Inspiring Talks of Gurudev Sivananda
9th June, 1949
YOUTH: TAKE NOTE!
A letter has been received from Sri N. Subramanian Unni of Srivandrum. Sri Unni says:
‘My prostrations at thine feet. Having come to know of the Divine Life Society and Swamiji Maharaj, through the local branch of the D.L. Society, I feel myself blessed from that moment and I hope to be lifted up from the ocean of Samsara by Swamiji Maharaj. My eyes are now opened and I realise how I have practically wasted my 64 years of life. I am now very anxious to turn a new leaf and taking refuge at thy feet hope to be saved and taken to the goal in this very birth itself.’
After reading this letter aloud, Siva remarked:
‘This is a very sincere man. Look at the genuine repentance he has given expression to in the letter. Even this does not happen to most of the people today who lead a sensuous life right to the grave. They waste their entire life: and it will be long time before they are granted a human birth again.
‘Wiser is the man who perceives the dangers of old age, death and transmigration while his senses are vigorous and he enjoys the bloom of youth. Repentance in old age does not take one very far. It is better, therefore, that youth is trained to look at life from the right angle and to take note of the fleeting nature of the pleasures of youth. One should take to the spiritual path while one is young. He is a Dheera. He will attain Jivanmukti if he follows the precepts of his Guru and applies himself, heart and soul to his Sadhana. And in youth, this steady and tenacious application to Sadhana is easy.’
Incidentally, look at the marvellous work that some of the Society’s branches are doing. They are the rays of this resplendent Sun of Wisdom—Siva—and wherever they are they dispel the gloom of ignorance and open peoples’ eyes.
LISTEN: ENJOY: LEARN!
No strained silence, nor a stiff posture; not an awe-inspiring presence, but a love-inspiring smile.
Not a dreary discourse, but sweet music spiced with humour. Who will not like to learn at Siva’s feet?
The Secretary of the Notified Area Committee had come with some of his friends—a doctor, a professor, etc.; tea served. And, Siva took up a copy of his ‘Vedanta Jyoti’ and began to sing in his thrilling voice a few poems here and there. Over a cup of tea they listened.
There is none of the artificial atmosphere that prevails elsewhere on such occasions. This nerve-racking business is not suited to the modern man. The student sits on a chair, on a level with the Master. He is enabled to feel that he is the Master’s equal: the Bhava that Lord Krishna encouraged in Arjuna and Uddhava. In this familiar pose, the heart and the mind of the student is wide open. There are no reservations. No formalities. The lesson goes right in and digs itself into the very inmost cavity of the heart.
A song containing very serious philosophy, some important item of Sadhana…. the student listens, all attention and serene. It is not continued; for again, the student will lose the lively-interest and will get moody. At once, a humorous poem is taken up. The student roars with laughter. In that merry moment, the lesson slips in.
At the end of this most novel discourse, the Master presents a copy of the book to the student; and he promises to read it again and again.
Dr. B.L. Atreya, Head of the Department of Philosophy in the Banaras Hindu University, had come day before yesterday; and he, too, liked this discourse immensely.
10th June, 1949
DOCTOR WANTS MOKSHA
An aged doctor was conversing with Siva in the office. His problem was: ‘How to attain Moksha?’
‘Moksha for a doctor is very easy,’ said Siva, and the doctor was amazed at this bold assurance. ‘Renounce the desire to earn wealth. Desist from accepting money from poor patients. Never extract money from anyone. Have the pure motive of serving the Lord in the sick and the suffering. Reflect. Meditate. Find out the defects in the mind. Root out the subtle hankerings after pleasure: for they goad you to place this service on a mercenary basis.
‘You can do this Seva more effectively if you renounce the world and join some good religious institution. Start a dispensary or a hospital as a part of this institution and begin serving the poor and the suffering. Always have Narayana-Bhav. Greet every patient as Lord Narayana Himself come to give you an opportunity to purify the heart.
Take genuine interest in the patient’s recovery. After the service is over, say: ‘Brahmarpanamastu’, and dedicate the action and their fruits to the Lord as your worship. You will attain Moksha very quickly.’
The doctor bowed in great reverence, determined to put every bit of Siva’s instructions into practice.
Oh, Doctors! Read Siva’s biographies. He was also a doctor, much as you are today. Find out for yourself through a deep study of his life what the features were that distinguished him from you all and opened out for him the gateway to God-realisation. Follow him; and attain the blissful pinnacle of glory where he stands today.
11th June, 1949
FOR THE GODS TO HEAR
Evening Satsang today was held on the verandah of Ramashram Library. Siva began the Kirtan in his own characteristic way: with Ganesha, Saraswati and Guru Dhwanis. Then some of Siva’s disciples sang choice Dhwanis.
Later, the Vairagis followed with their various musical instruments…. then, the ladies.
Everyone was athirst for more and more from Siva himself. Many Kirtans flowed like sweet nectar from Siva’s lips. When he began ‘Jaya Siya Ram Jaya Jaya Siya Ram’, the Vairagis automatically began to sound their cymbals and beat the drum. Quickly Siva stopped them with the remark: ‘Please don’t beat the drum now. My Kirtan is a simple one:
like the simple kitchadie.’ (Kitchadie is a North Indian preparation of rice, dhall and vegetables, - a simple but highly energising food.)
