Inspiring Talks of Swami Sivananda
APRIL, 1949
1 st APRIL, 1949
THE VIEW OF THE WORLD
A few visitors from Madras had, during their stay in the Ashram, accidentally chanced to come face to face with a young man who had renounced his family and come away to Uttarakhand for practising Tapasya.
When Siva was told of this identification, he fondly enquired about the status of the family, to reassure himself that the young man’s disappearance would not starve the members of his family.
‘Swamiji, his father-in-law is a fairly rich man, so is his own father. It is about a year and a half since he left the house: so, perhaps even the anxiety that they felt about him and the sense or privation would have by now cooled down.’
‘But, the wife wants her husband! That is the trouble. She is not satisfied with money, parents and children. The woman is always after a husband,’ remarked Siva, in Shavian jest, full of hidden wisdom.
RENUNCIATION NEEDS STRENGTH
‘Swamiji, may we inform the parents and parents-in-law that he is here? Perhaps, they will be relieved of their anxiety.’
‘Oh, yes, why not? And, even if they come here and start crying over his sleeves, it does not seriously matter. If he has the inner strength of conviction, then he will stay in spite of everything. He appears to be full of spiritual Samskaras: else his Vairagya would have faded away long ago and he would have returned to the house. Mind, he has led a very rigorous life, and undergone a good deal of suffering during the last one and a half years. Still he is adamant in his resolve. Renunciation is not an easy thing. It comes only out of strong Purva Samskaras.’
SWEPT OFF BY A TYPHOON
‘Swamiji, he used to read a lot of your works. In fact, we are sure that it is only because of that he left the world so suddenly, and in the face of the attraction of a young wife and child.’
‘Yes, yes: I also asked him: ‘If you were inclined spiritually, then why did you marry?’ He said, ‘It was only after the marriage I started reading your books.’ Such is the Lord’s will. Who can alter that?’
‘Your books, Swamiji Maharaj, are like the winds of a typhoon: they sweep men off their feet, only to plant them firmly on the spiritual path.’ After a pause, the visitor added: ‘I, too read your books, Swamiji ….’
His wife who was also in the group, interrupted, ‘ ….And, Swamiji, ….we have been anxiously watching him, lest he, too, should renounce the world and run away.’
‘But, Swamiji, I have never felt such an inclination ….’
Siva interrupted: ‘Only when there is a spark can it be ignited!’
But the visitor was engrossed in his own line of thought. ‘Swamiji, I have always felt that it is possible to realise God through Grihasthasrama also. I do not feel that the family life is in any way an obstacle to spirituality.’
‘Yes, yes: it is possible to realise God in and through the world. You have to live like a lotus-leaf on water.’
WHAT IS WORLD?
A railway engineer came in. He had a doubt to be cleared.
‘Swamiji, you say we should avoid a worldly man’s company. But, Swamiji, aren’t we all worldly men? If I, too am a worldly man, what do I get by labelling another as a worldly man and avoiding his company? I think this is possible only when I renounce the world and come here.’
‘What is here? Is this not the world? Is Rishikesh not part of the world? How can you renounce this world? Where will you go?’ These questions put the engineer in a very receptive and reflective mood. ‘What is meant,’ continued Siva: ‘by a worldly man is a man who is full of worldly nature. A man may live in the world, and yet be not of it. That is the secret. Never allow the evils of the world to get into your heart: enthrone God in the heart.’
FROM MECHANICAL REPETITION TO BHAV
‘I do try to meditate on the Lord in the heart and to do Japa. I find it very difficult. My mind always wanders. It has no taste for Japa.’
‘Go on mechanically repeating the name as a parrot does. In course of time, the Mantra-Shakti will awaken in your heart a real love for the Lord and His Name, the real Bhavana which will lead you to Bhava Samadhi. Persistent effort is necessary.’
6 th APRIL, 1949
PUNCTUALITY: SIVA’S DEFINITION
‘Where is Chidanandaswamiji? Where is Sivanarayanji?’ Siva was there on the Ganges bank: and the boys ran here and there collecting the Ashram group that would accompany Siva across to the Swarga Ashram.
Judge Saheb with a party of Swarg Ashram Sadhus had arrived at 7 a.m. to take Siva to Swarg Ashram. The party came singing ‘Sri Ram Jaya Ram Jay Jay Ram’ Kirtan.
