Inspiring Talks of Gurudev Sivananda
7th September, 1949
MRS. NEHRU
Mrs. Brij Lal Nehru and Sri Goswami Ganesh Duttji actually inaugurated the Birthday celebrations this year, today itself. They arrived at the Ashram at 1 p.m. and were cordially received by Siva himself. They were entertained to tea and light refreshments by Siva. During the course of the conversation, Goswamiji told Mrs. Nehru: ‘Today is Sri Swamiji’s Jayanti also: and so it is an especially auspicious day for us to have his Darshan.’
Someone present pointed out that the Jayanti is actually tomorrow.
‘But, we have come today for his Darshan. For us, his Jayanthi is today.’
Siva had, in the meantime, autographed several of his books and handed them over to Mrs. Nehru. Overwhelmed with joy, she remarked: ‘Swamiji, your books will by themselves form a good library. You have done good Prachar.’
‘Swamiji’s is the Gita-ideal,’ said Goswamiji. ‘He works in the spirit of the Gita. And, the teachings of the Gita are embodied in him. He works unattached and without the least expectation of a reward. He has led thousands of people along the right path. He has illumined the heart of many. Wherever you go, you find his disciples.’
‘Your holiness had invited my husband to come here. Owing to several reasons, he could not come this time….’ said Mrs. Nehru.
‘Yes, yes. Kindly ask him also to pay a visit to this place at the earliest opportunity,’ said Siva.
While they stood up to take leave of Siva, Goswamiji asked Siva: ‘Please tell me some Seva that I can do to you.’
‘I ask for your blessings. That is the best Seva you can do for me.’
12th September, 1949
THE HEALING BALM
From Rameswaram comes a letter from Sri X whose daughter is in a strange plight. Indecision is the main complaint. She refuses to marry the boy chosen by her parents; but later regrets. She has an unknown dread for marriage. She herself recognises the trouble, but does not know to get over it. And so, she wrote to Siva. Here is Siva’s consoling reply:
Sri….
OM Namo Narayanaya. Adorations and salutations. Thy kind letter.
I am conducting prayer, Kirtan and Mrityunjaya Mantra Japa for your health, peace and prosperity. All your difficulties will banish.
Be bold. Be cheerful. Study well and pass B.A. There is a brilliant future for you. You are born for higher things. May you shine like Meera or Queen Chudalai or Sulabha.
Be regular in your Japa, Kirtan, prayer and meditation, and study of the Gita. This is very, very important. This is a great, general and spiritual tonic.
I shall serve you nicely. Kindly follow my instructions. Obey the instructions and commands of your parents who are your well-wishers. You will be happy. Whatever they decide, you will have to accept.
In this world one does not get what one wants but we have to be content with what God wants to give us.
May God bless you. With regards, Prem and OM,
—Sivananda
14th September, 1949
A STUDENT’S TRIBUTE TO SIVA
Here is a letter from Sri R. Mani of the Doon School (the son of a High Court Judge):
Revered Guruji,
Thank you very much for your kind blessings and your lovely book. I cannot express my joy on a piece of paper, on finding out that your blessings contain something sweet. There are a few people who bless others and do not give them any advice. I am sure your advice will one day make me a great man. My parents were overjoyed to see the book, so were my brothers and sisters. I am now at School. I hope to get another piece of good advice from your holiness.
—Your obedient student, R. Mani
And Siva’s reply:
Sri R. Mani, Doon School.
OM Namo Narayanaya.
Adorations and salutations.
I am in due receipt of your two kind letters.
Go to bed early. Get up at 4 a.m. and study your lessons. They will be indelibly impressed on your mind. Study for one hour in the early morning hours is equal to study for four hours after sunrise. Pray: do Japa of SRI RAM: and Kirtan for 10 minutes before you retire to bed, and also as soon as you get up from bed.
Be patient and persevering. Avoid bad company. Obey elders, teachers, and parents. You will have success in life and in all class examinations and peace. During holidays, kindly come and stay with me.
May Lord bless you. With regards, Prem and OM,
—Sivananda
Precious advice which every student should write on the tablet of his heart and follow if he desires to grow into a superman.
15th September, 1949
PROTECTOR OF REFUGEES
Early in the morning Siva went to Sri Swami Premanandaji’s room and spoke to him (and those of us who were there) as follows:
‘A young man has come to the Ashram. He has resigned his job, given up his home and everything and has made up his mind to stay here itself. That elderly man has also done the same thing. They were sure that they would get admission here: that is why they have so boldly ventured out. How can we refuse them admission? Whatever rule we might choose to follow in regard to the admission of inmates, how are we to apply the rule to people like this?