Siva’s Kirtan is of the Dhyana type. Siva always emphasises that the Sadhaka should merge himself in the Lord within while he does Kirtan, and musical instruments are often a hindrance to it, as they distract the mind towards them. Nevertheless, Siva does recognise the utility of these instruments for certain temperaments of devotees and on certain occasions (like Akhanda Kirtan continued throughout the night.)
Then Siva led the chanting in chorus of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, with the preface: ‘Today is the birthday of Devender, son of Lala Baij Nathji. Let us, therefore, repeat the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for the health and long life of the boy. This Mantra is truly a Mantra-raja: it bestows on us health, long life and prosperity, and also Moksha in the end. It is a very powerful Mantra. It drives away death, disease and misfortunes. When you repeat the mantra mentally pray to the Almighty, ‘May Devender be blessed with health and long life! May your blessings be showered on him, on the entire family, on us all and on the whole world.’
Mark Siva’s attitude. Man prays for himself; saints pray for all. He himself is included in the ‘all’; and, at the same time, the Bhavana enables him to realise that he is the All. Such prayer has a miraculous effect: it achieves the dual-purpose instantly.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra was followed by Samashti-Kirtan of ‘Sita Ram Ram Ram’, ‘Jaya Jaya Radhe Govind’, Vittala Vittala Jaya Jaya Vittala’, and Rama Nama Jaya Kirtan.
Then Siva said: ‘I will now say LONG LIVE. You will all respond with DEVENDER in the loudest tone possible so that the sound will be heard throughout the fourteen worlds, so that all the gods of the universe might hear and obey!
The entire audience obeyed!
The grateful parents and the boy himself joyfully touched the lotus feet of Siva with the crown of their head.
13th June, 1949
JIVA AND ISHWARA, BOTH ARE ILLUSORY
‘Here is a patient who suffers from blood-poisoning: the virus of a pseudo-Guru has entered his blood!’ Siva handed a letter from a good devotee of the Lord, very fond of doing Japa, and of other devotional practices.
He had fallen a victim to the preachings of the modern pseudo-Gurus. He is bewildered because some preacher has told him that the Ishwara whom he is worshipping is also an illusory object, a product of delusion.
Yet, the sincerity of the Sadhaka is to be admired, for at once he writes to Siva for final clarification. He has a taste for Japa and cannot give it up.
‘Jiva and Ishwara may both be within the pale of Maya. But, Ishwara is Suddha Satwa. The entire creation is within Him. He pervades all the universe. He is verily Brahman Himself! They are deluded who speak of Ishwara in derisive terms and who decry worship of Ishwara. What is more: Ishwara can give Krama-Mukti. A worshipper of the Form of the Lord attains Sayujya with that Form and eventually attains liberation. The mind will not all at once be able to grasp the Formless. It needs a prop in the beginning. Therefore, worship of a Form and repetition of the Name are most essential. Later on that Ishwara Himself will lead the aspirant to the meditation on the Formless Absolute.
What can Ishwara not do? This pseudo-Guru thinks that Ishwara, too, is in ignorance even as he himself is. What a pity! Aspirants should beware of such pseudo-Gurus and avoid them as they would avoid venomous cobras.’
14th June, 1949
GLORY OF SIVA’S PROXIMITY
Swarg Ashram Vaidji, living on the top floor of the same building in which Siva lives, has passed away. He had a virulent attack of smallpox which took his life. The passing away was peaceful. A householder’s body is generally cremated. But this noble soul had his consigned to Mother Ganga in the fashion of Sanyasins. What a great honour.
No other form of end would have earned him this merit. Surely, in his case, the smallpox was a blessing in disguise. People dying in distant parts of the country are blessed by their ashes being immersed in Ganga. Vaidji, however, had his body itself consigned to the holy river. No wonder: he had lived in close proximity to Siva’s lotus feet for the past nearly 15 years. He led the life of a householder: yet, the very act of living near such an illumined soul earned for him at the last moment the honour of a Sanyasin’s end.
THE GREAT MYSTERY
As we bowed to Siva on his entering the office in the morning, he asked: ‘Did you know about Vaidji’s departure?’
‘Yes, Swamiji: the vaccinator will be here just now, Swamiji. It is better for Swamiji also to get himself vaccinated.’
‘Oh, no. It won’t come.’
‘Swamiji, it seems that Vaidji treated a smallpox patient recently. He must have caught the infection then.’
‘That is only a Nimitta. Why did it not spread to others also? It had to be like that. How did I have scabies? When a man has a sudden attack of typhoid, how do you account for it? These infections spreading, etc., are only Nimittas. The truth about it is a great mystery.’
Gahanaa karmano gatih
Siva himself once carried a smallpox patient on his own shoulders to the hospital. A cholera patient’s bedside was Siva’s abode for some time during the Swarg Ashram days of the sage. Even now nothing could prevail on him to shift his abode for even a temporary period from his Kutir which was directly below the smallpox patient’s residence.