At 7:30 Siva arrived at Sri Viswanath Ghat, ready to make a move. Within the fraction of a second he had checked up on all the things that had to be taken—fruits, money, books, magazines, pamphlets, etc. One or two of the Ashramites scheduled to accompany him were yet to come.
‘Swamiji, we had been told to be ready at 8 a.m.’
‘That might be: but it is our duty to be well prepared half an hour ahead. That is punctuality. Then we would also avoid running about hither and thither at the last moment. Well, now let us go.’
For then Acharyaji had also come.
And, the boat sailed along, merrily, to the accompaniment of the Kirtan.
UTSAV BHAVAN
We assembled on the open ground near the Swarg Ashram office. After the usual speeches, Sri Upadhyayaji requested Siva to open the new Utsav Bhavan, designed especially to house a small altar of God before which would go on Bhagavat Katha, etc. Raghavacharyaji, the aged Shad-Darshanacharya, concurred, and said: ‘In my view, among those present today Sri Swamiji Maharaj is the foremost, a saint and seer, full of the divinity whose birth we have today assembled to celebrate. I am very happy when, soon after I went over to the other bank of the Ganga to the Muni-ki-reti, Swamiji also went there and established his Ashram where he preached Rama-Bhakti and Nama-Bhakti, from where arose mighty waves of devotion to the Lord that uplifted humanity. Indeed, he is a great Mahatma whose blessings should be sought by all of us.’
Siva stood beside the door of the Utsav Bhavan, and roared OM OM OM. — Om is the seed of all auspiciousness and Siva never commences any function without it. Then his usual Kirtans ending up with the Maha Mantra Kirtan which has received a new life from Siva.
After a short speech wherein Siva eulogised the wonderful service that the founder of the Swarg Ashram had rendered to humanity, and with his own blessings ‘May this Utsav Bhavan be a haven of peace and godliness to which all devotees could resort, purify themselves, and become Jivanmuktas!’ he declared the Utsav Bhavan open.
FILLED FOR AGES TO COME
When all had seated themselves within this Utsav Bhavan, Siva sang a few most inspiring Kirtan Dhwanis ….and the Voice! Coming as it does from the very navel of this great Yogi, it rang out in sweet melody and indescribable power and filled the entire atmosphere. Siva’s single voice reached farther than that of the entire gathering combined. These powerful vibrations would last for ages.
And, our cup of bliss was filled. At the conclusion of the function Siva himself stood up and distributed the Prasad with his own divine hands ….he went round here and there taking the utmost care to see that none, not even the meanest and most neglected members, not even the slumbering child on his mother’s lap, none was omitted.
TWO DISTINCT THINGS: KNOWING AND DOING
And, so the function came to a close and we left the Utsav Bhavan. There was rush again ….this time it was to touch Siva’s feet. This procession of men and women lasted for quite a few minutes, and others ran after Siva and took the dust of his feet.
‘You have made it a great success. All the glory for today’s grand function belongs to you,’ Siva said to Upadhyayaji.
‘No, Swamiji. It was all your grace only. Mahantji also had this idea. I got this idea also several years ago. It was through your grace only that it was fulfilled this year.’
‘It is one thing to have an idea and quite another thing to take the initiative to do it. It is one thing to know: quite another thing to do. We know so many things: but hardly do we dare to do them. The credit for taking this initiative should definitely go to you. May God bless you all.’
Upadhyayaji would not take this hint. He insisted on accompanying Siva till the very bank of the Ganges.
‘I hope,’ said Siva: ‘that this is only a beginning: in future you should arrange celebrate all the festivals here. People will be benefited: Sadhus will be benefited: and it will bring glory to the institution, too.
‘By your grace and blessings, Swamiji, I hope it will be so.’
7 th APRIL, 1949
FOLLOW-UP—AN IMPORTANT PURSUIT
‘Have those blocks gone to Sankaranandaji?’ queried Siva, as he came into the office.
‘Sankaranandaji? But, I have sent them to Narayanaswamiji!’
Siva told one inmate who passed this instruction on to another, and it went to yet another ….Losing itself in transit ….Result: confusion and a thing intended for someone goes into some other’s hand.
‘All right. Please write to Narayanaswamiji to send the blocks to Sankaranandaji.’
After a while, Siva remarked: ‘If I do not pursue every matter like this till its very tail-end, at once I find that things have gone wrong.’