‘No doubt, our finances are low. But the God who sent these people here should provide the wherewithal for their maintenance also. We shall have to throw the burden on Him and admit them. By His grace our finances will also improve.
‘The experience of the last few months clearly proves one thing. If we send away some inmates on account of our inability to maintain them, God immediately sends more and more. We sent away about 20 and one by one God has sent us and the number is almost the same now as it was before retrenchment. Those who come here are all devotees of the Lord and young men full of the spirit of renunciation and dispassion. If we don’t admit them, where will they go?
‘We should, therefore, reflect more deeply before we refuse admission or send people away. Our action might force them to go back to their old surroundings, or it might put them to untold suffering.
‘I think what we should do is to increase our income. We should find out ways and means for that. Every Branch should vigorously collect funds for the Ashram. Every devotee who has visited the Ashram and seen what dynamic work is going on here and what service is being rendered here, should apply himself vigorously to collecting funds for the Cause. Some people must go from here also on propaganda work.’
Siva turned to a visitor from Bombay, who was standing near him:
‘What do you say? Am I right? You should start this at once in Matunga. You need not ever ask for money. Distribute leaflets and pamphlets, and occasionally tell them of the work that is going on here. That will do: they will automatically contribute funds. In the case of those whom you know very well, you might go to their house on the first night and tell them: ‘You have got your salary today. You must give 10 per cent to the noble cause.’ The work should go on. That can only be done if all co-operate in this campaign. And, the campaign should go on forever.
Every month we should receive regular financial help.
‘God has always been kind to us. Every crisis that has arisen in the past has passed off smoothly. He sends timely helpers. Now the time has come to expand the work further. Apply yourselves heart and soul to the task.’
19th September, 1949
FIRST BHOJAN: THEN BHAJAN
The Asst. District Magistrate of Tehri has come to have Siva’s Darshan. As is usual with Siva, the visitor was first entertained to tea and refreshments.
And, in the meantime, Siva had opened his copy of ‘Vedanta Jyoti’ and was singing some of the songs from it. He noticed that the A.D.M. had not taken his tea.
‘Your tea is getting cold. Go ahead with it.’
‘Swamiji, this food we can get anywhere: I came here to have spiritual food from you.’
Smilingly Siva replied: ‘First Bhojan, then Bhajan. Unless this gross physical hunger is satisfied, the mind will be unable to receive, digest and assimilate the subtle spiritual food. The old orthodox system of observing Vratas and then listening to scriptures was all right. Nowadays, the new civilisation has made man food-minded. Even to miss a Chhota-Hazri or the evening tea is a great sacrifice. When the body does not get it, the mind is there only and refuses to attend to the study of scriptures. Therefore, in those days it was first Bhajan, then Bhojan. But now, first Bhojan and then Bhajan!’
The entire party had a hearty laugh at this humorous discourse. This ADM received a number of Siva’s books: and, while parting, reverently he touched Siva’s feet. He was later shown round the entire Ashram. ‘The Yoga Museum is unique. It is a great wonder. And, Swami Krishnanandaji’s exposition of its arrangement is equally wonderful. These pictures we have seen individually. But, when they are arranged in a proper order, they convey a lot of wisdom.’
EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE….OR MARRIAGE BUREAU….OR INTRODUCTION LEAGUE
What do people take Siva to be?
Dr….is out of employment. He wants Siva to find a job for him. Is Siva conducting an employment exchange?
Engineer….has a daughter, and he is after a son-in-law. He wants Siva’s help. Is Siva then the head of a marriage bureau?
A fresh recruit to the bar dreams of a lucrative practice. He asks for an introduction letter from Siva to leading Advocates, businessmen, etc. Or, perhaps in the eyes of the public, Siva is the director of an Introduction League?
