INSPIRING TALKS OF GURUDEV SIVANANDA

Inspiring Talks of Gurudev Sivananda

18th April, 1950

NON-VIOLENCE AND THE SANYASIN 

Bhaskaranandaji has started a school for the refugee children in Delhi. Siva was perusing the Report of the School where it had been said that military training was given in the school to boys and girls also.

‘It is good. The boys and girls will then grow up into good soldiers and courageous men and women. They will be an asset to the country.’

‘What about Sanyasins? Will they begin to impart training to us also?’

A Sanyasin who was standing nearby said: ‘Swamiji, in case of national emergencies, we, too, should join the army. For instance, during the recent communal riots, I was very alert and was on the look out for Muslim goondas. If any had encountered me, I would certainly have killed him.’

‘No, no. That should not be a Sanyasin’s attitude. Not even in defence shall a Sanyasin kill. No, not at all. Death is the most glorious thing for a Sanyasin. If you say that we must defend ourselves or others, then you will not know when you take up the offensive. And then you have, while performing the Viraja Homa, given ‘Abhaya’ to all beings. You have declared that no being need be afraid of you, that you will not injure anyone. You are to feel that you are not the body, and that you are the immortal all-pervading Satchidananda Atman. How can you injure anybody? Even if your throat is cut, you should smile and laugh ‘Sivoham’. There is no world for you. Whom will you defend? To a Sanyasin, Ahimsa is an absolute principle.’

 

22nd April, 1950

SIVANANDA YATRA MANDALI 

It is Sankara Jayanthi today. Paramanandaji who is organising the Sivananda Yatra Mandali (an all-India tour programme) had arranged to take a group photograph of the Mandali personnel. We went to the railway station for a picture.

After this was done, Siva stood on the railway platform in the scorching summer sun, and began to sing the Maha Mantra Kirtan, as also the ‘Song of Instructions’. All the station staff were immensely delighted and benefited, too.

On returning to the Ashram, Siva remarked: ‘Unless you stitch my lips, I shall go on singing Kirtan at every station platform and talk to people also, even if it results in the complete breakdown of my health.’

25th April, 1950

THE SANYASIN’S YATRA 

Seth Chamanlal of Amritsar has come. He has brought his own car with him in which he wants to take Siva and party to the Ashram’s farm in Bibiwala.

Though it was past midnight yesterday when Siva retired, after personally giving to Dr. Kailasnath several letters of introduction to high officials to help him in his quest of knowledge and opportunities of service. Yet, he was ready at 5.30 a.m.

In the farm, Siva requested Sri Swami Narayananandaji to give some fruits to the labourers’ children. ‘Please peel the orange and give.’ That is Siva’s method: the receiver should not be put to even that difficulty, and must be tempted to eat it at once. Then only is the offering or the worship complete.

Standing amidst the labourers in the hot sun, Siva did Kirtan for over half an hour.

From there to the Goshala of Sri Goswami Ganesh Duttji. It was not in the programme:, but the Sanyasin has no programme. ‘I would like to see Sri Goswamiji’s Gita Mandir at Hardwar. Then we shall simply drive on the Ganges Canal Road and go back to the Ashram whenever we like.’

‘Swamiji, we shall send word to the Ashram that we are not coming now.’

‘No, no. Don’t bother. Just go on. Let them think what they like.’

At the Goshala, Sri Ganesh Duttji was delighted to receive Siva. ‘Maharaj, shall I get some tea for you, or milk?’

‘Badi Kripa: we just had our breakfast.’

‘When I come to your Ashram, then you flood me with your hospitality!’

Siva noticed a bottle of Horlicks in G.’s hand. Like a child he said: ‘If you give me a glass of Horlicks I will take.’

G. showed us round the Goshala. Siva said: ‘This is Brindavan, and you have Lord Krishna’s Amsa.’ He did Kirtan.

Then G. took us to the Sanatana Dharma Pratinidihi Sabha’s Gita Mandir at Hardwar, recently opened by the President of India.

There were just a few devotees in the temple at that time. Siva stood up and began to sing Kirtan. It was thrilling.