Siva, who has been working at this strain for more than quarter of a century (why, even in Malaya he was famous for this thorough-going work), has to do it even today and the youngsters feel that the moment they pass the baby on to another, their responsibility is over. And, Siva never tires of service.
SHUBHASYA SHEEGHRAM
When you know a thing to be good, do it at once. This is Siva’s advice to all. Who knows that tomorrow will be like? And, man’s mind is so fickle and flippant that ere the day breaks again, it has its own revisions of ideas, and relapses into its old grooves. Even in regard to ordinary matters of detail Siva adopts this motto.
The service in the temple in connection with Sri Ramanavami was over: it was past midday. The Prasad that had been distributed at the temple had kindled people’s appetite, and everyone was straining his ears to hear the kitchen bell.
‘Vishnuswamiji, bring ten-rupee worth of pedas. We shall perform the opening ceremony of the two new Kutirs immediately.’ And, Vishnuji ran.
Jnaneshwari Kutir built by Judge Saheb: and then Sri Gajanan Sharma’s Kutir. Each took nearly fifteen minutes. And, the thrilling Kirtan Dhwanis and the very presence of Siva in our midst took away the weariness: and only the kitchen bell reminded that we had a stomach to feed.
STAY HERE
At night we were all at the desk. Siva came into our midst on his way back to his Kutir from the Bhajan Hall. Viswanathan caught his eye.
‘What about Viswanathji? Have you decided to stay on here? Is there any attraction still for the family? What will your father say?’
‘Swamiji, my father actually turned me out of the house when he found that I was getting into trouble on account of my association with a political party. He will not bother about it if I stay here or elsewhere.’
‘Then, it is shameful to return to such a father! Stay here.’
Then, without even a word from V., Siva had chanted OM thrice and continued his Jaya Ganesh Kirtan.
‘But, Swamiji, I might be permitted to go for a few months, for I have promised my friends that I will see them again.’
‘What friends? Let them come here if they are so eager to see you.’
Here is a real test of friendship. Most of our worldly friends are not as friendly, not even a hundredth as friendly as we believe them to be. It is only our ignorance that creates this bond. When this friendship is put to the test, we find that this bond had never been there at all. How many disillusionments of this type does the average man get: and yet this Moha for friends never leaves him, and he is ever eager to make new friends and newer friends, forgetting every time that his older friends have become aliens to him already.
V. agreed to stay on.
8 th APRIL, 1949
AMERICAN PROFESSOR MEETS SIVA
Dr. Frederick Spiegelberg, Ph.D. an American Professor has come, accompanied by a Gujerati lady who has so long been a silent admirer of Siva.
The doctor explained his mission to India and said he had visited all the other Ashrams in the country. Particularly, he mentioned Anandashram, Kanhangad, of Sri Swami Ramdas.
‘Swamiji, have you ever met Swami Ramdas?’
‘No.’
‘He has a very high regard for you. He spoke so highly of you and your attainments that I was all the time very eager to meet you personally.’
ONLY A SAINT KNOWS A SAINT
That brought to my mind a wonderful feature about Siva himself. His own disciples often behave in an unbecoming manner towards him. On the other hand, we find that renowned saints have very great veneration for him. Sri Yogi Shuddhananda Bharatiar, to have a glimpse of whose face people have to wait long at his Kutir in Pondicherry, has written a thrilling biography of Siva. Sri Narayanadas Paramahamsa, the gunny-Sadhu and great Mowni, who has declared that he has had direct Darshan of Bhagavan Narayana Himself, bows his head in veneration when Siva’s name is mentioned in his (N.’s) presence. Sri Swami Ramdas, himself a renowned saint whose two books, ‘In Quest of God’ and ‘In the Vision of God’ give a glimpse of his own realisation and high spiritual state, has this reverence towards Siva. Why: people all over the world, saints of great reputation have this veneration. Sri Dr. Hari Prasad Shastri, Ph.D., a renowned disciple of Saint Dada Maharaj, and who is worshipped by his own English disciples as a Great Master, has almost a chela-like veneration for Siva. Sri Boris Sacharow, an eminent Yogi of Russia, and Sri Louis Brinkfort, another Yogi of Denmark—all have taken Siva as their revered Master. I can go on with this list ad infinitum.
Saints revere this saint: saints see God in this ‘man’. And, ordinary people see man in this divinity. What a pity. Oh, Lord, open our eyes. Give us the Divya Chakshu so that we might see Thy Real Form which these Yogis see in their own inner temple.
