism, the Chinese, Christians, and Japanese people are involved in large numbers.”

On Swamiji’s visit the newspapers in Hong Kong have written in a good manner with his photograph. It’s a matter of pride that Yoga, one of India’s ancient arts, has good value and influence all over the world.

—From Oorkuruvi, 10 March 1959

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PART 6

Tribute to and Stories about the Master

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C h ap te r 50 Tribute My Master: Dedicated to Swamiji in Honour of his Birthday (22 December 1958) on Behalf of Divine Life Society

By Meenakshi Ponnudurai, Batticaloa

The sky at dusk turned red. The golden rays of evening sun spread colourful painting like Indra’s magic. The evening scene was delightful everywhere. This looked bright manifesting at the crossroads of Trinco mountain. The tireless sound of waves reminded me of the priest who always chants the Vedas. The grazing spotted deer here and there reminded me of angels worshipping at God’s abode. The sun that arose in the red sky, with splendid rays, brought before our eyes the appearance of the Fire God (Agni). Soft breezes mixed with the scent of flowers, which was like incessant grace of God Eesan (Shiva).

Such atmosphere gave peace to both body and mind. The birds, which were in search of food without any worries the whole day, flew with various voices with the anxiety that the sun was going to set. They flew united in groups, not minding about dead yesterday and unborn tomorrow, but thinking only about their young. My mind sang the song: “There are no differences in the group of sky birds.”

Both of us were returning home after worshipping God and Goddess at Koneshwara Temple. On the way, a sage was giving a discourse in a large meeting. In a moment there was delight in my mind. My husband and I joined that gathering. “The image of affection,” as they say, his was a peaceful moon-like face, graceful, cheerful, and radiant— all put together.

The first word that we heard from that noble soul’s tongue was, “He leads, we follow.” His discourse seemed like a churning of Vedas and Upanishads. The discourse was over, crowd also dispersed. We returned home by fixing the holy image of that noble soul like an eternal art in our hearts.

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Our family also became a part of crores of his disciples. They say: “We should possess the capability to withstand any amount of difficulties.”

“Do right; accept responsibilities in case of wrong.” Eesan created this world and created us. Why? As Swamiji explained, “Because, we should live in this world. We should not run away frightened from this world. At the same time, we should not firmly hug this world as well.

This is like, during winters, in some places, unable to bear severe cold, a fire pot is kept in rooms. But if we hug the fire pot thinking that it is giving comfort, it will burn us. If we run away fearing the heat the cold outside might kill us. So, if we keep the fire at the right distance, it is comfortable; we will not lose our lives as well. Similarly, we have to live in this world. But, the basis of sorrow is over attachment to that.”

It is always good to maintain equanimity. Do not think as “mine” or “yours.” Whatever you do, consider doing it for the “ultimate reality.”

Do not worry unnecessarily by thinking “mine,” as they say. One day I said: “Swami, I’m a great sinner.” To that he said, “You! Who? The meaning of ‘you’ is sacred. You do not have the right to call yourself a ‘sinner’.”

One day a meeting of devotees was going on. During the satsang, Swami said, “Instead of beautifying yourself, if your mind involves itself in beautifying God, then the mind would engross by itself into Shiva worship and meditation. It is said that in this Kali Yuga (Age) reciting God’s name is the best. In this scientific age, prayer is the only medicine for the difficulties and sufferings of mankind. In Kali Age we could live only as men of action. Do your duty. Do not focus your mind on its outcome (the fruits of your actions). Always in whatever work you are involved do not leave God’s name.”

Another day Swamigal was speaking in a meeting. Then a person interfered and asked how untouchables could be allowed inside the temple? “Whatever it is, they are not fit to enter into sanctum sanctorum,” he argued. Citing various other reasons he ended up giving vehemently a small lecture on the issue. There was a sensation even among those gathered over there. But Swamiji looked at him very peacefully and asked: “While worshipping God aren’t you using both of your left and right hands?” The answer came, “Yes Swami.”