Why, we could not persuade him to take his daily bath in the Viswanath Ghat, a little ahead of the place near his Kutir, near which the patient’s clothes were daily washed by his family. ‘Abhayam’ is the saint’s nature. He has conquered death. Even the dissolution of his body depends on his own will.
LEPROSY TO VEDANTA
Sri B. Ganguly, Leprosy Relief Office of the U.P., and Sri B.M. Nautiyal, Medical Office of Health in the Tehri State, have both come to Siva to seek his help in connection with the leprosy relief work that they wish to undertake in Rishikesh. G. was struggling to express the inexpressible feeling of gratitude that filled his heart for the spontaneous and deep interest Siva had taken by personally visiting the leper colony, collecting detailed statistics and forwarding them to him, the Tehri Health Minister, Rev. Taylor, etc.
‘To tell you the truth, Swamiji, last time we came here it was just because Dr. Gairola asked us to see you, and I, too, had a soft corner for Sanyasins in general. But I was overwhelmed by the spirit of cooperation and ready assistance that I saw in you. You have rendered to me and to the nation at large more help in this work than I could dream of. And, I shall not forget that it was in addition to the multifarious activities you are carrying on here.’
Then the official discussion started. Siva appreciated the government’s scheme and himself suggested several sites for the proposed construction of a pucca government colony for leprosy patients.
Then Siva entertained them to tea.
‘Here is some good food for you both,’ said Siva: and the doctors turned towards Siva. At once Siva began to sing for them several poems from his ‘Vedanta Jyoti’. The doctors like these poems so much that they, too, were inspired to use medical-metaphors for Vedantic thoughts.
‘Swamiji, we can to seek your help in connection with the leprosy relief scheme. But, it looks as though you will infect us with this Vedantic virus.’
The other doctor remarked: ‘Every pore of Swamiji’s body is constantly emitting powerful Vedantic-bacteria which at once attack anyone who comes near him, however robust in health he might be.’
When Siva mentioned to Dr. Ganguly that one J.C. Chatterjee, a Professor of Philosophy, intended to settle down in Swarg Ashram, and asked if G. had known him or studied his works, the doctor humbly put in that since his life mostly centred around villages and as his work took away most of his time, he did not have much time to read books and keep himself abreast of the times.
15th June, 1949
DELAYED ACTION ‘BOMBS’
These bombs will not explode immediately when they come into contact with the earth, but would wait and explode at a later hour, when the people least expect it.
Siva also uses, in his ceaseless battle with the forces of Ajnana, all the modern devices to carry the battle to a successful termination. For instance, when the news of the atomic bomb was brought to him, he at once invented his Atmic Bomb of infinitely greater power. ‘An atomic bomb can only destroy a city: but the Atmic Bomb will destroy the three worlds, it will pull down the citadel of ignorance,’ he wrote.
Similarly, he has the delayed action bomb also. Read the letter reproduced below:
Sri Swamiji Maharaj,
I had been to Ananda Kutir in May, 1947 and had the good luck of your Darshan and some Prasad. At that time I got your book ‘Yoga in Daily Life’. Soon after I was transferred from Rishikesh and then, somehow or other, I could not go through the book. Now I have studied it thoroughly and am very much impressed by its teachings. I now desire to have a deeper knowledge of the subject.
There is some indication of a correspondence course in one of the letters published in the said book. Please let me know all about it.
Please also tell me as to how I can become a member of the Divine Life Society. In my heart of hearts I have acknowledged your pious self as my honoured Guru. I hope you will kindly favour me with your valuable advice at this moment as also in the future.
—Dr. T.N. Mathur
The above letter is an effective answer to some people who criticise Siva that he indiscriminately preaches, throws away his books into the hands of unworthy persons, and indiscriminately initiates young men into Sanyas. This betrays only impudence. Siva’s knowledge is cosmic. We are short-sighted. His vision pierces the veil of time and the most distant future is the Present to him. You and I cannot even appraise the present! Bow to the dust of his feet. Follow him. Raise not a word against him.
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
To Siva, every name, every address—wherever he finds it—is all-important. Behind every name there is the Nameless. Every name is in delusion waiting to be awakened to its Nameless Swaroopa. As has been hinted at elsewhere in this volume, Siva’s address book is his treasure. Read this letter received today:
Revered Swamiji,
Yesterday I received the autographed copies of your books. The gift was extremely unexpected. That, however, adds to the sweetness of the gift and the large-hearted kindness of the donor. I pray I shall prove worthy of the present.
The world has heard about you and your teachings. I am not known to you. I wonder to what I owe this kindness from you. How did I catch your notice? Possibly it is my signature in the letter sanctioning paper for the Jubilee number of ‘The Divine Life’.
—P.V.S. Sarma
The letter beautifully takes you on the horns of the dilemma on which the writer sits bewildered. Have you ever found yourself in such a condition of mind? It is an oppressing joy, a blissful misery, and a thrilling depression.
The man feels like bursting into tears of joy.
This I call Siva’s magic. Quietly, a couple of books slip through his hands. The postman delivers them to the addressee. We cannot fathom the mind of the sender. But we see evidence of the intensity of the sender’s Sankalpa when we come to the receiver. His very heart is stirred. He at once finds himself in an entirely different realm altogether. That is what they call the Spiritual Touch that Awakens.