Don’t blame them. They are sincere, honest and well-meaning people. They themselves do not know the reason. But, they are drawn towards Siva for anything and everything. As a child thinks of its mother whether it wants milk, or a toy, or wants to ease itself or to go out into the lawn, so also these people—the devotees of Siva—turn to him whenever they feel any need. And Siva supplies them everything: from the highest wisdom down to a prescription for head-ache. Siva is ever-ready with his counsel, and he actively helps the devotee in the latter’s quest, too. Siva does not trifle with the devotee’s requests considering them beneath his dignity to be asked such ‘unspiritual’ things. Hear what he himself says:
WORK AND MEDITATION
Siva was talking to Swami Adwayanandaji. ‘Oh, Swamiji, please look into the Post Office. It now looks like the G.P.O. in a big city. Look at the number of packets and parcels; the number of magazine bundles that go out every day. Swami X would say, ‘Oh, this work is all Vikshep.’ But, what can a Sanyasin do? He cannot meditate all the twenty-four hours. The daily routine of Sanyasins therefore becomes: ‘Eat roti; answer calls of nature; form small groups of three and four and talk about every blessed thing in the world—this Kshetra is doing this, that Sadhu is doing that. They will sit up in the evening and open a big Vedantic book and start discussion. It will very soon turn again into the usual ruts: the worldly topic, scandal-mongering and gossip. I have no time even to take food.
Even with 12 per cent sugar I have to keep myself busy always. Every man should engage himself in strenuous work.
The body and the mind should be ever or very busy. And if the work is of a spiritual nature, the mind is automatically kept well above material thoughts and schemes. People are also benefited. Occasionally, one should close his eyes and feel ‘I am Akarta, I am Abhokta, I am Sakshi, Aham Brahmasmi, Sivoham, Satchidananda Swaroopoham.’ That is, I think, the best Sadhana. You have got several faculties: these faculties. These faculties will fade away if they are not used properly. The Indriyas only should not be allowed to engage themselves to wrong actions. They should be used properly. One man observed Mowna for 12 years, and when he broke the Mowna and was asked to deliver a lecture, he could not utter a word. If one starts saying—‘This is spiritual; this will cause Vikshep,’ etc.—and so forcedly restrains the Indriyas and denies the use of his faculties, he will only deaden them and put them out of commission. That is not proper Sadhana. Direct all the Indriyas in the proper channel. Use all your faculties properly. Then, Atma Jnana will come by itself.’
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 4.12.0 AND 5 IS ONE RUPEE
Swami Adwayanandaji has brought with him an able artist and painter. As soon as Siva entered the office, he met this artist and greeting him: OM Namo Narayanaya, and said, turning to Swami A.: ‘He is a great asset to the Society itself. Six months he can be in South India, and six months here.’
‘Ask him to paint some Drama curtains for the Ashram. We have a Drama for every occasion. But, we always use mere cloth as curtains. The first one may depict the Ashram, Himalayas and Ganga. Another one representing Devatas:
Ganesha, Subramanya, Vishnu, etc. Like that, we can go on.’ Suddenly Siva’s expression changed, and he continued with a boyish smile:
‘If we ask all of a sudden, money for three canvases, these people will refuse. We have to be careful. First, we should ask for money to buy the canvas; then for colours, then for brushes, then for another curtain and so on. If you ask Rs. 3000, you will only get a refusal. But, if you ask six times Rs. 500 on every occasion, you will get.
That is the people’s mentality.’
‘Similarly with books also. If you price a book Rs. 5, people will not purchase. ‘Oh, this is too much,’ they will say. Just say it is Rs. 4.12.0, they will readily take it. To them it is not a matter of four annas, but one rupee—that book costs five and this costs four and something. We should learn the ways of the world and adapt ourselves. That is the secret of success.’
24th September, 1949
PUNJAB LECTURE TOUR MEMOIRS
Sri Ram Piyari Trivedi, Head Postmaster, Dehra Dun, has come. He reverently touched Siva’s feet and sat on a bench near him in the office.
‘From Fyzabad?’ queried Siva.
‘How well you remember, Swamiji. It is a great wonder. Now, I have been posted to Dehra Dun as the Head Postmaster there. I am coming from Dehra Dun.’
‘Swamiji, I still remember your instructions to me when we had your Darshan at Fyzabad 15 years ago. You told then to do Kirtan, to practise Japa and Dhyan. By your grace and blessings, we have been doing what little we can in this regard, Swamiji.’
‘Oh, yes, I remember I came to your house also.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, and you did Kirtan in our house. It was really a great blessing of the Lord.’
‘A good, noble soul,’ said Siva after the visitor left. How well the true devotee and the loving Guru remember each other. And, with what reverence and faith the devotee remembers and adheres to the holy commands of his Guru!
25th September, 1949
ANANDA KUTIR: VAIKUNTHA ON EARTH
Sri T.R. Ganapathirama Iyer of Tinnevelly has written:
‘Please place this letter at the feet of Sri Swamiji Maharaj. Of late my heart has become feeble but I have not become weak of mind. Please send by VPP Ganges water, say about eight ounces. Please send also holy Prasad. I am focusing my attention on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna and also Swamiji. I have also instructed my son to send you, when this mortal coil falls, the bones for immersion in the Ganges. With prostrations at the feet of Swamiji Maharaj.’