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“Aren’t we doing some undesirable acts with our left hand? But, while worshipping God we use both left and right hands equally.” “Yes,” came the answer. Swamigal said, “Untouchables are also part of this society. Will it be acceptable to God if we exclude them in whatever activities we do?”

Thayumanavar said: “Oh God! Give me the grace to think and have mercy on all beings like my own being.” Now Swamigal is seriously involved in propagating non-violence in Sri Lanka. To explain the greatness of vegetarianism with an example, he used to compare an elephant with a meat-eating tiger. In order to live we may have to do some violence. But, not like animals do. It is the law of nature for one animal to kill another for its survival.

As human beings, we can survive easily on plants and other vegetarian fare. Yes, it may cause some violence to “kill” a plant. However, when compared to animals, plants have lesser feelings. Is it sinful to kill one goat? Or is it sinful to pluck and eat a thousand greens. Man possesses knowledge. He is capable of removing sin by his thoughtful actions.

He is not born to eat meat. By eating meat man again and again increases his tamasic character. It is sattvic character that raises the greatness of man’s life. Only if man practises to live as man, it is said, he could involve in spiritual acts—the benefit of this birth.

The other day he was conversing with orphan children. We also went there. On seeing those children, I said, “Pity that these children are living as orphans.” Laughing loudly, Swami said, “Who are orphans?

They are growing under the direct protection of God.” “How is that?”

I questioned. He asked me to sing the song: “What is better than the mother who gives milk regularly . . .” I sang.

Then he looked at all of us and asked, “How many of you think and breathe every time?” I said, “Nobody does so Swami.” For that he said, a baby goes into a deep slumber forgetting its hunger. But its mother regularly feeds that baby with single thought and puts it in the cradle.

Similarly, God is giving us life every moment by sending in the breath, which we don’t even consciously think on. Won’t we become dead bodies if the breath stops in us even for a moment? It is because of this incessant act of God, Manickavasagar wrote a nice poem like a 211

rare art. As mother does not move away from her baby, God also looks after us without going away. It is just that we don’t realise this.

Yet another day, there was a satsang at Kandy Ashram discussing: Are many religions necessary to this world? Each religionist remarked on the greatness of his own religion. One said, “We don’t have amongst us the mentality of eulogizing, ‘Shiva of southern land is the God of all countries.’” The other said, “It is we who give thousand names to God who has neither name nor form.” Swami suddenly said, “Please wait a moment! Is a dog not having more talent than us?”

All were shocked. Swami further said, “Dog has the capability to recognize its master even if he comes disguised as thief or in any other form. But, just think in what situation we the humans are! Brahma, Vishnu, Maheshwara, Vigneshwara, Skanda, Parashakti, Jesus, Buddha, Prophet Muhammad, Yahweh, are all His forms. If we realise this, where is the room for fighting and squabbles?”

It is fine if everyone follows his or her religion with utmost obligation and devotion. “All religions are acceptable” is Swami’s philosophy. It is difficult to cross the river of family life. But if we ride on the boat of religion we could cross it easily. But won’t the boat overturn if we all ride on the same one? Hence it is dangerous to us. So we have to cross by riding on many boats in batches. Thus going, instead of arguing hastily on the capability of our respective boats, it is enough if we think that the destination is the same.

If we cannot find Eesan in our house we cannot find Him at the top of the mountain temple as well. Do not search Eesan by allowing your mind to waver due to external things. Focusing within, try to lift yourself up. Without considering others’ mistakes and shortcomings, penetrate and see within yourself. It is said that if you change, a part of the world is changed. Swami says, “Life will be realised in full if man and woman live united. Every family should involve in prayers for an hour either in the morning or evening. Community prayer, praising of God’s names, singing of God’s names, and so on, are the secrets of our ultimate life. We have to learn them incessantly. We have to sow the seeds of devotion now itself in the minds of tenderhearted children.”