22nd June, 1949
DR. J.C. CHATTERJEE
Dr. J.C. Chatterjee, a learned professor of philosophy, who had for several years made America his home preaching philosophy there, has come to have Siva’s Darshan. After the preliminary greetings Siva had the Museum shown and explained to the doctor. C. greatly admired the Museum. He came back to the office. Siva whispered into a Sadhak’s ear: ‘coffee’. The old man caught the idea! ‘No, no. Don’t bother now.’
‘It is all right, Maharaj: just give me this last chance, please!....’
‘All right, all right,’ smiled the 78-year-old professor: ‘You are an incorrigible!’ Such a compelling hospitality the professor had enjoyed during his previous visit to the Ashram, too.
Coffee was brought. Along with it a couple of sweet-dishes, biscuits and fruits.
‘What a dinner you are giving me! All right, since you have said that it is your last chance.’
‘Last chance? Yes: I meant last chance for the day!’
Side-splitting laughter among all those assembled: and in uncontrollable mirth the old man even spilt a little coffee.
‘I do not know how you have been able to do so much work. You have truly done a tremendous lot of work. The innumerable books….the Ashram….the Mandir. Really marvellous. I have been wanting to go round the Ashram since I came here last: but something or other has always stood in the way. My admiration has considerably grown now that I have actually seen the fruits of your stupendous endeavours.’
‘No, no, no. I have done nothing,’ said Siva and became silent.
Siva has described himself as a Mahabhogi, Mahayogi and Mahatyagi. To do such a lot of work which has earned the appreciation of countless leaders in the world and which has raised countless children of the Lord to heights undreamt of by them, and then to proclaim: ‘I have done nothing’, is an astounding feat which is possible only for the Mahatyagi strictly adhering to the precepts of Lord Krishna in the Gita.
What has an uneducated, imbecile and worthless man to renounce? And, is it not ironical if he repeats parrot-like:
‘I am Akarta, Abhokta’? A Sadhu enters Rishikesh 25 years ago with nothing but a multi-pieced rag: serves everyone he comes across without any selfish motive whatsoever: shuts himself up in his room for days together living on dry bread and water—if he rises to world eminence, sits on the summit of a sky-scraper, every brick of which was laid by him with the sweat of his brow, and says: ‘I have done nothing,’….know that such a person is the Living Bhagavad Gita and the Living Vedanta.
Coming down to business, C. said: ‘Swamiji: I want your help. We must conquer Russia, for Communism today threatens to wipe out all noble culture from the East. You alone can help.’
‘Why: even though you say you are aged, I see in you the spirit of youth. You have already conquered America. Russia is child’s play for you. You are J.C. Chatterjee, aren’t you? Jesus Christ Chatterjee! What! And, make your conquests!’
The Doctor was completely taken aback by this remark, and said: ‘Swamiji, how do you know that? I used to initial some papers in America J.C.C. and say that they signified ‘Jesus Christ Come’. How strange that you should have said the very same thing.’
Small wonder. What can be hidden from one in whom the rivers Past and Future have drained themselves out in the ocean of the Eternal Present, and in whom the walls that separate ‘here’ and ‘there’ have been pulled down revealing at one glance the All?
The Doctor continued: ‘You are specially suited to the work of capturing Russia, for you are a very powerful magnet that has attracted these iron-filings of young fellows. I see bright, very hard-working, brilliant young men.’….(He turned round and saw that one or two of us were watching.)…. ‘No, no. I should not say that in their hearing. Young man! What I am telling Swamiji is not for your ears. You are all very wicked young men with no brains at all!’....(and added in a low tone to Siva)…. ‘Otherwise, these young fellow will get puffed up with pride. Now, as I said, you—with these young disciples—are the only fit person to conquer Russia.’
‘When you start the University here, Doctor Saheb, you will get plenty of young men of talents. I am your grandson. I will always be ready to serve you. I have only a few geniuses here.
Omkaranandaji….that is a brilliant poet. He is my right hand. He is very young, but a real genius. He is a journalist, a brilliant writer, and a fluent orator, too. This young man, too, is a very good writer. He renounced a high position in the government of India. Swami Chidanandaji, who explained the Museum to you, is another eminent writer and lecturer. He is a saintly person with a magnanimous, kind and generous heart….’ and so on, Siva went on describing his disciples to the Doctor.
Do you see the difference? The human being sees human beings in others susceptible to all human weaknesses e.g., pride egoism, etc. The Doctor is a great man, but a human being. Not so, with Siva. He is divine. Only divine virtues are apparent to him. He sees divinity in all. He rejoices in glorifying others. What a spirit he thus infuses in everyone: and how miraculously his words awaken the hidden powers in the young folks!
The Doctor was about to leave. He had collected all the biographies written by various scholars and Yogis on the life of Siva.
‘I do not know what to say of you. Your name itself has a great significance. But, I would slightly alter it and say you are ‘Seva’nanda, because you take such a great joy in serving others. You are a great magnet, too. Magnet-Sevananda.’