Obviously, he could neither write nor even sign the letter.
Here is Siva’s reply:
OM Namo Narayanaya. Adorations and salutations. Thy kind letter. Sent a parcel of Ganges water, Prasad etc., Tulasi Kumkum, bael, and Bhasma. Kirtan, Prayer, Mrityunjaya Mantra Japa, Archana are being conducted in the temple for thy peace. May Lord bless you.
Thou art a devotee of Lord Krishna. Thou hast done Jnana Yajna, by distributing freely Bhagavatam, etc. Thou hast acquired great merit. You need not be afraid. The celestial car will take you to the abode of Lord Krishna....
—Sivananda.
And, explaining the significance, Siva said:
‘This is a branch office of Vaikuntha. People who wish to go to Vaikuntha may take their passport from here. If they get a chit from here, they will get ready admission.
‘Think of the amount of the Lord’s service that is turned out here. Kirtan, temple Pujas, magazines, leaflets, books, attendance on visitors, Sadhus and the poor, Pitru Yajna, Jnana Yajna, and then the Japa, meditation and Swadhyaya of individual Sadhaks and common Satsang. Just think of the amount of service to humanity turned out every day. This service earns for us the privilege of direct communication with Lord Krishna, Lord Siva and Devi.
We have only to send a chit to Lord Krishna—so-and-so is coming tomorrow—and His messengers will be ready with the Vimana (celestial car).
‘Sri Ganapathirama Iyer has done great service. He has printed thousands of copies of a handy Bhagavatam—selected verses from it, with English translation—and has distributed them free to all devotees. That is charity of no mean merit. And, even in the last moments of his life, he does not forget the lotus feet of the Lord. That is the surest indication of the effect this Jnana Yajna has had on his Antahkarana. Such noble souls have no fear. Their places in Vaikuntha are reserved.’
27th September, 1949
GLIMPSES OF EARLY LIFE
The thought of a young man crossing the sea and going over to Malaya to practise as a doctor there (especially when this event relates to the first quarter of this century, when South Indian Brahmins were highly orthodox) gives rise in us to the picture of an Indian of advanced views or ‘cultured’ or ‘civilised’—all of which mean that the young man has imbibed many of the European customs and so is essentially unorthodox. Siva went over to Malaya from India, crossing the ocean. But he was none of these. He was, on the contrary, an orthodox South Indian Brahmin with just as much faith in his scriptures, and as much regard for the ancient customs and manners of his community as had his contemporary who would have refused to travel by train or a motor-car. Hear what Sri K.S. Chellamier says.
C. was Siva’s school-mate. Siva chose to become a doctor: C. entered the Educational Service and retired from the Travancore Education Service as a Principal of a College.
Rev. Swamiji,
Do you remember our school days when we used to call you by your nick-name of ‘Madisanchi’?
‘Madisanchi’ is a South Indian expression for an extremely orthodox man. Madisanchi is a bag in which the orthodox Brahmin carries dry clothes, pure and unpolluted, as well as the paraphernalia necessary for applying the caste-mark. He would carry all these things to the bathing ghat. The bag is supposed to protect its contents from being polluted, either by a man who has not had a bath touching them, or someone else going near them.
Nowadays when the majority of people belong to the ‘civilised’ group, it is easy to earn the title ‘Madisanchi’.
But in the days of Siva’s boyhood, when most of the people of the South were orthodox, to earn this nickname, one had to live a rigorous (Puritanic) orthodox life.
A strict adherence to orthodox customs and manners is a part of Siva. Another part of his personality is unquestioning service. Service often swallows orthodoxy: but when this overwhelming consideration is not there, orthodoxy holds full sway. That is the secret. That is why this Madisanchi boarded the steamer unhesitatingly when the call of service was heard by him. On reaching the Malayan soil, orthodoxy was again resumed!
Even now, if a ‘Chandala’ comes to the dispensary to be dressed, Siva would very readily attend on him and would never consider himself polluted. But, when Vji offered to perform Archana to the Devi (during the Durga Puja at night), Siva stopped him: ‘No, no; not with the shirt on.
Tomorrow, take a bath specially before the Puja, apply Bhasma and Kumkum on your forehead and then do the Puja.’