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Instead of building huge temples with massive towers and spending crores of rupees, remove the darkness of ignorance and light the Light of Knowledge in thousands of illiterate people. Install deities daily in the minds, which are mobile temples. Swamigal frequently reminds that service to beings is service to temples; service to man is service to God. During his recent visit to the hill country, Swami gave an excellent lecture on “Maithreya” in one of the Buddhist temples. We could see Buddha’s Dasa Sila depicted similarly in Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. The Dasa Sila are also found in Jesus’ ten Beatitudes. Such ideas are also contained in Koran. What is the meaning of this? Did those noble souls teach after reading one another? No! All the noble souls seek indestructible truth. Swami resolved that, ultimately, when truth is realised in their minds it appears as the same.

It is not enough if we love everybody as friends. The greatness of friendship lies in loving even enemies. Nirvana is to know things as they are; we become nirvana (naked) if we remove clothes from our body. Likewise, if we remove harmful thoughts, desires, arrogance, and so on, from our minds we attain peacefulness of soul. Then our life knows things as they are. This is known as “soul nirvana” in Buddhism.

Thus, our Master is capable of explaining great philosophies in a simple manner. In a group of children he becomes a child. He used to say that if we all become like children, it is easy to find God. Moreover, all should practise Yoga without any gender discrimination.

One of the chief goals of Swami is that, through Yoga, many diseases can heal and bring peace of mind. So let’s pray to God for the long life of this noble soul, who lives not for himself but for others.

OM Shanti!

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C h ap te r 51 Stories about the Master Silkworm

By Miss S. Lakshmi

It was about 10 o’clock in the morning at Kaivalya mutt. Yogiraj was

writing something sitting near the table. I was in one corner of the room. Sister Rajeshwari near to me was immersed in a book. There was also a copy of Atma Jyoti in my hand. But my eyes did not see the book; they looked at the doorway.

In the courtyard beautiful white flowers blossomed. The plants at the front side of Kaivalya mutt always welcome with a smile. Then, a reception over there attracted me. Beautiful butterflies were circling around some flowers; they alternatively kept sitting on the flowers and flying with fun. I was thinking about their independent lives.

My thoughts got disturbed on hearing the voice, “Book in hand, eyes outside the door.” Those were Yogiraj’s words. I began to speak to Yogiraj about the butterfly that attracted me. He said, “Butterfly is not born from its mother’s womb in that same form.” We discussed that it firstly comes as an egg, then as small worm, then as big worm, and then as cocoon, before finally emerging as a beautiful insect. I said, “Swamiji! The birth and life of butterfly and that of silkworm are similar.”

Yogiraj said, “The life of silkworm and the life of people are of same character.” “How come?” I humbly asked.

Yogiraj answered, “Silkworms lay eggs in mulberry plants. The egg becomes a small green worm. That worm grows fat by eating the mulberry leaves daily. From the plump worm a green thread starts to come. That worm turns and rolls and binds itself with the thread. The worm, which roamed with consciousness, is now caught in a prison.

The worm, which lived in light, has paved a way for itself to live in 215

darkness. But it does not stay in the dark infinitely. After a particular point of time it breaks open the cocoon and flies out.

“Man’s life is like the silkworm; he enjoys life in this world eating mulberry leaves. Because of that, ego increases. With that egoistic arrogance he acts like the thread. Again and again, he gets caught into the consequences of those acts. He suffers in the life of darkness without light; he is imprisoned by near and dear. While suffering from difficulties divine thought arises. He pleads for freedom by seeking asylum in God; wisdom and determination grow as wings. God gives freedom. Leaving the life of bondage, getting divine life, he lives blissfully as a free man.”

I realised that instead of suffering from bondage of relation and love, it is wise to look for ways in the very beginning.

