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It is said that the greatest teaching is seen in the lives of saints. Certainly, philosophical and devotional texts are very valuable and helpful, but at some level a seeker wants to see how the teachings are actually lived by a realised being. One feels that as brilliant as Gurudev's teacings and writings were, his life was even more moving. Hence, one could say that 'The Yoga of Synthesis' is nowhere better represented than in the life of Gurudev himself.

We have the opportunity in the following four talks to see the life of a great saint through the eyes of a wonderful disciple and yogi, Swami Venkatesananda. He was a long-term devotee of Swami Sivananda, and served him tirelessly in the Ashram for almost twenty years. He in fact probably had more daily contact with Gurudev than any other person in the Ashram, as he served Swami Sivananda as his personal assistant for many years and also had many other responsible positions in the Ashram.

Swami Venkatesanda had a rare gift of explaining the life and teachings of Swami Sivananda in the simplest, most insightful and most inspiring way. He brought to light the subtle message of Gurudev through stories and observations acquired over many years of devoted contact. His intense love and devotion for his guru shine through in every word. The following four talks were taken from a larger group of eleven talks given by Swami Venkatesananda in May, 1977 in the Ashram in Rishikesh and entitled, "Living at the Feet of Gurudev in the Ashram." All of the eleven talks can be read in full at www.dlsmd.org.