MRS. NEHRU
Mrs. Brij Lal Nehru and Sri Goswami Ganesh Duttji actually inaugurated the Birthday celebrations this year, today itself. They arrived at the Ashram at 1 p.m. and were cordially received by Siva himself. They were entertained to tea and light refreshments by Siva. During the course of the conversation, Goswamiji told Mrs. Nehru: ‘Today is Sri Swamiji’s Jayanti also: and so it is an especially auspicious day for us to have his Darshan.’
Someone present pointed out that the Jayanti is actually tomorrow.
‘But, we have come today for his Darshan. For us, his Jayanthi is today.’
Siva had, in the meantime, autographed several of his books and handed them over to Mrs. Nehru. Overwhelmed with joy, she remarked: ‘Swamiji, your books will by themselves form a good library. You have done good Prachar.’
‘Swamiji’s is the Gita-ideal,’ said Goswamiji. ‘He works in the spirit of the Gita. And, the teachings of the Gita are embodied in him. He works unattached and without the least expectation of a reward. He has led thousands of people along the right path. He has illumined the heart of many. Wherever you go, you find his disciples.’
‘Your holiness had invited my husband to come here. Owing to several reasons, he could not come this time….’ said Mrs. Nehru.
‘Yes, yes. Kindly ask him also to pay a visit to this place at the earliest opportunity,’ said Siva.
While they stood up to take leave of Siva, Goswamiji asked Siva: ‘Please tell me some Seva that I can do to you.’
‘I ask for your blessings. That is the best Seva you can do for me.’
12th September, 1949
THE HEALING BALM
From Rameswaram comes a letter from Sri X whose daughter is in a strange plight. Indecision is the main complaint. She refuses to marry the boy chosen by her parents; but later regrets. She has an unknown dread for marriage. She herself recognises the trouble, but does not know to get over it. And so, she wrote to Siva. Here is Siva’s consoling reply:
Sri….
OM Namo Narayanaya. Adorations and salutations. Thy kind letter.
I am conducting prayer, Kirtan and Mrityunjaya Mantra Japa for your health, peace and prosperity. All your difficulties will banish.
Be bold. Be cheerful. Study well and pass B.A. There is a brilliant future for you. You are born for higher things. May you shine like Meera or Queen Chudalai or Sulabha.
Be regular in your Japa, Kirtan, prayer and meditation, and study of the Gita. This is very, very important. This is a great, general and spiritual tonic.
I shall serve you nicely. Kindly follow my instructions. Obey the instructions and commands of your parents who are your well-wishers. You will be happy. Whatever they decide, you will have to accept.
In this world one does not get what one wants but we have to be content with what God wants to give us.
May God bless you. With regards, Prem and OM,
—Sivananda
14th September, 1949
A STUDENT’S TRIBUTE TO SIVA
Here is a letter from Sri R. Mani of the Doon School (the son of a High Court Judge):
Revered Guruji,
Thank you very much for your kind blessings and your lovely book. I cannot express my joy on a piece of paper, on finding out that your blessings contain something sweet. There are a few people who bless others and do not give them any advice. I am sure your advice will one day make me a great man. My parents were overjoyed to see the book, so were my brothers and sisters. I am now at School. I hope to get another piece of good advice from your holiness.
—Your obedient student, R. Mani
And Siva’s reply:
Sri R. Mani, Doon School.
OM Namo Narayanaya.
Adorations and salutations.
I am in due receipt of your two kind letters.
Go to bed early. Get up at 4 a.m. and study your lessons. They will be indelibly impressed on your mind. Study for one hour in the early morning hours is equal to study for four hours after sunrise. Pray: do Japa of SRI RAM: and Kirtan for 10 minutes before you retire to bed, and also as soon as you get up from bed.
Be patient and persevering. Avoid bad company. Obey elders, teachers, and parents. You will have success in life and in all class examinations and peace. During holidays, kindly come and stay with me.
May Lord bless you. With regards, Prem and OM,
—Sivananda
Precious advice which every student should write on the tablet of his heart and follow if he desires to grow into a superman.
15th September, 1949
PROTECTOR OF REFUGEES
Early in the morning Siva went to Sri Swami Premanandaji’s room and spoke to him (and those of us who were there) as follows:
‘A young man has come to the Ashram. He has resigned his job, given up his home and everything and has made up his mind to stay here itself. That elderly man has also done the same thing. They were sure that they would get admission here: that is why they have so boldly ventured out. How can we refuse them admission? Whatever rule we might choose to follow in regard to the admission of inmates, how are we to apply the rule to people like this?