9th June, 1949
YOUTH: TAKE NOTE!
A letter has been received from Sri N. Subramanian Unni of Srivandrum. Sri Unni says:
‘My prostrations at thine feet. Having come to know of the Divine Life Society and Swamiji Maharaj, through the local branch of the D.L. Society, I feel myself blessed from that moment and I hope to be lifted up from the ocean of Samsara by Swamiji Maharaj. My eyes are now opened and I realise how I have practically wasted my 64 years of life. I am now very anxious to turn a new leaf and taking refuge at thy feet hope to be saved and taken to the goal in this very birth itself.’
After reading this letter aloud, Siva remarked:
‘This is a very sincere man. Look at the genuine repentance he has given expression to in the letter. Even this does not happen to most of the people today who lead a sensuous life right to the grave. They waste their entire life: and it will be long time before they are granted a human birth again.
‘Wiser is the man who perceives the dangers of old age, death and transmigration while his senses are vigorous and he enjoys the bloom of youth. Repentance in old age does not take one very far. It is better, therefore, that youth is trained to look at life from the right angle and to take note of the fleeting nature of the pleasures of youth. One should take to the spiritual path while one is young. He is a Dheera. He will attain Jivanmukti if he follows the precepts of his Guru and applies himself, heart and soul to his Sadhana. And in youth, this steady and tenacious application to Sadhana is easy.’
Incidentally, look at the marvellous work that some of the Society’s branches are doing. They are the rays of this resplendent Sun of Wisdom—Siva—and wherever they are they dispel the gloom of ignorance and open peoples’ eyes.
LISTEN: ENJOY: LEARN!
No strained silence, nor a stiff posture; not an awe-inspiring presence, but a love-inspiring smile.
Not a dreary discourse, but sweet music spiced with humour. Who will not like to learn at Siva’s feet?
The Secretary of the Notified Area Committee had come with some of his friends—a doctor, a professor, etc.; tea served. And, Siva took up a copy of his ‘Vedanta Jyoti’ and began to sing in his thrilling voice a few poems here and there. Over a cup of tea they listened.
There is none of the artificial atmosphere that prevails elsewhere on such occasions. This nerve-racking business is not suited to the modern man. The student sits on a chair, on a level with the Master. He is enabled to feel that he is the Master’s equal: the Bhava that Lord Krishna encouraged in Arjuna and Uddhava. In this familiar pose, the heart and the mind of the student is wide open. There are no reservations. No formalities. The lesson goes right in and digs itself into the very inmost cavity of the heart.
A song containing very serious philosophy, some important item of Sadhana…. the student listens, all attention and serene. It is not continued; for again, the student will lose the lively-interest and will get moody. At once, a humorous poem is taken up. The student roars with laughter. In that merry moment, the lesson slips in.
At the end of this most novel discourse, the Master presents a copy of the book to the student; and he promises to read it again and again.
Dr. B.L. Atreya, Head of the Department of Philosophy in the Banaras Hindu University, had come day before yesterday; and he, too, liked this discourse immensely.
10th June, 1949
DOCTOR WANTS MOKSHA
An aged doctor was conversing with Siva in the office. His problem was: ‘How to attain Moksha?’
‘Moksha for a doctor is very easy,’ said Siva, and the doctor was amazed at this bold assurance. ‘Renounce the desire to earn wealth. Desist from accepting money from poor patients. Never extract money from anyone. Have the pure motive of serving the Lord in the sick and the suffering. Reflect. Meditate. Find out the defects in the mind. Root out the subtle hankerings after pleasure: for they goad you to place this service on a mercenary basis.
‘You can do this Seva more effectively if you renounce the world and join some good religious institution. Start a dispensary or a hospital as a part of this institution and begin serving the poor and the suffering. Always have Narayana-Bhav. Greet every patient as Lord Narayana Himself come to give you an opportunity to purify the heart.
Take genuine interest in the patient’s recovery. After the service is over, say: ‘Brahmarpanamastu’, and dedicate the action and their fruits to the Lord as your worship. You will attain Moksha very quickly.’
The doctor bowed in great reverence, determined to put every bit of Siva’s instructions into practice.
Oh, Doctors! Read Siva’s biographies. He was also a doctor, much as you are today. Find out for yourself through a deep study of his life what the features were that distinguished him from you all and opened out for him the gateway to God-realisation. Follow him; and attain the blissful pinnacle of glory where he stands today.
11th June, 1949
FOR THE GODS TO HEAR
Evening Satsang today was held on the verandah of Ramashram Library. Siva began the Kirtan in his own characteristic way: with Ganesha, Saraswati and Guru Dhwanis. Then some of Siva’s disciples sang choice Dhwanis.
Later, the Vairagis followed with their various musical instruments…. then, the ladies.
Everyone was athirst for more and more from Siva himself. Many Kirtans flowed like sweet nectar from Siva’s lips. When he began ‘Jaya Siya Ram Jaya Jaya Siya Ram’, the Vairagis automatically began to sound their cymbals and beat the drum. Quickly Siva stopped them with the remark: ‘Please don’t beat the drum now. My Kirtan is a simple one:
like the simple kitchadie.’ (Kitchadie is a North Indian preparation of rice, dhall and vegetables, - a simple but highly energising food.)
