Inspiring Talks of Gurudev Sivananda
21st January, 1949
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED
The Sanskrit class was over in the morning at the Forest University.
Siva began his Kirtan: but, curiously enough, it was Jaya Ganesha Kirtan!
‘From this morning,’ said Siva: ‘we should have a First Aid Section in the University. Everybody should have a working knowledge of this most important branch of knowledge. When a man has cut his arm accidentally and he is bleeding profusely, a Sadhaka should not be standing near-by, gaping like a fool. He should at once rush to the aid of the injured. Without proper knowledge, he will be able to do nothing. If he has a knowledge of First Aid, he will at once be able to stop the bleeding and thus save the patient.
‘First of all, this knowledge will be very useful to yourself. The body is an instrument provided by the Lord to enable the Jiva to achieve the goal of realising its unity with the Paramatman. It should be looked after well. Then only will the path be smooth. Diseases are obstacles to Sadhana. Everyone should, therefore, have a fair knowledge of simple remedies to ordinary diseases, besides First Aid. First Aid will enable you to know exactly what to do if a snake bit you or a wasp stung you. It is a great help to the Sadhaka himself.
‘Secondly, you will always have your neighbours and friends. Even a renunciate Sanyasin cannot avoid having the acquaintance of one or two others. Food is necessary: clothing is necessary. Man is a social being. When your neighbour meets with an accident, you should not just stand there looking at him: you should at once render First Aid to him and thus relieve him of his suffering. There is no service greater than this.
‘Thirdly, this branch of knowledge is the basis for a system of Yoga which effects the necessary purification for the dawn of Knowledge. Unless the Antahkarana is purified, the Light of God cannot shine in it. There is no greater purifying agency than helping a man out of pain. You will have to serve the patient with Narayana Bhav or Atma Bhav. Then the inner purification will be rapid.
‘If a man has accidentally drowned himself, you should give him artificial respiration. You should learn the technique of getting the water out of the lungs and restoring the breathing. Normal breathing may not sometimes be resumed until after a few hours. You should go on persistently applying the artificial respiration.
‘Even before that, you should know how to rescue a patient who is about to be drowned. If you do not know how to swim, you should throw a rope or a piece of cloth with the help of which the drowning man may reach the shore. Similarly, you should know what to do when a man is suffering from asphyxia.
‘Then there are cases of snake-bite, scorpion-sting, etc. You should have presence of mind. You should be able to find out whether the snake was a poisonous one or not, from the wound. If it is non-poisonous, you should be able to restore courage to the patient by gently telling him that nothing will happen to him. More cases die of shock than of any actual causes.
‘Then there are cases of poisoning. You should know what sort of emetics should be given or purgatives and antidotes. Millions of lives can be saved by timely help. Just imagine what a great help you will be to humanity.
‘You should be able to attend to features and dislocations of bones. You should always use your commonsense. If the usual ready-made material is not available, you should rapidly improvise a splint by cutting pieces of thick card-board, etc.
‘In the case of broken arteries or veins, you should know that bleeding from arteries will be in jerks and the blood will be of red colour and can be stopped by applying a bandage between the place and the heart.
Bleeding from the veins will be of dark hue and will simply ooze out. If the bleeding is not immediately stopped, the patient will have a collapse very soon. You should know how to apply the triangular bandage.
‘In the case of cuts and wounds you should know how to bandage them. You should know the use of tincture benzoine: this acts as a plaster on the wounds when applied over some cotton-padding. If the plaster gets stuck up, you should use spirit to remove it. You should also be able to treat cases of burnt or blistered skin, scratches, abrasion, etc.
‘You should be ever prepared to rush to the aid of persons injured by accidents— car accident or tonga accident.
‘You should know the methods of removing foreign matter which might have gotten into the ear, the nose or the eyes.
‘Lastly, you should be able to treat cases of fatigue, fainting, shock and other forms of sudden collapse. In all these cases if proper First Aid treatment is rendered in time, the patient has every chance to revive. If this treatment is neglected, then the patient’s condition gets worse.
‘You will by now have realised how very useful this science is. Every Sadhaka should have a thorough knowledge of First Aid, and some working knowledge of medicines, of household remedies, of hygiene and sanitation. He will not only help himself but help others and thus purify himself for the reception of divine light.’
PRAYER FOR SELF IN OTHERS
At the close of the morning University class, Siva announced that the entire class will repeat the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for the health and long life of Dr. Hetram Agarwal and family.
‘You may ask: why should we pray for the health and long life of other people, when we ourselves are trying to say that this world is a long dream, that the body and the other Koshas are imaginary coverings over the Eternal Atman which alone IS. These questions arise out of mere intellectual perversity. If it is, of course, your aim to become Jivanmukthas now and here, and after shuffling off this body to become Videhamukthas and even then, so long as you are in this relative plane and not ever merged in the Absolute, you should also take into consideration the relative reality of this world. The world exists as an illusion. In this illusory play you have to act your part efficiently and well, according to Dharma.
‘Secondly, as the Lord has said in the third chapter of the Gita, there is mutual dependence between the Devas and the men. When the Devas are pleased, they help men who in their turn offer Yajnas to the Devas.