‘No doubt, our finances are low. But the God who sent these people here should provide the wherewithal for their maintenance also. We shall have to throw the burden on Him and admit them. By His grace our finances will also improve.
‘The experience of the last few months clearly proves one thing. If we send away some inmates on account of our inability to maintain them, God immediately sends more and more. We sent away about 20 and one by one God has sent us and the number is almost the same now as it was before retrenchment. Those who come here are all devotees of the Lord and young men full of the spirit of renunciation and dispassion. If we don’t admit them, where will they go?
‘We should, therefore, reflect more deeply before we refuse admission or send people away. Our action might force them to go back to their old surroundings, or it might put them to untold suffering.
‘I think what we should do is to increase our income. We should find out ways and means for that. Every Branch should vigorously collect funds for the Ashram. Every devotee who has visited the Ashram and seen what dynamic work is going on here and what service is being rendered here, should apply himself vigorously to collecting funds for the Cause. Some people must go from here also on propaganda work.’
Siva turned to a visitor from Bombay, who was standing near him:
‘What do you say? Am I right? You should start this at once in Matunga. You need not ever ask for money. Distribute leaflets and pamphlets, and occasionally tell them of the work that is going on here. That will do: they will automatically contribute funds. In the case of those whom you know very well, you might go to their house on the first night and tell them: ‘You have got your salary today. You must give 10 per cent to the noble cause.’ The work should go on. That can only be done if all co-operate in this campaign. And, the campaign should go on forever.
Every month we should receive regular financial help.
‘God has always been kind to us. Every crisis that has arisen in the past has passed off smoothly. He sends timely helpers. Now the time has come to expand the work further. Apply yourselves heart and soul to the task.’
19th September, 1949
FIRST BHOJAN: THEN BHAJAN
The Asst. District Magistrate of Tehri has come to have Siva’s Darshan. As is usual with Siva, the visitor was first entertained to tea and refreshments.
And, in the meantime, Siva had opened his copy of ‘Vedanta Jyoti’ and was singing some of the songs from it. He noticed that the A.D.M. had not taken his tea.
‘Your tea is getting cold. Go ahead with it.’
‘Swamiji, this food we can get anywhere: I came here to have spiritual food from you.’
Smilingly Siva replied: ‘First Bhojan, then Bhajan. Unless this gross physical hunger is satisfied, the mind will be unable to receive, digest and assimilate the subtle spiritual food. The old orthodox system of observing Vratas and then listening to scriptures was all right. Nowadays, the new civilisation has made man food-minded. Even to miss a Chhota-Hazri or the evening tea is a great sacrifice. When the body does not get it, the mind is there only and refuses to attend to the study of scriptures. Therefore, in those days it was first Bhajan, then Bhojan. But now, first Bhojan and then Bhajan!’
The entire party had a hearty laugh at this humorous discourse. This ADM received a number of Siva’s books: and, while parting, reverently he touched Siva’s feet. He was later shown round the entire Ashram. ‘The Yoga Museum is unique. It is a great wonder. And, Swami Krishnanandaji’s exposition of its arrangement is equally wonderful. These pictures we have seen individually. But, when they are arranged in a proper order, they convey a lot of wisdom.’
EMPLOYMENT EXCHANGE….OR MARRIAGE BUREAU….OR INTRODUCTION LEAGUE
What do people take Siva to be?
Dr….is out of employment. He wants Siva to find a job for him. Is Siva conducting an employment exchange?
Engineer….has a daughter, and he is after a son-in-law. He wants Siva’s help. Is Siva then the head of a marriage bureau?
A fresh recruit to the bar dreams of a lucrative practice. He asks for an introduction letter from Siva to leading Advocates, businessmen, etc. Or, perhaps in the eyes of the public, Siva is the director of an Introduction League?