Siva’s Kirtan is of the Dhyana type. Siva always emphasises that the Sadhaka should merge himself in the Lord within while he does Kirtan, and musical instruments are often a hindrance to it, as they distract the mind towards them. Nevertheless, Siva does recognise the utility of these instruments for certain temperaments of devotees and on certain occasions (like Akhanda Kirtan continued throughout the night.)
Then Siva led the chanting in chorus of the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra, with the preface: ‘Today is the birthday of Devender, son of Lala Baij Nathji. Let us, therefore, repeat the Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra for the health and long life of the boy. This Mantra is truly a Mantra-raja: it bestows on us health, long life and prosperity, and also Moksha in the end. It is a very powerful Mantra. It drives away death, disease and misfortunes. When you repeat the mantra mentally pray to the Almighty, ‘May Devender be blessed with health and long life! May your blessings be showered on him, on the entire family, on us all and on the whole world.’
Mark Siva’s attitude. Man prays for himself; saints pray for all. He himself is included in the ‘all’; and, at the same time, the Bhavana enables him to realise that he is the All. Such prayer has a miraculous effect: it achieves the dual-purpose instantly.
The Maha Mrityunjaya Mantra was followed by Samashti-Kirtan of ‘Sita Ram Ram Ram’, ‘Jaya Jaya Radhe Govind’, Vittala Vittala Jaya Jaya Vittala’, and Rama Nama Jaya Kirtan.
Then Siva said: ‘I will now say LONG LIVE. You will all respond with DEVENDER in the loudest tone possible so that the sound will be heard throughout the fourteen worlds, so that all the gods of the universe might hear and obey!
The entire audience obeyed!
The grateful parents and the boy himself joyfully touched the lotus feet of Siva with the crown of their head.
13th June, 1949
JIVA AND ISHWARA, BOTH ARE ILLUSORY
‘Here is a patient who suffers from blood-poisoning: the virus of a pseudo-Guru has entered his blood!’ Siva handed a letter from a good devotee of the Lord, very fond of doing Japa, and of other devotional practices.
He had fallen a victim to the preachings of the modern pseudo-Gurus. He is bewildered because some preacher has told him that the Ishwara whom he is worshipping is also an illusory object, a product of delusion.
Yet, the sincerity of the Sadhaka is to be admired, for at once he writes to Siva for final clarification. He has a taste for Japa and cannot give it up.
‘Jiva and Ishwara may both be within the pale of Maya. But, Ishwara is Suddha Satwa. The entire creation is within Him. He pervades all the universe. He is verily Brahman Himself! They are deluded who speak of Ishwara in derisive terms and who decry worship of Ishwara. What is more: Ishwara can give Krama-Mukti. A worshipper of the Form of the Lord attains Sayujya with that Form and eventually attains liberation. The mind will not all at once be able to grasp the Formless. It needs a prop in the beginning. Therefore, worship of a Form and repetition of the Name are most essential. Later on that Ishwara Himself will lead the aspirant to the meditation on the Formless Absolute.
What can Ishwara not do? This pseudo-Guru thinks that Ishwara, too, is in ignorance even as he himself is. What a pity! Aspirants should beware of such pseudo-Gurus and avoid them as they would avoid venomous cobras.’
14th June, 1949
GLORY OF SIVA’S PROXIMITY
Swarg Ashram Vaidji, living on the top floor of the same building in which Siva lives, has passed away. He had a virulent attack of smallpox which took his life. The passing away was peaceful. A householder’s body is generally cremated. But this noble soul had his consigned to Mother Ganga in the fashion of Sanyasins. What a great honour.
No other form of end would have earned him this merit. Surely, in his case, the smallpox was a blessing in disguise. People dying in distant parts of the country are blessed by their ashes being immersed in Ganga. Vaidji, however, had his body itself consigned to the holy river. No wonder: he had lived in close proximity to Siva’s lotus feet for the past nearly 15 years. He led the life of a householder: yet, the very act of living near such an illumined soul earned for him at the last moment the honour of a Sanyasin’s end.
THE GREAT MYSTERY
As we bowed to Siva on his entering the office in the morning, he asked: ‘Did you know about Vaidji’s departure?’
‘Yes, Swamiji: the vaccinator will be here just now, Swamiji. It is better for Swamiji also to get himself vaccinated.’
‘Oh, no. It won’t come.’
‘Swamiji, it seems that Vaidji treated a smallpox patient recently. He must have caught the infection then.’
‘That is only a Nimitta. Why did it not spread to others also? It had to be like that. How did I have scabies? When a man has a sudden attack of typhoid, how do you account for it? These infections spreading, etc., are only Nimittas. The truth about it is a great mystery.’
Gahanaa karmano gatih
Siva himself once carried a smallpox patient on his own shoulders to the hospital. A cholera patient’s bedside was Siva’s abode for some time during the Swarg Ashram days of the sage. Even now nothing could prevail on him to shift his abode for even a temporary period from his Kutir which was directly below the smallpox patient’s residence.