Similarly in the world, too. You cannot isolate yourself from the world, altogether: you cannot sit idly and expect to be looked after by the world. If you rise above all care for the body, then you can afford to ignore the world. Not till then. If you serve the people, the people will look after you. Therefore, from this point of view also, such prayer is essential.
‘Thirdly, your aim is to realise that the same Atman, the same Satchidananda Brahman pervades the entire creation and is beyond that also. Sadhana should be a continuous process of expansion of the heart. When you pray for others, feel that you are praying for your own Self in them. By continuously dwelling on this Truth, you will soon realise the All-Pervading Self.’
ASHRAMS: INDISPENSABLE NEED
The First Aid class in the morning gave rise to a discussion after the class was over. Siva wanted that an examination should also be held in due course to qualify students for a Seva Yoga Certificate to be issued by the Forest University.
‘Everyone who comes here should be put through a rapid First Aid training. Even if he goes away later on, he will prove a real aspirant wherever he may be and his knowledge of First Aid will be of great help to himself and to humanity at large.
‘Why, everything that the Lord has provided in this Ashram has a great significance in a Sadhak’s life. The library, the temple, the Bhajan Hall, the dispensary, the office and lastly the dense forest behind: all these put together constitute the best locality for practising intense Sadhana. You can render service at the dispensary: you can do some work in the office and the kitchen: you can do Akhanda Kirtan: you can worship in the temple: you can study in the library and then when you feel like it, you can seclude yourself in the jungle.’
‘Whatever you need you get here. You have been placed above wants by the Lord Himself. Elsewhere, you will have to suffer for want of proper food and creature comforts. If you wish to read a book, you will have to hunt for it in many libraries. Here the Society will order the book for you. Elsewhere, if you need a langotee, you will have to run round a dozen rich men. Even then they will say: ‘You are a Sadhu: why do you need a langotee? Those days are gone when the kings themselves used to look after Sanyasins. Now everywhere materialism has spread. It is a very bad time for Sanyasins and Sadhus. But, God will help them. Parivrajak life is not good nowadays. As the Sadhu will be woefully neglected, he will have always to be thinking of food, clothing and other necessities of life. There should be established Ashrams all over the country where renunciates can live and evolve.
‘Occasionally Sadhaks may go out on Parivrajak life. They should not be prevented by public institutions or Government from doing so. But, the Government may insist on their having with them an identity card from a recognised spiritual leader. Thus, the ancient order will be protected: and no one will have any misgivings about the wandering Sadhu.’
AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
Siva had paid a visit to Sri S.’s room after the class was over in the morning. S. was still in bed fast asleep.
Siva’s Pranava Dhwani woke him up. Later in the day, Siva remarked:
‘S.! I think your Kundalini needs awakening by a new and special kind of Tadana Kriya! I should take a small stick and give a few good Tadanas so that the Shakti in you may get awakened. You are so young, and yet, so lazy. I have requested you so often to attend the class. You never care to listen. Even though you are in the next room, you do not attend the Kirtan in the office. You are slowly becoming a Thahappan Swami I think.’ (Thahappan Swami is a humorous way of saying ‘an undisciplined and disobedient disciple.’)
And, then turning to us, Siva said: ‘there are various methods of awakening Kundalini: through Hatha Yogic Kriyas, through Pranayama, through Vichar, through Guru’s grace, through devotion, through selfless service, etc. There is a special Shakti Sanchara Kriya, a Tadana Kriya. This method of Tadana has a special value. My Tadana Kriya is an entirely new method. It consists of taking a good stick and giving a few mild canings. Then Kundalini will get awakened and the aspirant will be brisk.’
RECIPE FOR PEACE
Chidanandaji was coming down after night Kirtan, along with Siva. Siva noticed this unusual feature and enquired of the reason.
‘Nowadays, Swamiji, I am taking my bed down.’
This is after he took over as the General Secretary of the Society.
‘Why?’
‘Much of the misunderstanding and ill-will among people has its origin in the kitchen, Swamiji. I spend most of my time in or near the kitchen nowadays so as to be on the spot to smoothen out matters.’
This moved the all-compassionate Siva. ‘No, no, Chidanandaji, do not worry yourself over these things. Kitchen is a tiresome business. You will waste all your precious energies on silly things. No, no: do not come down. Just supervise the work for a few minutes daily. You should go on with your meditation, study and other things. I myself have experience of the kitchen-politics. But I am indifferent. God’s will be done. If He wants, then people will remain here; otherwise, not.’
‘I am always peaceful. Because, I am prepared for anything. If all people go away, I will take my Bhiksha in the Kshetra or in some houses here and remain in a Kutir. I will serve the few sick patients that come to me.
If some devotee would like to print, I will give him some of my writings. Best of the time will be my own. If just two or three hundred rupees come every month, then I will keep a few hard-working Sadhaks and run the show on a small scale. If lakhs and crores come, then I am prepared to expand the work to any magnitude. I am prepared for anything. So, I am always peaceful. You should also be indifferent to these things. From tomorrow remain in your Kutir and just supervise the work. Do not bother yourself always about finance and kitchen.’
Peace and courage have their origin in renunciation.
GO YE! AND SIN NO MORE!
As we were coming down after night Satsang, a discussion arose about discipline and Sanyas. Chidanandaji quoted several instances of Sanyasins quarrelling with their own Gurus or with others.