Don’t blame them. They are sincere, honest and well-meaning people. They themselves do not know the reason. But, they are drawn towards Siva for anything and everything. As a child thinks of its mother whether it wants milk, or a toy, or wants to ease itself or to go out into the lawn, so also these people—the devotees of Siva—turn to him whenever they feel any need. And Siva supplies them everything: from the highest wisdom down to a prescription for head-ache. Siva is ever-ready with his counsel, and he actively helps the devotee in the latter’s quest, too. Siva does not trifle with the devotee’s requests considering them beneath his dignity to be asked such ‘unspiritual’ things. Hear what he himself says:
WORK AND MEDITATION
Siva was talking to Swami Adwayanandaji. ‘Oh, Swamiji, please look into the Post Office. It now looks like the G.P.O. in a big city. Look at the number of packets and parcels; the number of magazine bundles that go out every day. Swami X would say, ‘Oh, this work is all Vikshep.’ But, what can a Sanyasin do? He cannot meditate all the twenty-four hours. The daily routine of Sanyasins therefore becomes: ‘Eat roti; answer calls of nature; form small groups of three and four and talk about every blessed thing in the world—this Kshetra is doing this, that Sadhu is doing that. They will sit up in the evening and open a big Vedantic book and start discussion. It will very soon turn again into the usual ruts: the worldly topic, scandal-mongering and gossip. I have no time even to take food.
Even with 12 per cent sugar I have to keep myself busy always. Every man should engage himself in strenuous work.
The body and the mind should be ever or very busy. And if the work is of a spiritual nature, the mind is automatically kept well above material thoughts and schemes. People are also benefited. Occasionally, one should close his eyes and feel ‘I am Akarta, I am Abhokta, I am Sakshi, Aham Brahmasmi, Sivoham, Satchidananda Swaroopoham.’ That is, I think, the best Sadhana. You have got several faculties: these faculties. These faculties will fade away if they are not used properly. The Indriyas only should not be allowed to engage themselves to wrong actions. They should be used properly. One man observed Mowna for 12 years, and when he broke the Mowna and was asked to deliver a lecture, he could not utter a word. If one starts saying—‘This is spiritual; this will cause Vikshep,’ etc.—and so forcedly restrains the Indriyas and denies the use of his faculties, he will only deaden them and put them out of commission. That is not proper Sadhana. Direct all the Indriyas in the proper channel. Use all your faculties properly. Then, Atma Jnana will come by itself.’
DIFFERENCE BETWEEN 4.12.0 AND 5 IS ONE RUPEE
Swami Adwayanandaji has brought with him an able artist and painter. As soon as Siva entered the office, he met this artist and greeting him: OM Namo Narayanaya, and said, turning to Swami A.: ‘He is a great asset to the Society itself. Six months he can be in South India, and six months here.’
‘Ask him to paint some Drama curtains for the Ashram. We have a Drama for every occasion. But, we always use mere cloth as curtains. The first one may depict the Ashram, Himalayas and Ganga. Another one representing Devatas:
Ganesha, Subramanya, Vishnu, etc. Like that, we can go on.’ Suddenly Siva’s expression changed, and he continued with a boyish smile:
‘If we ask all of a sudden, money for three canvases, these people will refuse. We have to be careful. First, we should ask for money to buy the canvas; then for colours, then for brushes, then for another curtain and so on. If you ask Rs. 3000, you will only get a refusal. But, if you ask six times Rs. 500 on every occasion, you will get.
That is the people’s mentality.’
‘Similarly with books also. If you price a book Rs. 5, people will not purchase. ‘Oh, this is too much,’ they will say. Just say it is Rs. 4.12.0, they will readily take it. To them it is not a matter of four annas, but one rupee—that book costs five and this costs four and something. We should learn the ways of the world and adapt ourselves. That is the secret of success.’
24th September, 1949
PUNJAB LECTURE TOUR MEMOIRS
Sri Ram Piyari Trivedi, Head Postmaster, Dehra Dun, has come. He reverently touched Siva’s feet and sat on a bench near him in the office.
‘From Fyzabad?’ queried Siva.
‘How well you remember, Swamiji. It is a great wonder. Now, I have been posted to Dehra Dun as the Head Postmaster there. I am coming from Dehra Dun.’
‘Swamiji, I still remember your instructions to me when we had your Darshan at Fyzabad 15 years ago. You told then to do Kirtan, to practise Japa and Dhyan. By your grace and blessings, we have been doing what little we can in this regard, Swamiji.’
‘Oh, yes, I remember I came to your house also.’
‘Yes, Swamiji, and you did Kirtan in our house. It was really a great blessing of the Lord.’
‘A good, noble soul,’ said Siva after the visitor left. How well the true devotee and the loving Guru remember each other. And, with what reverence and faith the devotee remembers and adheres to the holy commands of his Guru!
25th September, 1949
ANANDA KUTIR: VAIKUNTHA ON EARTH
Sri T.R. Ganapathirama Iyer of Tinnevelly has written:
‘Please place this letter at the feet of Sri Swamiji Maharaj. Of late my heart has become feeble but I have not become weak of mind. Please send by VPP Ganges water, say about eight ounces. Please send also holy Prasad. I am focusing my attention on the lotus feet of Lord Sri Krishna and also Swamiji. I have also instructed my son to send you, when this mortal coil falls, the bones for immersion in the Ganges. With prostrations at the feet of Swamiji Maharaj.’