Why, we could not persuade him to take his daily bath in the Viswanath Ghat, a little ahead of the place near his Kutir, near which the patient’s clothes were daily washed by his family. ‘Abhayam’ is the saint’s nature. He has conquered death. Even the dissolution of his body depends on his own will.
LEPROSY TO VEDANTA
Sri B. Ganguly, Leprosy Relief Office of the U.P., and Sri B.M. Nautiyal, Medical Office of Health in the Tehri State, have both come to Siva to seek his help in connection with the leprosy relief work that they wish to undertake in Rishikesh. G. was struggling to express the inexpressible feeling of gratitude that filled his heart for the spontaneous and deep interest Siva had taken by personally visiting the leper colony, collecting detailed statistics and forwarding them to him, the Tehri Health Minister, Rev. Taylor, etc.
‘To tell you the truth, Swamiji, last time we came here it was just because Dr. Gairola asked us to see you, and I, too, had a soft corner for Sanyasins in general. But I was overwhelmed by the spirit of cooperation and ready assistance that I saw in you. You have rendered to me and to the nation at large more help in this work than I could dream of. And, I shall not forget that it was in addition to the multifarious activities you are carrying on here.’
Then the official discussion started. Siva appreciated the government’s scheme and himself suggested several sites for the proposed construction of a pucca government colony for leprosy patients.
Then Siva entertained them to tea.
‘Here is some good food for you both,’ said Siva: and the doctors turned towards Siva. At once Siva began to sing for them several poems from his ‘Vedanta Jyoti’. The doctors like these poems so much that they, too, were inspired to use medical-metaphors for Vedantic thoughts.
‘Swamiji, we can to seek your help in connection with the leprosy relief scheme. But, it looks as though you will infect us with this Vedantic virus.’
The other doctor remarked: ‘Every pore of Swamiji’s body is constantly emitting powerful Vedantic-bacteria which at once attack anyone who comes near him, however robust in health he might be.’
When Siva mentioned to Dr. Ganguly that one J.C. Chatterjee, a Professor of Philosophy, intended to settle down in Swarg Ashram, and asked if G. had known him or studied his works, the doctor humbly put in that since his life mostly centred around villages and as his work took away most of his time, he did not have much time to read books and keep himself abreast of the times.
15th June, 1949
DELAYED ACTION ‘BOMBS’
These bombs will not explode immediately when they come into contact with the earth, but would wait and explode at a later hour, when the people least expect it.
Siva also uses, in his ceaseless battle with the forces of Ajnana, all the modern devices to carry the battle to a successful termination. For instance, when the news of the atomic bomb was brought to him, he at once invented his Atmic Bomb of infinitely greater power. ‘An atomic bomb can only destroy a city: but the Atmic Bomb will destroy the three worlds, it will pull down the citadel of ignorance,’ he wrote.
Similarly, he has the delayed action bomb also. Read the letter reproduced below:
Sri Swamiji Maharaj,
I had been to Ananda Kutir in May, 1947 and had the good luck of your Darshan and some Prasad. At that time I got your book ‘Yoga in Daily Life’. Soon after I was transferred from Rishikesh and then, somehow or other, I could not go through the book. Now I have studied it thoroughly and am very much impressed by its teachings. I now desire to have a deeper knowledge of the subject.
There is some indication of a correspondence course in one of the letters published in the said book. Please let me know all about it.
Please also tell me as to how I can become a member of the Divine Life Society. In my heart of hearts I have acknowledged your pious self as my honoured Guru. I hope you will kindly favour me with your valuable advice at this moment as also in the future.
—Dr. T.N. Mathur
The above letter is an effective answer to some people who criticise Siva that he indiscriminately preaches, throws away his books into the hands of unworthy persons, and indiscriminately initiates young men into Sanyas. This betrays only impudence. Siva’s knowledge is cosmic. We are short-sighted. His vision pierces the veil of time and the most distant future is the Present to him. You and I cannot even appraise the present! Bow to the dust of his feet. Follow him. Raise not a word against him.
WHAT IS IN A NAME?
To Siva, every name, every address—wherever he finds it—is all-important. Behind every name there is the Nameless. Every name is in delusion waiting to be awakened to its Nameless Swaroopa. As has been hinted at elsewhere in this volume, Siva’s address book is his treasure. Read this letter received today:
Revered Swamiji,
Yesterday I received the autographed copies of your books. The gift was extremely unexpected. That, however, adds to the sweetness of the gift and the large-hearted kindness of the donor. I pray I shall prove worthy of the present.
The world has heard about you and your teachings. I am not known to you. I wonder to what I owe this kindness from you. How did I catch your notice? Possibly it is my signature in the letter sanctioning paper for the Jubilee number of ‘The Divine Life’.
—P.V.S. Sarma
The letter beautifully takes you on the horns of the dilemma on which the writer sits bewildered. Have you ever found yourself in such a condition of mind? It is an oppressing joy, a blissful misery, and a thrilling depression.
The man feels like bursting into tears of joy.
This I call Siva’s magic. Quietly, a couple of books slip through his hands. The postman delivers them to the addressee. We cannot fathom the mind of the sender. But we see evidence of the intensity of the sender’s Sankalpa when we come to the receiver. His very heart is stirred. He at once finds himself in an entirely different realm altogether. That is what they call the Spiritual Touch that Awakens.