‘Sanyas is not an easy thing,’ said Siva. ‘I think in Sanyas-life, too, we shall see all the Lilas that characterise worldly life: fights and quarrels, jealousy and hatred, passion and greed. Many Sanyasins have gone back to household life after they had embraced Sanyasa. They had all taken Sanyasa perhaps before they were fit for it. Some of them have again come back to a life of renunciation and thenceforward have been very good Sadhus. Sri K. who started the Satyasevashram was one such. Evil is there inside: man has got to be vigilant and to exert always to annihilate it. Sometimes this evil overpowers him: he goes astray. Then he wakes up again and comes back to the proper path. It is all His Maya. We should not condemn anything. The moment the Sadhu who is a Yoga-Bhrashta comes back to the proper path, the Lord takes him back with open arms and leads him on the right path. Only he should not relapse into evil ways.’
A significant point in this connection is that the above is the answer to an unasked question from me. In the afternoon, Swami Krishnanandaji and myself were discussing these very problems or this very problem and were unable to arrive at a proper conclusion. It was of no great moment: so I did not broach the matter before Siva: but, the answer has come all the same.
22nd January, 1949
TYPEWRITERS IN THE JUNGLE
The Commissioner of Paori has come with Sri Gauri Prasadji and the Mahant of Swarg Ashram.
After bowing to Siva, he occupied the chair opposite. Siva at once called Vishnuji and Padmanabhan. One brought fruits and the other brought books for presentation. Ever-ready to serve.
Within a few minutes, the visitors had their Prasad, for their body and soul. Siva asked them while handing over the Asan-chart: ‘Will you practise them?’
‘Sure: yes, Swamiji. I shall try.’
Then a few minutes later the Commissioner turned towards the office. He was astonished.
‘This is your office?’
Judge Saheb explained: ‘Yes, it is Swamiji’s office. You see it is here that the innumerable books, magazines, pamphlets and leaflets, and letters are produced. Swamiji has flooded the world with spiritual literature.’
30th January, 1949
THAT LOOPHOLE
Siva is not a revolutionary. He understands that perfection is not attained in a day. He does not want anyone to break his habits all of a sudden. He does not advise anyone to jump from luxury into Virakti.
He is an evolutionary. He would not allow one Sadhaka to go on repeating from day to day the same old acts, without even TRYING to alter his attitude towards life and striving to change his habits.
Early in the morning before even coming into the office, Siva entered the bath-room. He found a few younger Sadhaks waiting for hot water for bath, along with more aged inmates.
Just a mere smile, an ‘OM Namo Narayanaya’ and ‘You are also taking bath in hot water?’ indicated to the young Sadhaka that a good invigorating and healthy plunge in the Ganges was indicated. A short sermon!
FEBRUARY, 1949
6th February, 1949
MRS. CHAKRAVARTHY PASSES INTO SIVA
The bell goes, announcing that the midday meal is ready. With Kirtan and Santi Patha the office work is closed down for the morning. Siva followed us to the dining hall.
‘All of you should sing the Maha Mantra today for fifteen minutes before food is served. Today Sri Rajani Mohan Chakravarthy is performing the Sraddha of his departed wife: let us all pray for the peace of the departed soul.’
This was done.
What a beautiful soul. Sri Rajani Babu is a great devotee of Siva: and his wife was indeed a thrice-blessed lady. Just see what he has written to Siva about the lady’s last hour:
‘At about 4.50 a.m. I was alone sitting at her head and praying. I had a vision of your good self (Swami Sivananda) appearing before me and I placed her at your feet and then she peacefully passed away. So I know that you have given her shelter in thy lotus feet. I am satisfied.’
In Brahmamuhurtha with her husband at her bedside and the visible divine presence of Siva, the lady merges herself in Siva, becomes one with her Guru. What more can blessedness be?
What is the attitude of the husband?
‘I think it is the will of the Lord to free me from worldly attachments, so that I may devote more time to His service. You know best. I am resigned to thy will.’
To a man of such self-surrender belongs Siva’s infinite grace, the grace that ennobles, divinises and bestows immortality. Glory to Siva. Glory to Rajani Babu.
9th February, 1949
THE ADEPT’S DIAGNOSIS
Vishnuji’s eyes were red. Siva noticed this the moment he came into the office, in the afternoon.
‘Oh, Vishnuswamiji, why are your eyes red?’
Vishnuji was silent.
‘Ohji, don’t do Tratak too much.’ Siva said. ‘It is due to an overdose of Tratak, is it not?’
‘Yes, Swamiji.’
‘Be moderate. There is no fun in overdoing these exercises and spoiling the eyes. Apply boric lotion to the eyes.’
11th February, 1949
ALERT AND APPRECIATIVE
On his way to the office, Siva peeped into the Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Master Satchidanandaji, an expert Ayurved Acharya, was busy in the preparation of Chyavanaprash. Siva personally examined the progress of the preparation, the materials kept for the Chyavanaprash, the vessels, etc. and satisfied himself that they were all hygienic and good. He remarked to a senior disciple standing near him:
‘Satchidanandaji is an expert: and he puts all his heart and soul into the work. His are the best preparations of Ayurvedic medicine. Many have expressed their great appreciation of the quality of the medicine.