Become a Radio

By Miss S. Lakshmi, 30 December 1955 Trincomalee Divine Life Society Ashram: For children, it is a special joy going to Kaivalya mutt. Why? Even for elders it is a joy; in front of affectionate Yogiraj we all become children.

I remember it was in the year 1955, Karthikai month, Saturday. We children from Sri Shanmuga Vithyalaya (school) went to Kaivalya mutt. Yogiraj was seen in Kala Madapam (hall). That was Ashram’s prayer hall. That day our discussion began at the Kala Hall: Children: Where is God? Yogiraj: God is everywhere.

Children: We could not see that omnipresent God. Yogiraj: Indeed. In this place, there is a sweet music of Kambodhi raga. Can’t you hear it?

Children: There is nobody seen singing here! How could we hear Kambodhi raga?

Yogiraj: Where the singer is, is not a problem. Could you hear the music or not? Listen attentively and see.

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The children stood in silence for few seconds. Then, all said, “Our ears could not hear the music.”

Yogiraj: Now all ears are going to hear the music. Come with me.

Saying so he walked. We followed Swamiji. We reached Kaivalya mutt.

Yogiraj: Can you hear the music?

We could hear the music; we were not surprised. Why? That music was coming from a radio. But, Yogiraj explained an excellent philosophical idea from that radio.

Yogiraj: Is music audible now?

Children: Yes, audible.

Yogiraj: From where could you hear it?

Children: From the radio.

Yogiraj: Is the singer inside the radio?

Children: No. Somebody is singing from somewhere. Absorbing that sound, and the radio is giving it to us.

Yogiraj: The singer’s music is spread as sound waves in the sky.

Children: Yes. (The radio was stopped) Yogiraj: Is the song audible now?

Children: No. Yogiraj: Are the sound waves present here (pointing out the sky) or not?

Children: Yes. Yogiraj: Then why could not we hear the music now?

Children: The radio is not on; so we could not hear.

Yogiraj: The music is present here. When the radio is not on it is not audible; when it is on it is audible; likewise is the relation between us and God’s power. God is present everywhere; when we have to see Him we should become like a radio—then only we could see Him and we could hear God’s graceful words.

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One person: How can we become a radio?

Yogiraj: For spiritual life we need to have determination. The body and mind are instruments that are helpful to see God. Through Yoga we could use them. We should perform religious observances, Yoga, pranayama, meditation, and samadhi. As a consequence, the pure and focused heart will find joy in seeing God. Yogiraj continued, “A philosopher is similar to one who knows how to use the radio. Those who are ignorant of philosophy are like those who do not know how to use a radio. Those who know about the radio know which is Madras station, which is Trichy station, and which is Colombo station. They would listen to necessary programmes by tuning to the appropriate station at an appropriate time. Those who are experts in Yoga, on realising the nature of their bodies and minds operate accordingly and derive divine power and happiness.

“Those who are not aware of radio do not know the exact station from which the music is broadcasting. So they tune the radio to various places; in between there would be static here and there; there won’t be sound at all at times. If we keep on tuning untiringly, we could hear a nice music suddenly. Similarly, even those who are ignorant of philosophy, one day would beget God’s grace. Such God’s power must be held tightly, patiently, and attentively irrespective of the means of Yoga or through devotion. To get God’s power we should have pure body and mind; it should be immaculate without the rust of desires.

Then, when we become a suitable radio we could see God.” That day’s discourse by the Master was that we should turn into a radio. So, inviting the determination to enjoy the joyful and eternal music in our hearts, we happily took leave by bowing to the Feet of the Master.

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PART 7

Letters from His Holiness Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj

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C h ap te r 52 About the Master’s Tribute to the Disciple

By T. Duraisingam, Veerakesari

I have written recently that Trincomalee got the luck that Colombo did not. It is not because it is a place of pilgrimage or because it has hot water springs that could cure diseases.

A Tamil saint from Rishikesh (near Himalayas), Swami Satchidananda, is teaching Yoga and spirituality to those visiting him at Sivananda Ashram in Trincomalee. Which place in Eelam [Sri Lanka] got this opportunity?