Siva said, after Kirtan: ‘This is a very beautiful temple of the Lord. Sri Goswamiji, even though he still wears the white cloth, is a real Sanyasin who works for the welfare of the world. He has done very great service to Sanatana Dharma and to India. He has established many temples: he has constructed many Dharmashalas: he has brought into being many schools and colleges. He is a great philanthropist. He is an untiring worker.

‘This is the abode of the Gita. Gita is enshrined here. Gita is a universal scripture. It is the life of India: and India is the life of the world. This is a temple of Gita, from which will radiate the truth throughout the world. The whole world will be uplifted. Truman, Atlee, Stalin, all the leaders of the world will be profoundly influenced by the Gita Swadhyaya, Bhagawat Path and Kirtan that is conducted here.

‘May God bless you all. May you all become Jivanmuktas. God bless Sri Ganesh Duttji with health, long life, peace, prosperity and Kaivalya.’

G. said: ‘Swamiji, you have fulfilled the purpose for which the Mandir was established. You have truly performed the opening ceremony. Today the temple has been sanctified.’

‘I do not know what your programme was for today. I might have disturbed your programme. I am grateful to you for showing me round the beautiful Mandir, and for all the trouble you have taken. Badi Kripa,’ said Siva.

‘Today is a great day for me, Swamiji. You have showered your blessings on us unsolicited. The day has been very well spent. I am overjoyed by your kindness.’

As we were coming back from Hardwar, Sri N. looked at the watch and said: ‘Swamiji, it is half past eleven.’

‘Don’t look at the watch. That is the Sanyasin’s principle. When you have got out of the Ashram, don’t think of when to return. Thinking of the time, you may neglect the work on hand. Concentrate all your attention on the work on hand. Make it most successful. Your entire life will be fruitful, and you will attain the goal of life also.’

When we reached the Ashram, Siva said: ‘Today’s function owes its glory to Chamanlalji.’

‘Swamiji, I thank God that I brought my car with me. You have purified the car by singing Kirtan in it. The purchase of the car has only today become purposeful.’

30th April, 1950

SATI GODAVARI 

Sati Godavari of the Upasani Kanyakumari Sthan of Sakori has come to the Ashram. She and the party were performing Puja in the temple where Siva was present, too. Siva told Sri Judge Saheb who had also come:

‘A well-known saintly personality, a lady from Sakori, by name Sati Godavari Mata, has come. She is doing Puja to Lord Viswanath. She is the disciple of Sri Upasani Baba, himself a Mahapurusha, who was the disciple of Sri Sai Baba. Upasani Baba has revolutionised the customs and manners in the land by permitting his lady-disciples to offer Vedic ritualistic worship to the Lord. Sati Godavari recites the Rudram Chamakam, Purusha Suktam, etc. does Abhishekam, and worships the Lord in the ceremonial fashion. Now women all over the land will be inspired to follow Sati Godavari Mata’s example and will begin to worship the Lord. There will be a welcome regeneration of Indian womanhood. We will once again have ideal women in India, saintly women as we had in the Vedic times—Gargi, Maitreyi, Sulabha, etc.’

In the evening, during the Kirtan, Siva sang the following tunes….

Jnana Dev 

Tukaram  

Sainath

Upasani  

Upasani  

Godaari 

Jnana Dev   

Tukaram

Mataji felt a thrill of joy when she heard Siva uttering the names of her Gurus. She blushed and looked on the ground when she heard him repeat her own name in devout Kirtan.

After going round the Ashram, she felt: ‘How has this Sanyasin been able to do so much single-handed in so short a period? Surely he must be an Avatar.’

 

MAY, 1950

1st May, 1950

SATI GODAVARI WORSHIPS SIVA 

Sati Godavari Mata had requested for permission to do Pada Puja. Siva himself went to the Kutir in which she had been lodged.

When after the Puja, she knelt on the floor, and with great veneration touched Siva’s feet with her forehead, Siva simultaneously bowed to her with folded palms. It was a great sight to see. A saint worshipping another saint.

STAMMER-CURE 

Sri Hanuman Prasad Poddar of Gita Bhavan has sent a young boy to Siva. He suffers from stammering. 