Hundreds have already written to say that they found immediate relief from the use of these preparations.’
‘I know all this. And, we should pay a visit to this department once in a way. We should check the stock and verify the accounts. Satchidanandaji is ever so busy with his work: a pilferer as a servant could well make a fortune here. If we neglect this, then we shall indirectly be encouraging these pilferings.’
‘Moreover, when some of us come here occasionally and say kind and encouraging words to Satchidanandaji and others here, they will be greatly enthused and will work more vigorously. They will not feel neglected.’
Siva left the A.P. after doing Kirtan of Lord Dhanwantari and the Aswini Devatas.
Satchidanandaji’s joy knew no bounds.
BEWARE OF UNFULFILLED DESIRES
Sivaratri is approaching. Candidates for Sanyas have slowly begun to be mentioned. There is already a list of six. In that connection Venkatachala Madi’s name was proposed. Quickly Siva remarked:
‘Not yet. He does not know what it is to suffer from indigestion after overeating laddus. Let him wait.’
Words of wisdom, these. If a man who has many worldly desires and yet embraces the holy order of Sanyas without having had a chance of fulfilling them, he will soon have a downfall, if he is unable to sublimate those desires. Few have the courage, the will and the capacity to sublimate desires. The others ought to think a hundred times before embracing Sanyas. Sanyas is made of much sterner stuff than people generally take it to be. Renunciation of all the pleasures of the three planes of existence—that is Sanyas. He who is not prepared for this ought not to taint the glorious order by prematurely taking the robes on.
Does Siva then mean that only old people should take Sanyas?
No: but….
OFFER HIM A FRAGRANT FLOWER
Another name was Sri Vishnuji’s and Siva readily agreed to include his name in the list.
‘Such young men of courage and bravery should come forward and embrace Sanyas. What do old men, just about to die, gain by being initiated into Sanyas? What have they to renounce? Their senses are already dead. What have they to control? Is it much too difficult for a man of seventy-five to be a Brahmachari? Should a blind man be told not to look at ladies? Of course, it is better than no Sanyas at all.’
‘That is only second-rate. The first grade Sanyasins are the young and vigorous ones like Vishnuji. They can live an active self-controlled life and show to the world the glory of renunciation. The flower must be offered to the Lord when it is full and fragrant: not when it has faded.’
UTILITARIAN GURU BHAKTI
The topic then drifted to the case of the disciples who vilify their Guru: and the point was made that unless the Sadhaka showed strong and unshakable faith in and devotion to Siva and his mission, he should not be initiated by Siva himself: for, if this man later turns out to be a black-sheep and vilifies his own Guru, the situation will be awkward. To Siva all this was foreign, and in a merely jocular vein he replied:
‘But, when this man goes to the Kshetra and the Kothari there asks for his antecedents, he would emphatically declare that he is the disciple of the great Yogi Sivananda.’ All joined in the mirth.
SIVANANDA BHAKTAS GET SPECIAL TREATMENT
Here is Sri Ramanathan of Allahabad, a very good devotee of Siva, who has tasted the nectar that flows from devotion to Siva. He writes:
‘I do not know whether you have heard of His Holiness Paramasant Dr. Chaturbuj Sahai of Etah. He seems to have great regard for your revered self. He usually comes to Allahabad on the occasion of Basant Panchami and lectures at two or three places. This year he refused all lecture engagements because he said that people simply came to the meetings but never practised what he advised them to do. He made an exception in the case of the Divine Life Society, Allahabad, as you will see from the programme enclosed.
The reason given by him for accepting this engagement was that we are all Sivananda-Bhaktas.’
A NOVEL REASON
The Principal of the Bharat Mandir High School met Siva.
‘Swamiji, I have something very interesting to tell you. I advertised a teacher’s post in the High School which has now fallen vacant. I received hundreds of applications from highly qualified candidates. Believe me: almost every application contained the plea that the applicant selects this High School for he wants to be near Swami Sivananda. It is very strange how your fame and spiritual influence have spread so far and wide and how it makes everyone eager to be near you and get your spiritual instructions in person.’
Siva conveniently smiled away the remarks and said: ‘It is all His grace.’
THE GREATEST UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD
A visitor was attracted by the signboard ‘Yoga-Vedanta Forest University’.* He attended one of its morning classes. He approached Siva thoughtfully and asked: ‘Swamiji, you have called this a University. But, I see very few students here.’
* The University has been re-named Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy since 1958.
Siva at once understood the visitor’s difficulty. ‘This is not a University like the others in the world. People are not trained here to become clerks, advocates and scientists. Humanity has nowadays so demeaned itself that people everywhere want only sense-pleasures: they have no idea of Yoga and Vedanta, or the Supreme Bliss that they will enjoy out of Atma Jnana. In such a topsy-turvy world it is a great thing to have even one good Sadhaka bent on renouncing worldly pleasures and striving to attain the goal of life—God-realisation—through the practice of Yoga. That there are even a dozen students earnestly endeavouring to realise the Truth in the Yoga-Vedanta Forest University is a great achievement: that qualifies the University to be called the greatest university in the world.’
‘You are perfectly right, Swamiji. How can we apply the worldly measure to spiritual things?’