Obviously, he could neither write nor even sign the letter.
Here is Siva’s reply:
OM Namo Narayanaya. Adorations and salutations. Thy kind letter. Sent a parcel of Ganges water, Prasad etc., Tulasi Kumkum, bael, and Bhasma. Kirtan, Prayer, Mrityunjaya Mantra Japa, Archana are being conducted in the temple for thy peace. May Lord bless you.
Thou art a devotee of Lord Krishna. Thou hast done Jnana Yajna, by distributing freely Bhagavatam, etc. Thou hast acquired great merit. You need not be afraid. The celestial car will take you to the abode of Lord Krishna....
—Sivananda.
And, explaining the significance, Siva said:
‘This is a branch office of Vaikuntha. People who wish to go to Vaikuntha may take their passport from here. If they get a chit from here, they will get ready admission.
‘Think of the amount of the Lord’s service that is turned out here. Kirtan, temple Pujas, magazines, leaflets, books, attendance on visitors, Sadhus and the poor, Pitru Yajna, Jnana Yajna, and then the Japa, meditation and Swadhyaya of individual Sadhaks and common Satsang. Just think of the amount of service to humanity turned out every day. This service earns for us the privilege of direct communication with Lord Krishna, Lord Siva and Devi.
We have only to send a chit to Lord Krishna—so-and-so is coming tomorrow—and His messengers will be ready with the Vimana (celestial car).
‘Sri Ganapathirama Iyer has done great service. He has printed thousands of copies of a handy Bhagavatam—selected verses from it, with English translation—and has distributed them free to all devotees. That is charity of no mean merit. And, even in the last moments of his life, he does not forget the lotus feet of the Lord. That is the surest indication of the effect this Jnana Yajna has had on his Antahkarana. Such noble souls have no fear. Their places in Vaikuntha are reserved.’
27th September, 1949
GLIMPSES OF EARLY LIFE
The thought of a young man crossing the sea and going over to Malaya to practise as a doctor there (especially when this event relates to the first quarter of this century, when South Indian Brahmins were highly orthodox) gives rise in us to the picture of an Indian of advanced views or ‘cultured’ or ‘civilised’—all of which mean that the young man has imbibed many of the European customs and so is essentially unorthodox. Siva went over to Malaya from India, crossing the ocean. But he was none of these. He was, on the contrary, an orthodox South Indian Brahmin with just as much faith in his scriptures, and as much regard for the ancient customs and manners of his community as had his contemporary who would have refused to travel by train or a motor-car. Hear what Sri K.S. Chellamier says.
C. was Siva’s school-mate. Siva chose to become a doctor: C. entered the Educational Service and retired from the Travancore Education Service as a Principal of a College.
Rev. Swamiji,
Do you remember our school days when we used to call you by your nick-name of ‘Madisanchi’?
‘Madisanchi’ is a South Indian expression for an extremely orthodox man. Madisanchi is a bag in which the orthodox Brahmin carries dry clothes, pure and unpolluted, as well as the paraphernalia necessary for applying the caste-mark. He would carry all these things to the bathing ghat. The bag is supposed to protect its contents from being polluted, either by a man who has not had a bath touching them, or someone else going near them.
Nowadays when the majority of people belong to the ‘civilised’ group, it is easy to earn the title ‘Madisanchi’.
But in the days of Siva’s boyhood, when most of the people of the South were orthodox, to earn this nickname, one had to live a rigorous (Puritanic) orthodox life.
A strict adherence to orthodox customs and manners is a part of Siva. Another part of his personality is unquestioning service. Service often swallows orthodoxy: but when this overwhelming consideration is not there, orthodoxy holds full sway. That is the secret. That is why this Madisanchi boarded the steamer unhesitatingly when the call of service was heard by him. On reaching the Malayan soil, orthodoxy was again resumed!
Even now, if a ‘Chandala’ comes to the dispensary to be dressed, Siva would very readily attend on him and would never consider himself polluted. But, when Vji offered to perform Archana to the Devi (during the Durga Puja at night), Siva stopped him: ‘No, no; not with the shirt on.
Tomorrow, take a bath specially before the Puja, apply Bhasma and Kumkum on your forehead and then do the Puja.’
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