Few months back when a friend was mentioning about this saint, I took him as an ordinary ascetic. I thought he had come to Eelam on not finding a way for his livelihood.

But, when I personally met him, when I saw encomiums showered on him by Swami Sivananda in an English book [All India Tour of Swami Satchidananda] released by the Divine Life Society, I realised Eelam has got a precious treasure.

Sri Swami Sivananda wrote: Om! Swami Satchidananda! I am delighted to know the great divine services rendered by you in South India. You have done excellent services.

I have received letters from various places. People have gained immensely by your discourses and Yoga practices.

May God bless you Sivananda That book explains his services not only in South India, but also later in several places like New Delhi, Bombay, and Lakshmanpuri.

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When Swami Satchidananda wondered, “A book on a trifle person like me?” Swami Sivananda released that book by saying, “Won’t the fame achieved by my disciples belong to me?”

His face is filled with grace. His eyes are flourished with the fire of wisdom. His physique is like a leaping arrow.

He was observing a fast in lieu of Navaratri (Hindu festival celebrated for nine days). Yet, he spoke at the meeting to pay homage to Gandhiji accepting the invitation of his well-wishers.

That great person, who greets before others do, was born in Coimbatore in a good family. He is only 41; expert in Hatha Yoga.

Is it not a great fortune for Trincomalee to get such a saint who is capable of teaching Yoga and pranayama with interest?

It is sad to hear that the people over there have not realised his greatness and utilized him properly. Yet, I am confident that whichever power, for whatever reasons, has brought him here, will attain its objectives and will save not only Trincomalee, but also Eelam, India, and Asia.

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C h ap te r 53 Swami Sivananda’s Blessings to Kandy Divine Life Society Institution Emitting Grace Surrounded by Natural Beauty on the Banks of River Mahaweli “ You are starting this branch to lead divine life forever with great enthusiasm and motivation. May this branch shine like a star spreading peace, bliss, and happiness everywhere.”

The above note of blessings was sent by Sri Swami Sivananda Saraswati of Rishikesh to the inaugural function of Divine Life Society at Kandy Tennekumbara Pillaiyar Temple Hall situated on the banks of Mahaweli surrounded by natural beauty under the leadership of Yogiraj Srimath Swami Satchidananda on 12th (Saturday) of Aippasi month (which roughly falls during October and November).

The note, sent in English, was read by Kandy District Magistrate, Mr. N. Sivananasundaram. Miss Rajalakshmi of Trincomalee Sivananda Ashram read the translated text in Tamil. In his blessing message Swami Sivananda added: Respects to omnipresent and omnipotent God, the Supreme Being. I feel happy immensely. Today you all have gathered to take part in the inaugural function of Kandy Divine Life Society.

May your life prayer, worship, composition, association, selfless service, chanting of sacred texts, etc., flourish. Service to Divine Life Society is service to God. All those who are involved in this are spiritually strong fortunate people. They will certainly achieve life’s goal in this birth itself.

What I appeal to those who have gathered here and the people of Kandy is: You all should cooperate with Yogiraj Satchidananda, Sri Vaithyalingam Pillai, Sri Duraisami Pillai, Sri Chidambara Pillai, Sri Srikanthya, Sri Kalyanasundaram, Sri Kannya, Raju, and all those 223

who are toiling for the progress of this Society, and make this divine mission a great success. You all should seriously try to achieve the great objective of perfection or divine identity. I pray for divine power to reach you. May almighty Lord Muruga’s divine grace reach you. —From Veerakesari, 14 November 1955

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C h ap te r 54 Letters to Sri Swami Satchidananda Om Ananda Kutir 3 October 1955 Blessed Eternal Soul!

Salutations. Om Namo Narayanaya.

I got your affectionate letter. As requested in that I have sent books to Sri C. The news will be sent to your address.