******************************************************
21st January, 1949
FIRST AID TO THE INJURED
The Sanskrit class was over in the morning at the Forest University.
Siva began his Kirtan: but, curiously enough, it was Jaya Ganesha Kirtan!
‘From this morning,’ said Siva: ‘we should have a First Aid Section in the University. Everybody should have a working knowledge of this most important branch of knowledge. When a man has cut his arm accidentally and he is bleeding profusely, a Sadhaka should not be standing near-by, gaping like a fool. He should at once rush to the aid of the injured. Without proper knowledge, he will be able to do nothing. If he has a knowledge of First Aid, he will at once be able to stop the bleeding and thus save the patient.
‘First of all, this knowledge will be very useful to yourself. The body is an instrument provided by the Lord to enable the Jiva to achieve the goal of realising its unity with the Paramatman. It should be looked after well. Then only will the path be smooth. Diseases are obstacles to Sadhana. Everyone should, therefore, have a fair knowledge of simple remedies to ordinary diseases, besides First Aid. First Aid will enable you to know exactly what to do if a snake bit you or a wasp stung you. It is a great help to the Sadhaka himself.
‘Secondly, you will always have your neighbours and friends. Even a renunciate Sanyasin cannot avoid having the acquaintance of one or two others. Food is necessary: clothing is necessary. Man is a social being. When your neighbour meets with an accident, you should not just stand there looking at him: you should at once render First Aid to him and thus relieve him of his suffering. There is no service greater than this.
‘Thirdly, this branch of knowledge is the basis for a system of Yoga which effects the necessary purification for the dawn of Knowledge. Unless the Antahkarana is purified, the Light of God cannot shine in it. There is no greater purifying agency than helping a man out of pain. You will have to serve the patient with Narayana Bhav or Atma Bhav. Then the inner purification will be rapid.
‘If a man has accidentally drowned himself, you should give him artificial respiration. You should learn the technique of getting the water out of the lungs and restoring the breathing. Normal breathing may not sometimes be resumed until after a few hours. You should go on persistently applying the artificial respiration.
‘Even before that, you should know how to rescue a patient who is about to be drowned. If you do not know how to swim, you should throw a rope or a piece of cloth with the help of which the drowning man may reach the shore. Similarly, you should know what to do when a man is suffering from asphyxia.
‘Then there are cases of snake-bite, scorpion-sting, etc. You should have presence of mind. You should be able to find out whether the snake was a poisonous one or not, from the wound. If it is non-poisonous, you should be able to restore courage to the patient by gently telling him that nothing will happen to him. More cases die of shock than of any actual causes.
‘Then there are cases of poisoning. You should know what sort of emetics should be given or purgatives and antidotes. Millions of lives can be saved by timely help. Just imagine what a great help you will be to humanity.
‘You should be able to attend to features and dislocations of bones. You should always use your commonsense. If the usual ready-made material is not available, you should rapidly improvise a splint by cutting pieces of thick card-board, etc.
‘In the case of broken arteries or veins, you should know that bleeding from arteries will be in jerks and the blood will be of red colour and can be stopped by applying a bandage between the place and the heart.
Bleeding from the veins will be of dark hue and will simply ooze out. If the bleeding is not immediately stopped, the patient will have a collapse very soon. You should know how to apply the triangular bandage.
‘In the case of cuts and wounds you should know how to bandage them. You should know the use of tincture benzoine: this acts as a plaster on the wounds when applied over some cotton-padding. If the plaster gets stuck up, you should use spirit to remove it. You should also be able to treat cases of burnt or blistered skin, scratches, abrasion, etc.
‘You should be ever prepared to rush to the aid of persons injured by accidents— car accident or tonga accident.
‘You should know the methods of removing foreign matter which might have gotten into the ear, the nose or the eyes.
‘Lastly, you should be able to treat cases of fatigue, fainting, shock and other forms of sudden collapse. In all these cases if proper First Aid treatment is rendered in time, the patient has every chance to revive. If this treatment is neglected, then the patient’s condition gets worse.
‘You will by now have realised how very useful this science is. Every Sadhaka should have a thorough knowledge of First Aid, and some working knowledge of medicines, of household remedies, of hygiene and sanitation. He will not only help himself but help others and thus purify himself for the reception of divine light.’
PRAYER FOR SELF IN OTHERS
At the close of the morning University class, Siva announced that the entire class will repeat the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for the health and long life of Dr. Hetram Agarwal and family.
‘You may ask: why should we pray for the health and long life of other people, when we ourselves are trying to say that this world is a long dream, that the body and the other Koshas are imaginary coverings over the Eternal Atman which alone IS. These questions arise out of mere intellectual perversity. If it is, of course, your aim to become Jivanmukthas now and here, and after shuffling off this body to become Videhamukthas and even then, so long as you are in this relative plane and not ever merged in the Absolute, you should also take into consideration the relative reality of this world. The world exists as an illusion. In this illusory play you have to act your part efficiently and well, according to Dharma.
‘Secondly, as the Lord has said in the third chapter of the Gita, there is mutual dependence between the Devas and the men. When the Devas are pleased, they help men who in their turn offer Yajnas to the Devas.
Similarly in the world, too. You cannot isolate yourself from the world, altogether: you cannot sit idly and expect to be looked after by the world. If you rise above all care for the body, then you can afford to ignore the world. Not till then. If you serve the people, the people will look after you. Therefore, from this point of view also, such prayer is essential.