‘Sing Kirtan. You will be all right,’ said Siva and at once repeated Om Om Om thrice. He asked the boy to repeat Om along with him for a while.

‘Oh, you are all right.’

‘Yes, Swamiji,’ said the boy, astounded at his own unshaking voice.

‘Sing the Maha Mantra Kirtan,’ said Siva and himself sang the Maha Mantra. The boy followed suit. All this had a miraculous effect.

‘Daily sing the Maha Mantra for at least half an hour. The stammering will never come to you again.’

2nd May, 1950

SADHUS’ CONFERENCE 

When Swami Bhaskaranandaji of Delhi requested Siva to preside over a Sadhus’ Conference today, Siva at first did not agree, for reasons of ill-health. When B. came and pleaded, Siva at once yielded: ‘Yes, I shall come.’ Then he said to us: ‘I like to attend spiritual conferences and do my own bit of service in the form of Kirtan. Increasing physical ailment sometimes comes in the way. But when even a little pressure is applied, I cannot resist. What does it matter if a little more strain is imposed upon this body, if it is for a good cause and if I am able to sing and make others sing the Lord’s names?’

He was the first to go to the venue—an hour earlier!

Siva commenced the proceedings with Sankirtan. B. detailed the aim and object of the Conference and said: ‘The main inspiration for the work that has been undertaken has been from Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj. He has already indicated the line of action through founding the All-World Sadhus’ Federation. What he has been able to do single-handed during the past ten years surpasses estimation. It is indeed a miracle, and none but a Siddha Purusha like Swamiji could have done that. It is really his inspiration that has prompted me to come forward to call this Conference. We depend upon him to sustain us through continued blessings and paternal care, to guide us, to inspire us, to console us, and to lead us along the right path.’

Brahmji who wanted young Sanyasins to undertake the work said: ‘Swami Sivanandaji is an aged youth. He does not move about from place to place doing Prachar. But he does not belong to the retired group of aged Sanyasins. Even at this age, in spite of the heavy work that he has to do in connection with the activities of his own Ashram and the Divine Life Society, he has given us a beautiful message. It is thrilling. I am amazed at his energy and enthusiasm.’

During the course of his address Siva said:

‘India is the land of saints, sages and seers. Each nation has got its own speciality, its own unique feature. In the case of India, the unique feature is that she has always had on her soil saints, seers and sages galore. We can proudly say that there has not been one generation in India that has not had its saintly personages and God-realised men and women.

‘Even today many saints are carrying on the divine work of spreading the message of truth, at various places in this country. The need of the hour is to coordinate all these activities so that the mission might gain greater strength. It is only spiritually awakened Bharat that can spread the message of peace, unity, harmony and bliss. And, the Sadhus alone can do this in this land.

‘Should the Sadhus do this work? Should the Sadhus enter Vyavaharic field and preach Dharma, or should they remain in their own Kutirs and caves, spending their time in meditation? Such Mahatmas are rare nowadays as they can declare that the world did not exist in the three periods of time, and they alone can meditate all the twenty-four hours. Youngsters nowadays take a delight in reading the Yoga-Vasishtha and declaring: ‘The world does not exist in the three periods of time.’ If there is no salt in the dhal, if their tea is not given at the proper time, they fly into a terrific rage. These people are unfit to study Yoga Vasishtha. Yoga Vasishtha should be studied by very advanced Sadhakis. Those who have not developed Para Vairagya, those who are still in the lower stages of Sadhana, should engage themselves throughout the day in Japa, Kirtan, meditation, Swadhyaya and service also. They should serve humanity with Atma-Bhav or Narayana-Bhav. Work for work’s sake. Work because such work is a necessary part of your Sadhana. This is not binding. Working with egoism is wrong. Working as a Nimitta is bondage-cutting. Even to work as a Nimitta or an instrument in the hands of the Lord is a very difficult thing: it needs complete self-surrender to the will of the Lord, and therefore complete self-abnegation or destruction of the ego.