Truthfully you have been doing amazing service. God has chosen and sent a right man to Ceylon. Due to your higher selfless service, you have created a divine revolution in Ceylon. This is the grace given by God to you. God has given mental and physical power to you to fulfil His will through you. In His grace your service will be led in a proper way.

Do meditation properly and regularly. Gain inner strength. Peace and bliss will reach you.

Ever loving, Own soul, Sivananda Om Ananda Kutir 17 April 1961 Respectful Swamiji Maharaj, Om Namo Narayanaya. Hari Om. I received your letter dated 7th. I am happy on your departure to Hong Kong. May all powers reach you! May God bless you!

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I am happy at your commendable services at faraway lands. That is the need of the present times. Please establish everywhere institutions which will work with stability and enthusiasm.

I shall try to send the list of names and addresses of our devotees to your Hong Kong address.

Own soul, Sivananda

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E p i lo g u e In 1966, after serving the people of Sri Lanka for thirteen years,

Sri Swami Satchidananda was invited to the West. Within fifteen days, Sri Swamiji completed arrangements for the running of the Ashram in his absence. He told his disciples he would return to Kandy in a month. The sister of Swami Satchidananda Mataji, Swami Vimalananda Mataji, who had received Sannyas Diksha from Sri Swamiji, was put in charge of the Kandy Thapovanam. Swami Vimalanandaji devotedly served in the Kandy Ashram for more than twenty years and eventually moved to Chettipalayam to take care of Sri Swamiji’s birthplace home during her many remaining years.

After spending several months giving talks throughout Europe, Sri Swamiji was asked to spend at least a few days in America prior to returning to Sri Lanka. He agreed; and after just two days in New York, he was surrounded by young people beseeching him to stay.

He noted, “Though these American children didn’t seem to know how to behave [many were caught up in the drug culture of that period], I could see that they were seeking.” Their sincerity convinced Sri Swamiji that he should agree to their request to stay.

Sri Swamiji returned to Sri Lanka and met with his devotees, requesting that they carry on the work that he had begun. He handed over the care and administration of the Thapovanam to them.

Sri Swamiji then returned to America, though he continued to visit India and Sri Lanka annually.

Throughout his years of service in the West, Sri Swamiji never forgot his Indian roots. He was a frequent guest speaker and advisor to Indian communities around the world. In the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean islands, he became a principle advisor to Indian communities in planning their temples and cultural centres, often suggesting that Jains, Hindus, and Sikhs combine their funds to build one facility that could be shared by all.

Sri Swamiji and the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (the Institute of Indian Culture) held each other in the highest esteem. They shared one 227

another’s dedication to human welfare, a philosophy of education, Hindu values, and world peace. Whenever Sri Swamiji travelled to India, the different branches of the Bhavan would arrange for him to speak to their membership and to give public lectures. In l992, when the Bhavan was planning to expand its activities in the United States, Sri Swamiji was requested to serve as patron of their organisation in that country.

Sri Swamiji was a frequent guest at India festivals around the United States, including the inauguration of the Festival of India in Washington, DC, an event that was also attended by then VicePresident and Mrs. Bush and the late Prime Minister and Mrs. Rajiv Gandhi. In 1994, Sri Swamiji was presented with the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan’s highest distinction of “Honorary Patron.”

Most critically, Sri Swamiji was a friend and counselor to Indian children growing up in Western cultures. Often, these children are caught between two cultures, attempting to solve their dilemma by rejecting their Indian heritage. Through his Fine Arts Society (which he first established at the Kandy Thapovanam and which was developed in Sri Lanka and the USA by Mrs. Rukmini Rasiah), Sri Swamiji was able to give these children a taste of their rich Indian culture in the form of music and natya classes. For twentyfive years, he provided a Bharata Natyam Summer Camp at his ashram in America. The teachers at this unique and popular camp were the renowned artistes Padma Bhushan Sri V. P. and Smt. Shanta Dhananjayan and their disciple, Smt. Padmarani Rasiah-Cantu.