‘Thirdly, your aim is to realise that the same Atman, the same Satchidananda Brahman pervades the entire creation and is beyond that also. Sadhana should be a continuous process of expansion of the heart. When you pray for others, feel that you are praying for your own Self in them. By continuously dwelling on this Truth, you will soon realise the All-Pervading Self.’
ASHRAMS: INDISPENSABLE NEED
The First Aid class in the morning gave rise to a discussion after the class was over. Siva wanted that an examination should also be held in due course to qualify students for a Seva Yoga Certificate to be issued by the Forest University.
‘Everyone who comes here should be put through a rapid First Aid training. Even if he goes away later on, he will prove a real aspirant wherever he may be and his knowledge of First Aid will be of great help to himself and to humanity at large.
‘Why, everything that the Lord has provided in this Ashram has a great significance in a Sadhak’s life. The library, the temple, the Bhajan Hall, the dispensary, the office and lastly the dense forest behind: all these put together constitute the best locality for practising intense Sadhana. You can render service at the dispensary: you can do some work in the office and the kitchen: you can do Akhanda Kirtan: you can worship in the temple: you can study in the library and then when you feel like it, you can seclude yourself in the jungle.’
‘Whatever you need you get here. You have been placed above wants by the Lord Himself. Elsewhere, you will have to suffer for want of proper food and creature comforts. If you wish to read a book, you will have to hunt for it in many libraries. Here the Society will order the book for you. Elsewhere, if you need a langotee, you will have to run round a dozen rich men. Even then they will say: ‘You are a Sadhu: why do you need a langotee? Those days are gone when the kings themselves used to look after Sanyasins. Now everywhere materialism has spread. It is a very bad time for Sanyasins and Sadhus. But, God will help them. Parivrajak life is not good nowadays. As the Sadhu will be woefully neglected, he will have always to be thinking of food, clothing and other necessities of life. There should be established Ashrams all over the country where renunciates can live and evolve.
‘Occasionally Sadhaks may go out on Parivrajak life. They should not be prevented by public institutions or Government from doing so. But, the Government may insist on their having with them an identity card from a recognised spiritual leader. Thus, the ancient order will be protected: and no one will have any misgivings about the wandering Sadhu.’
AWAKENING OF KUNDALINI
Siva had paid a visit to Sri S.’s room after the class was over in the morning. S. was still in bed fast asleep.
Siva’s Pranava Dhwani woke him up. Later in the day, Siva remarked:
‘S.! I think your Kundalini needs awakening by a new and special kind of Tadana Kriya! I should take a small stick and give a few good Tadanas so that the Shakti in you may get awakened. You are so young, and yet, so lazy. I have requested you so often to attend the class. You never care to listen. Even though you are in the next room, you do not attend the Kirtan in the office. You are slowly becoming a Thahappan Swami I think.’ (Thahappan Swami is a humorous way of saying ‘an undisciplined and disobedient disciple.’)
And, then turning to us, Siva said: ‘there are various methods of awakening Kundalini: through Hatha Yogic Kriyas, through Pranayama, through Vichar, through Guru’s grace, through devotion, through selfless service, etc. There is a special Shakti Sanchara Kriya, a Tadana Kriya. This method of Tadana has a special value. My Tadana Kriya is an entirely new method. It consists of taking a good stick and giving a few mild canings. Then Kundalini will get awakened and the aspirant will be brisk.’
RECIPE FOR PEACE
Chidanandaji was coming down after night Kirtan, along with Siva. Siva noticed this unusual feature and enquired of the reason.
‘Nowadays, Swamiji, I am taking my bed down.’
This is after he took over as the General Secretary of the Society.
‘Why?’
‘Much of the misunderstanding and ill-will among people has its origin in the kitchen, Swamiji. I spend most of my time in or near the kitchen nowadays so as to be on the spot to smoothen out matters.’
This moved the all-compassionate Siva. ‘No, no, Chidanandaji, do not worry yourself over these things. Kitchen is a tiresome business. You will waste all your precious energies on silly things. No, no: do not come down. Just supervise the work for a few minutes daily. You should go on with your meditation, study and other things. I myself have experience of the kitchen-politics. But I am indifferent. God’s will be done. If He wants, then people will remain here; otherwise, not.’
‘I am always peaceful. Because, I am prepared for anything. If all people go away, I will take my Bhiksha in the Kshetra or in some houses here and remain in a Kutir. I will serve the few sick patients that come to me.
If some devotee would like to print, I will give him some of my writings. Best of the time will be my own. If just two or three hundred rupees come every month, then I will keep a few hard-working Sadhaks and run the show on a small scale. If lakhs and crores come, then I am prepared to expand the work to any magnitude. I am prepared for anything. So, I am always peaceful. You should also be indifferent to these things. From tomorrow remain in your Kutir and just supervise the work. Do not bother yourself always about finance and kitchen.’
Peace and courage have their origin in renunciation.
GO YE! AND SIN NO MORE!
As we were coming down after night Satsang, a discussion arose about discipline and Sanyas. Chidanandaji quoted several instances of Sanyasins quarrelling with their own Gurus or with others.