22nd June, 1949
DR. J.C. CHATTERJEE
Dr. J.C. Chatterjee, a learned professor of philosophy, who had for several years made America his home preaching philosophy there, has come to have Siva’s Darshan. After the preliminary greetings Siva had the Museum shown and explained to the doctor. C. greatly admired the Museum. He came back to the office. Siva whispered into a Sadhak’s ear: ‘coffee’. The old man caught the idea! ‘No, no. Don’t bother now.’
‘It is all right, Maharaj: just give me this last chance, please!....’
‘All right, all right,’ smiled the 78-year-old professor: ‘You are an incorrigible!’ Such a compelling hospitality the professor had enjoyed during his previous visit to the Ashram, too.
Coffee was brought. Along with it a couple of sweet-dishes, biscuits and fruits.
‘What a dinner you are giving me! All right, since you have said that it is your last chance.’
‘Last chance? Yes: I meant last chance for the day!’
Side-splitting laughter among all those assembled: and in uncontrollable mirth the old man even spilt a little coffee.
‘I do not know how you have been able to do so much work. You have truly done a tremendous lot of work. The innumerable books….the Ashram….the Mandir. Really marvellous. I have been wanting to go round the Ashram since I came here last: but something or other has always stood in the way. My admiration has considerably grown now that I have actually seen the fruits of your stupendous endeavours.’
‘No, no, no. I have done nothing,’ said Siva and became silent.
Siva has described himself as a Mahabhogi, Mahayogi and Mahatyagi. To do such a lot of work which has earned the appreciation of countless leaders in the world and which has raised countless children of the Lord to heights undreamt of by them, and then to proclaim: ‘I have done nothing’, is an astounding feat which is possible only for the Mahatyagi strictly adhering to the precepts of Lord Krishna in the Gita.
What has an uneducated, imbecile and worthless man to renounce? And, is it not ironical if he repeats parrot-like:
‘I am Akarta, Abhokta’? A Sadhu enters Rishikesh 25 years ago with nothing but a multi-pieced rag: serves everyone he comes across without any selfish motive whatsoever: shuts himself up in his room for days together living on dry bread and water—if he rises to world eminence, sits on the summit of a sky-scraper, every brick of which was laid by him with the sweat of his brow, and says: ‘I have done nothing,’….know that such a person is the Living Bhagavad Gita and the Living Vedanta.
Coming down to business, C. said: ‘Swamiji: I want your help. We must conquer Russia, for Communism today threatens to wipe out all noble culture from the East. You alone can help.’
‘Why: even though you say you are aged, I see in you the spirit of youth. You have already conquered America. Russia is child’s play for you. You are J.C. Chatterjee, aren’t you? Jesus Christ Chatterjee! What! And, make your conquests!’
The Doctor was completely taken aback by this remark, and said: ‘Swamiji, how do you know that? I used to initial some papers in America J.C.C. and say that they signified ‘Jesus Christ Come’. How strange that you should have said the very same thing.’
Small wonder. What can be hidden from one in whom the rivers Past and Future have drained themselves out in the ocean of the Eternal Present, and in whom the walls that separate ‘here’ and ‘there’ have been pulled down revealing at one glance the All?
The Doctor continued: ‘You are specially suited to the work of capturing Russia, for you are a very powerful magnet that has attracted these iron-filings of young fellows. I see bright, very hard-working, brilliant young men.’….(He turned round and saw that one or two of us were watching.)…. ‘No, no. I should not say that in their hearing. Young man! What I am telling Swamiji is not for your ears. You are all very wicked young men with no brains at all!’....(and added in a low tone to Siva)…. ‘Otherwise, these young fellow will get puffed up with pride. Now, as I said, you—with these young disciples—are the only fit person to conquer Russia.’
‘When you start the University here, Doctor Saheb, you will get plenty of young men of talents. I am your grandson. I will always be ready to serve you. I have only a few geniuses here.
Omkaranandaji….that is a brilliant poet. He is my right hand. He is very young, but a real genius. He is a journalist, a brilliant writer, and a fluent orator, too. This young man, too, is a very good writer. He renounced a high position in the government of India. Swami Chidanandaji, who explained the Museum to you, is another eminent writer and lecturer. He is a saintly person with a magnanimous, kind and generous heart….’ and so on, Siva went on describing his disciples to the Doctor.
Do you see the difference? The human being sees human beings in others susceptible to all human weaknesses e.g., pride egoism, etc. The Doctor is a great man, but a human being. Not so, with Siva. He is divine. Only divine virtues are apparent to him. He sees divinity in all. He rejoices in glorifying others. What a spirit he thus infuses in everyone: and how miraculously his words awaken the hidden powers in the young folks!
The Doctor was about to leave. He had collected all the biographies written by various scholars and Yogis on the life of Siva.
‘I do not know what to say of you. Your name itself has a great significance. But, I would slightly alter it and say you are ‘Seva’nanda, because you take such a great joy in serving others. You are a great magnet, too. Magnet-Sevananda.’
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