Education based on a spiritual foundation was one of the most important ideals that Sri Swamiji upheld. He began the Yogaville Vidyalayam in America, and in 1997, he founded Satchidananda Jothi Nikethan (SJN) in South India. Set on forty-five acres just at the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains in the Coimbatore District of Tamil Nadu, SJN has a strength of 600 students and is a highly renowned residential school. As Sri K. Ramasamy, the managing trustee rendering yeoman service in Sri Swamiji’s name, explains: “Satchidananda Jothi Niketan is Swamiji’s brainchild. He envisioned building a school that would create true global citizens who are not 228

only empowered by adequate knowledge but also carry with them a sound value system. He always emphasised that the growth of a child had to include and stimulate intellectual, spiritual, emotional, mental, and physical growth. At Satchidananda Jothi Niketan, this is what we strive to achieve.”

Sri Swamiji would eventually travel the globe many times, visiting more than thirty countries, speaking on Yoga and spirituality, and participating in interfaith programmes. He also received many invitations to address medical conferences. The distinctive teachings that Sri Swamiji brought with him to the West, integrated the physical discipline of Yoga, the spiritual philosophy of India, and the interfaith ideals that he pioneered. Those techniques and concepts influenced a generation and spawned a Yoga culture that is flourishing today. Currently, more than twenty million Americans practise Yoga as a means for managing stress, promoting health, slowing down the aging process, and creating more meaningful lives.

Sri Swamiji’s teachings have inspired many healthcare professionals, and the medical sector’s interest in Yoga is growing at an astonishing speed. He founded the first health clinic in America based on Yoga therapy. Integral Yoga is also the basis for Dr. Dean Ornish’s landmark work in reversing heart disease, Dr. Michael Lerner’s noted Cancer Help programme, and Sonia Sumar’s Yoga for the Special Child. Integral Yoga International is a leader in Yoga teacher and Yoga therapist trainings and certifications. Sri Swamiji trained his senior disciples to serve people with a variety of health and medical challenges. His teachings have helped prison inmates, sick children, and people challenged by a variety of disabilities. Many people attribute cures in their seemingly incurable conditions to Sri Swamiji.

In 1979, Sri Swamiji was inspired to establish Satchidananda Ashram–Yogaville in Virginia (USA). Founded on his teachings, it is a place where people of different faiths and backgrounds can come to practise Yoga and to realise their essential oneness. Sri Swamiji envisioned a peaceful planet, a heaven on Earth. A guide to those who came to him seeking the way to inner peace, he also served as a dynamic advocate for the advancement of world peace, not in the least through his multifaceted involvement in the interfaith movement.

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An interfaith pioneer, Sri Swamiji participated in and organised interfaith gatherings and seminars; he created innovative interfaith programmes, retreats, and worship services; and he founded communities where people from all backgrounds and diverse traditions could come to live and serve together. With the creation of the Light Of Truth Universal Shrine (LOTUS), he also realised his dream of a place where people of all backgrounds and traditions could meditate or pray together. In that sacred temple, countless visitors have experienced, firsthand, the principle that truth is one, paths are many.

The LOTUS was the first shrine built in the West to have altars for all the major world religions. People from all over the world come there to meditate and pray. On the occasion of the Birth Centenary of Sri Swamiji, a second LOTUS was inaugurated at the site of his birthplace in South India.

Over the years, Sri Swamiji received many awards and honours for his public service, including the Anti-Defamation League award; Hinduism Today’s 1994 Hindu of the Year Award; and the Juliet Hollister Award, an interfaith award given by the Temple of Understanding and the Interfaith Center of New York. Additionally, in 1998, President and Mrs. Bill Clinton invited Sri Swamiji to Washington, DC, to thank him for his spiritual support. For decades, Sri Swamiji served on the advisory boards of many Yoga, world peace, and interfaith organisations. Sri Swamiji is the author of numerous books on Yoga and he is the subject of the documentary, Living Yoga: The Life and Teachings of Swami Satchidananda.