‘Sanyas is not an easy thing,’ said Siva. ‘I think in Sanyas-life, too, we shall see all the Lilas that characterise worldly life: fights and quarrels, jealousy and hatred, passion and greed. Many Sanyasins have gone back to household life after they had embraced Sanyasa. They had all taken Sanyasa perhaps before they were fit for it. Some of them have again come back to a life of renunciation and thenceforward have been very good Sadhus. Sri K. who started the Satyasevashram was one such. Evil is there inside: man has got to be vigilant and to exert always to annihilate it. Sometimes this evil overpowers him: he goes astray. Then he wakes up again and comes back to the proper path. It is all His Maya. We should not condemn anything. The moment the Sadhu who is a Yoga-Bhrashta comes back to the proper path, the Lord takes him back with open arms and leads him on the right path. Only he should not relapse into evil ways.’
A significant point in this connection is that the above is the answer to an unasked question from me. In the afternoon, Swami Krishnanandaji and myself were discussing these very problems or this very problem and were unable to arrive at a proper conclusion. It was of no great moment: so I did not broach the matter before Siva: but, the answer has come all the same.
22nd January, 1949
TYPEWRITERS IN THE JUNGLE
The Commissioner of Paori has come with Sri Gauri Prasadji and the Mahant of Swarg Ashram.
After bowing to Siva, he occupied the chair opposite. Siva at once called Vishnuji and Padmanabhan. One brought fruits and the other brought books for presentation. Ever-ready to serve.
Within a few minutes, the visitors had their Prasad, for their body and soul. Siva asked them while handing over the Asan-chart: ‘Will you practise them?’
‘Sure: yes, Swamiji. I shall try.’
Then a few minutes later the Commissioner turned towards the office. He was astonished.
‘This is your office?’
Judge Saheb explained: ‘Yes, it is Swamiji’s office. You see it is here that the innumerable books, magazines, pamphlets and leaflets, and letters are produced. Swamiji has flooded the world with spiritual literature.’
30th January, 1949
THAT LOOPHOLE
Siva is not a revolutionary. He understands that perfection is not attained in a day. He does not want anyone to break his habits all of a sudden. He does not advise anyone to jump from luxury into Virakti.
He is an evolutionary. He would not allow one Sadhaka to go on repeating from day to day the same old acts, without even TRYING to alter his attitude towards life and striving to change his habits.
Early in the morning before even coming into the office, Siva entered the bath-room. He found a few younger Sadhaks waiting for hot water for bath, along with more aged inmates.
Just a mere smile, an ‘OM Namo Narayanaya’ and ‘You are also taking bath in hot water?’ indicated to the young Sadhaka that a good invigorating and healthy plunge in the Ganges was indicated. A short sermon!
FEBRUARY, 1949
6th February, 1949
MRS. CHAKRAVARTHY PASSES INTO SIVA
The bell goes, announcing that the midday meal is ready. With Kirtan and Santi Patha the office work is closed down for the morning. Siva followed us to the dining hall.
‘All of you should sing the Maha Mantra today for fifteen minutes before food is served. Today Sri Rajani Mohan Chakravarthy is performing the Sraddha of his departed wife: let us all pray for the peace of the departed soul.’
This was done.
What a beautiful soul. Sri Rajani Babu is a great devotee of Siva: and his wife was indeed a thrice-blessed lady. Just see what he has written to Siva about the lady’s last hour:
‘At about 4.50 a.m. I was alone sitting at her head and praying. I had a vision of your good self (Swami Sivananda) appearing before me and I placed her at your feet and then she peacefully passed away. So I know that you have given her shelter in thy lotus feet. I am satisfied.’
In Brahmamuhurtha with her husband at her bedside and the visible divine presence of Siva, the lady merges herself in Siva, becomes one with her Guru. What more can blessedness be?
What is the attitude of the husband?
‘I think it is the will of the Lord to free me from worldly attachments, so that I may devote more time to His service. You know best. I am resigned to thy will.’
To a man of such self-surrender belongs Siva’s infinite grace, the grace that ennobles, divinises and bestows immortality. Glory to Siva. Glory to Rajani Babu.
9th February, 1949
THE ADEPT’S DIAGNOSIS
Vishnuji’s eyes were red. Siva noticed this the moment he came into the office, in the afternoon.
‘Oh, Vishnuswamiji, why are your eyes red?’
Vishnuji was silent.
‘Ohji, don’t do Tratak too much.’ Siva said. ‘It is due to an overdose of Tratak, is it not?’
‘Yes, Swamiji.’
‘Be moderate. There is no fun in overdoing these exercises and spoiling the eyes. Apply boric lotion to the eyes.’
11th February, 1949
ALERT AND APPRECIATIVE
On his way to the office, Siva peeped into the Ayurvedic Pharmacy. Master Satchidanandaji, an expert Ayurved Acharya, was busy in the preparation of Chyavanaprash. Siva personally examined the progress of the preparation, the materials kept for the Chyavanaprash, the vessels, etc. and satisfied himself that they were all hygienic and good. He remarked to a senior disciple standing near him:
‘Satchidanandaji is an expert: and he puts all his heart and soul into the work. His are the best preparations of Ayurvedic medicine. Many have expressed their great appreciation of the quality of the medicine.