‘Who can enter into Samadhi? Who can remain in Sahaja Samadhi Avastha throughout the day? Only a Dattatreya or Suka. Even Suka Deva, who was always in Samadhi, sang the glories of the Lord. People nowadays think that they can always remain in Samadhi, even before they set their foot on the ladder of Yoga. Delusion. Their Vairagya lasts hardly for two months. They go to a cave and pretend to meditate on Brahman. They imagine it is so easy. After two months, their hidden Vasanas, cravings and desires lull them into Tamasic super-slumber. They are of no use either to themselves or to others. They live the life of beasts.

‘How hard it is to develop even one good quality! Cultivate Yama, Niyama, first. Samadhi will supervene by itself. Cultivate Maitri, Karuna, and the other virtues that the Lord has enumerated in the Gita. When can you develop Karuna? Only if you serve humanity with Atma-Bhav or Narayana-Bhav.

‘If you wish to serve humanity, if you wish to do Prachar work, then you should have the power to influence the people. You will have to acquire this through Japa, Kirtan, meditation, Pranayam and cultivation of Deivi Sampath. Then only will people listen to you, will follow you. What a great power is stored in Ram-Nam it is impossible to describe. But, you will not believe. You have no faith in the Name of the Lord. Think of the great effect produced by one word of insult! When a man abuses you, your blood begins to boil; you at once fly at his throat. Now tell me, has word or name got power or not? If such is the power of a vulgar word, then how much more ought to be the power of the name of the Lord! Not much of argument will avail here. Have full faith. Repeat the Name of the Lord and find out the glorious effect yourself. Drink the nectar of the divine name. You will have within yourself an enormous power with which you can work wonders. You can uproot mountains. You can shake the whole world with the power of the Lord’s name. You must have faith. You must have devotion for the Lord.

‘There are many people nowadays who do one Purascharana of a Mantra. They think that immediately on completion of the Purascharana they will begin to get money orders or will begin to fly in the air. Such Japa will not help you. You must thirst for God-realisation; and do Japa for the sake of God-realisation. Then and then alone will you develop Adhyatmika Shakti with which you can work for the good of humanity.

‘I am very glad that through the untiring efforts of Swami Bhaskaranandaji Maharaj, this great organisation has come into being. It is a blessing to humanity. Tyagis alone can do such work. Tyagis alone can really and truly work for the good of humanity. Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Tyagenaikenamritatwam-aanasuh. Such is the glory of renunciation.

‘May this organisation flourish forever, illuminating the path to peace, harmony and happiness so that humanity might walk along this noble path and attain its goal.’

Siva attended the afternoon session, too, and was again the first to come! It was hot and someone came with a big fan. Siva declined the service saying: ‘No no. I don’t want it. It is good sometimes to endure the heat.’ Even in his advanced age, even after achieving the Highest, Siva does not give up the elementary Sadhanas. A model for others to follow.

4th May, 1950

WHY GOD CREATED MOSQUITOES? 

‘I can understand why God created all the good things of the world, Swamiji, but why did He create the mosquito? If it is of no use to anyone, it is a great nuisance to all,’ said Rai Bahadur G.M. Modi.

‘Nothing in God’s creation is entirely useless. Though creation is His play, there is still a need within creation for everything that has been created. Even for the mosquito.

‘This mosquito is food for the bat and other birds. God who has created the bat and other birds has provided food for them in the mosquitoes.

‘Then, the mosquitoes act also as Secretaries to Lord Yama. Due to lack of self-control in human beings, they multiply in vast numbers. There is food scarcity and various other kinds of scarcities. There is overpopulation on the earth. These Secretaries of Lord Yama, the mosquitoes, act as carriers of the malarial germ, and they spread the disease. Many thousands die of malaria. Earth is relieved of its burden.

‘Thirdly, there is a very important function for these mosquitoes. They sting you into wakefulness. Every time they sting you, you think of the nature of the world. What a miserable place this is—this world! There are mosquitoes, scorpions, cobras, tigers and various other ferocious animals; scorching summer sun, biting winter cold, dust-storms, snow-storms; wars, riots and quarrels. How would you like to go to a place where these are absent!

‘That place where these mosquitoes are absent is Moksha, the Kingdom of God within you. The mosquitoes remind you of that truth. They instigate you to think of God and to save yourself from the miseries of mundane existence.