In 1999, His Holiness the Dalai Lama invited Sri Swamiji to attend a plenary session in Washington, DC, where a select group of religious leaders who had been active in interfaith dialogue met to consider how they could work more closely towards furthering interreligious discourse and world peace. That group became formally known as the Interreligious Friendship Group. Also in that year, the Temple of Understanding invited Sri Swamiji to offer an invocation during the interfaith service convened to celebrate the organisation’s commitment to the work of the United Nations. That service marked the opening of the fifty-fourth session of the General Assembly. During the service, 230

Sri Swamiji was honoured on the fiftieth anniversary of his Sannyas diksha and for his many years of leadership in the field of interfaith dialogue.

In April 2002, Sri Swamiji received the U Thant Peace Award on behalf of the Peace Meditation at the United Nations. The U Thant Peace Award is given to individuals and organisations who exemplify the ideals of the late United Nations secretary-general U Thant and who have implemented those ideals in the tireless pursuit of world peace. Among the recipients of this prestigious award are Pope John Paul II, Mother Teresa, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, and Nelson Mandela.

Hospitals, clinics, schools, teaching centres, and temples have all been opened in Sri Swamiji’s name. He met with popes and presidents, presided at the openings of monuments and great buildings. He spoke at famous cathedrals and great halls of learning. Among his thousands of students, are many celebrities, politicians, and others in powerful positions. Yet, through it all, Sri Swami Satchidananda always recognized and revered that Light in each being. He would stop to gently rescue an insect trapped in a pool of water.

In 2002, soon after receiving the U Thant award, Sri Swamiji set off for a tour of five countries, including India. He was invited as one of the chief guests to address the World Congress on Global Vision and Strategies for Peace, Nonviolence and Harmony in South India.

After the conference, his disciple, veteran actor Sri Rajni Kant, invited Sri Swamiji to Chennai to attend premiere of his film, “Baba.” It was there that Sri Swamiji took ill and was hospitalized. Shortly before he took Mahasamadhi, he told his disciples, “I can serve better without this body. I will be free to serve millions without the restrictions of this physical body, which is tying me down now. It will be a great blessing if my soul can depart from the body here on the soil of Mother India. When I leave my body, I will continue to guide you from a higher level.”

Sri Swamiji’s body is enshrined in Chidambaram, the Mahasamadhi Shrine at Satchidananda Ashram-Yogaville. The Shrine is situated at 231

the midpoint of the Kailash hill facing the LOTUS. On the very top of Kailash, overlooking Chidambaram and LOTUS, stands a Shrine with a magnificent seven-foot murti of Lord Siva Nataraja.

The murti was offered as a gift to Sri Swamiji and the Ashram in 1991

by Dr. Karan Singh, India’s leading statesman.

Sri Swamiji dedicated himself to serving humanity. Tirelessly, with unconditional love and by personal example, he taught thousands of people around the world how to use the teachings and practices of Yoga to develop physical and emotional well-being; how to achieve the yogic goal of living a peaceful, easeful, and useful life; and how to experience unity in diversity.

Sri Swami Satchidananda’s life and his teachings continue to inspire and guide thousands of spiritual seekers worldwide. He will be remembered both as a revered Yoga Master and as a key figure among those spiritual leaders whose unstinting commitment and selfless service strengthened the foundation of the dynamic, global interfaith movement that we see flourishing today.

In 2014, in celebration of his Birth Centenary, Sri Swamiji was honoured posthumously with the James Parks Morton Interfaith Award by the Interfaith Center of New York, and he was named an “Interfaith Visionary.”

Through his spiritual presence and eternal teachings, he continues to grace and guide countless spiritual seekers throughout the world.

For more information, visit: www.swamisatchidananda.org

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