Hundreds have already written to say that they found immediate relief from the use of these preparations.’
‘I know all this. And, we should pay a visit to this department once in a way. We should check the stock and verify the accounts. Satchidanandaji is ever so busy with his work: a pilferer as a servant could well make a fortune here. If we neglect this, then we shall indirectly be encouraging these pilferings.’
‘Moreover, when some of us come here occasionally and say kind and encouraging words to Satchidanandaji and others here, they will be greatly enthused and will work more vigorously. They will not feel neglected.’
Siva left the A.P. after doing Kirtan of Lord Dhanwantari and the Aswini Devatas.
Satchidanandaji’s joy knew no bounds.
BEWARE OF UNFULFILLED DESIRES
Sivaratri is approaching. Candidates for Sanyas have slowly begun to be mentioned. There is already a list of six. In that connection Venkatachala Madi’s name was proposed. Quickly Siva remarked:
‘Not yet. He does not know what it is to suffer from indigestion after overeating laddus. Let him wait.’
Words of wisdom, these. If a man who has many worldly desires and yet embraces the holy order of Sanyas without having had a chance of fulfilling them, he will soon have a downfall, if he is unable to sublimate those desires. Few have the courage, the will and the capacity to sublimate desires. The others ought to think a hundred times before embracing Sanyas. Sanyas is made of much sterner stuff than people generally take it to be. Renunciation of all the pleasures of the three planes of existence—that is Sanyas. He who is not prepared for this ought not to taint the glorious order by prematurely taking the robes on.
Does Siva then mean that only old people should take Sanyas?
No: but….
OFFER HIM A FRAGRANT FLOWER
Another name was Sri Vishnuji’s and Siva readily agreed to include his name in the list.
‘Such young men of courage and bravery should come forward and embrace Sanyas. What do old men, just about to die, gain by being initiated into Sanyas? What have they to renounce? Their senses are already dead. What have they to control? Is it much too difficult for a man of seventy-five to be a Brahmachari? Should a blind man be told not to look at ladies? Of course, it is better than no Sanyas at all.’
‘That is only second-rate. The first grade Sanyasins are the young and vigorous ones like Vishnuji. They can live an active self-controlled life and show to the world the glory of renunciation. The flower must be offered to the Lord when it is full and fragrant: not when it has faded.’
UTILITARIAN GURU BHAKTI
The topic then drifted to the case of the disciples who vilify their Guru: and the point was made that unless the Sadhaka showed strong and unshakable faith in and devotion to Siva and his mission, he should not be initiated by Siva himself: for, if this man later turns out to be a black-sheep and vilifies his own Guru, the situation will be awkward. To Siva all this was foreign, and in a merely jocular vein he replied:
‘But, when this man goes to the Kshetra and the Kothari there asks for his antecedents, he would emphatically declare that he is the disciple of the great Yogi Sivananda.’ All joined in the mirth.
SIVANANDA BHAKTAS GET SPECIAL TREATMENT
Here is Sri Ramanathan of Allahabad, a very good devotee of Siva, who has tasted the nectar that flows from devotion to Siva. He writes:
‘I do not know whether you have heard of His Holiness Paramasant Dr. Chaturbuj Sahai of Etah. He seems to have great regard for your revered self. He usually comes to Allahabad on the occasion of Basant Panchami and lectures at two or three places. This year he refused all lecture engagements because he said that people simply came to the meetings but never practised what he advised them to do. He made an exception in the case of the Divine Life Society, Allahabad, as you will see from the programme enclosed.
The reason given by him for accepting this engagement was that we are all Sivananda-Bhaktas.’
A NOVEL REASON
The Principal of the Bharat Mandir High School met Siva.
‘Swamiji, I have something very interesting to tell you. I advertised a teacher’s post in the High School which has now fallen vacant. I received hundreds of applications from highly qualified candidates. Believe me: almost every application contained the plea that the applicant selects this High School for he wants to be near Swami Sivananda. It is very strange how your fame and spiritual influence have spread so far and wide and how it makes everyone eager to be near you and get your spiritual instructions in person.’
Siva conveniently smiled away the remarks and said: ‘It is all His grace.’
THE GREATEST UNIVERSITY IN THE WORLD
A visitor was attracted by the signboard ‘Yoga-Vedanta Forest University’.* He attended one of its morning classes. He approached Siva thoughtfully and asked: ‘Swamiji, you have called this a University. But, I see very few students here.’
* The University has been re-named Yoga-Vedanta Forest Academy since 1958.
Siva at once understood the visitor’s difficulty. ‘This is not a University like the others in the world. People are not trained here to become clerks, advocates and scientists. Humanity has nowadays so demeaned itself that people everywhere want only sense-pleasures: they have no idea of Yoga and Vedanta, or the Supreme Bliss that they will enjoy out of Atma Jnana. In such a topsy-turvy world it is a great thing to have even one good Sadhaka bent on renouncing worldly pleasures and striving to attain the goal of life—God-realisation—through the practice of Yoga. That there are even a dozen students earnestly endeavouring to realise the Truth in the Yoga-Vedanta Forest University is a great achievement: that qualifies the University to be called the greatest university in the world.’
‘You are perfectly right, Swamiji. How can we apply the worldly measure to spiritual things?’
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