‘Now you understand that mosquitoes are as necessary as anything else in creation?’

15th May, 1950

NAVEENA EKALAVYA RAMAMURTI 

A famous archer, Ramamurti, demonstrated some rare feats in archery before Siva who keenly appreciated them and conferred upon R. the title of ‘Naveena Ekalavya’. R. said:

‘The success in all these feats does not depend so much upon my own skill as on the powerful and holy presence of Sri Swamiji Maharaj. Swamiji is Lord Siva Himself. There is no doubt about this. His face beams with grace and compassion and I get his power and encouragement to perform the feats. As Lord Siva gave the Pasupata Astra to Arjuna, our Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj gives me today his blessings for success in this great Sastra. Sri Swami Sivanandaji Maharaj ki jai!’

JUNE, 1950

1st June, 1950

SOURCE OF INSPIRATION 

Justice Chandrasekhara Iyer of Madras and Justice Mazumdar of Calcutta have come. Siva welcomed them with a Pranama, as usual. Slightly embarrassed, C. prostrated himself before Siva.

‘Swamiji, it has been my pious wish for a considerable time now, to have your Darshan. It is my good fortune that I have the opportunity today,’ said both of them. Then C. introduced the other retired Judge to Siva. ‘Justice Mazumdar is also the President of the Kalikamliwala Kshetra Committee.’

Siva turned to M.: ‘It is very good. The kshetra is doing very good philanthropic work.’

Justice M. to C.: ‘Look! I am sitting close by Swamiji and touching him so that I may draw inspiration from him, be blessed by him and purified by him.’ And, he nestled close to Siva.

Siva then took C. to his Kutir and to the Ghat. Siva explained: ‘The Mysore Maharani used to like this Ghat very much. This is the seat on which she used to sit and meditate.’

‘Who would not like it, Swamiji? It is so lovely. The entire place is reverberant with spiritual vibrations. I thank God for giving me this opportunity to visit this holy place and have your Darshan.’

2nd June, 1950

KARMA AND HEART-CULTURE 

A proposal to purchase a water-pump in order to make the best use of the engine donated to the Ashram by a devotee brought Chidanandaji to the office. The discussion turned on to the financial affairs of the Society. C. was explaining that a serious financial crisis was looming large over the entire institution.

‘The financial condition of the Society may be good or bad. The Vaidji’s family ought to be supported by the Society. God wants that we should help them. Theirs is a pitiable lot. Vaidji is dead, leaving the entire family virtually on the street. They have nothing to eat, and no money to purchase their clothes with. When Vaidji was alive they were living honourably on his meagre means. Now, they have suddenly been thrown into a terrible position. What greater misfortune can there be for respectable people than to suffer from want of food and clothing? We must give them shelter, food and clothing. It is our duty. That is what God wants us to do.

‘Sometimes such misfortunes even shake people’s faith in God. They will begin to ask, ‘Is there a God at all?’ But, Vaidji’s people are truly God-loving. They are even now regular in their Kirtan and Bhajan.

‘Even though it is bewildering, God has His own purpose for bringing down this calamity on this poor family. He wants to create Vairagya in the lady. And, what is even more important to us, He wants to give us an opportunity for rendering selfless service. Even at the cost of incurring more expenditure, we should support them.

‘Some foolish people will ignore such opportunities for rendering selfless service and say: ‘Oh, it is their Prarabdha. Each man has to suffer his own Karma.’ That is all very good. But, the other man’s evil Prarabdha gives YOU an opportunity to render service and purify yourself. It is foolish to let such opportunities go. It is not real Vedant: it is lip-Vedant or Vedantic perversion. It is one of the ways of the evading of our responsibility towards society and towards God. A real Vedantin will deny himself, will put himself to the greatest hardship in the service of others.’

Siva continued: ‘God wants us to serve others and to support all the people that resort to us. He who sends these people will also send the wherewithal to maintain them. Their Prarabdha will bring to the Ashram their food, clothing and maintenance. Therefore, worry not.’ 

(((((((((((((((((((((((((((()))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))()((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((())))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))