INDIAN SPIRITUALITY IS ALIVE IN ASHRAMS
At night, during the Satsang, Siva requested the doctor to speak a few words.
‘I have been deputed by my university in America to go round India and see if her ancient spiritual culture is still alive today. I have gone round: I have visited several Ashrams: I have contacted Government officials, too. I find that the spirit is still alive, very much so, in the Ashrams in India where, as in this, there is the living presence of a Master. It is a sad reflection to find that in the Government and public services this spirit is almost nil, whereas in the west you find greater traces of this spirit in those quarters.’
MY INNER RULER
‘Venkatesanandaji, you will have to talk a few words,’ came the command. Now? I felt diffident: with hardly a few minutes to think about what to say! But after all, it is he who is going to do it.
Siva must have known the dilemma: for he began with a beautiful song ‘Within you is hidden God!’ and then followed it up with a few Vedantic songs. And while doing so, he had given me enough material to talk. All that I had to do was to elaborate his definition of ‘Divine Life’ as give in this famous song.
THE PROFESSOR IS CHARMED
The Satsang came to a close at about 9.20 p.m. But it was hard for the Professor to take leave of Siva for the night.
‘Swamiji, I have seen many saints in India during this tour. But, what I greatly admire in you is that you have not the slightest trace of an inferiority complex from which the others suffer. You are so outspoken: and you are so full of humour that you capture our hearts. Humour is a thing that is lacking in philosophers and saints too, very often. That spoils everything and makes it dry pedantry.’
‘Swamiji,’ I told the Professor, ‘is a musician dramatist, great humorist and dancer, too. You should see him dance. He is a fine actor: and he has dramatised the Upanishads. People who were unable to assimilate the Vedantic truths contained in them have got clear ideas from his Upanishad Drama which has been appreciated by our Governor-General also. He is full of humour.’
‘Have you read my book: ‘Philosophy in Humour’? ’ asked Siva.
‘No, I would very much like to.’
They resumed their seats. And, Siva began to sing a few poems from his book ‘Philosophy in Humour’. The Professor and the Gujerati devotee were beside themselves in joy.
‘You ought to sing these songs in America: and you will revolutionise the entire country. People will be simply swept off their feet. America needs this kind of instruction: simple and delicious. And the way you sing these precious instruc- tions! It is simply marvellous.’
They left at 11 p.m.
9 th APRIL, 1949
YOGA MUSEUM: A GREAT IDEA
Early in the morning, Siva took the Professor round the Ashram.
The Yoga Museum he was very much interested in. The entire set-up of the Museum was explained to the visitors. The doctor of philosophy closely followed the beautiful design of the Museum.
‘Please give me a sample of this Japa-mala-bag. With that I will start my own Museum in my University in America. This is a most wonderful idea.’
FIRST TIME I SEE ASANS
Vishnuji demonstrated certain very difficult Asans. The Professor was all-admiration: and he took slide-photographs of many of these Asans.
‘Swamiji, I have heard and read so much about these Asans and Kriyas. But this is the first time I actually see that a man can perform such difficult feats of Yogic Kriyas.’
ALL ROUND PERFECTION
The Professor was himself a good photographer. When Siva took him to the Sivananda Art Studio and showed him the modern equipment of Padmanabhan’s studio and dark room, the Professor remarked: ‘This is the only Ashram with such perfect modern arrangements.’
‘Is that so? Chitra Kala is one of the many Kalas: some others are music, dance, etc. They are all divine in their origin and divine one should aspire to keep them. They are holy and inspiring if they are kept on the high pedestal of sublimity. One should be efficient in these: for they contain in them an Amsa of God.
‘Further, the photographic and painting arts keep for posterity a record of present-day events. It is a great help for generations to come.’
The Professor admired the purity of Siva’s approach to the fine arts.
11 th APRIL, 1949
NOTHING FOR THE ATMAN
‘What are the Governors and Chief Ministers doing?’ asked Siva, in the course of a conversation this morning. ‘They all come and do some Seva in the temple: some should do Kirtan in the Bhajan Hall: others should carry water for the kitchen. Merely sitting at their desk in the office and signing papers will not do. At the end of it all, they will find that they have done nothing to realise their own Self.’
How true! People who engage themselves in social service or in the service of the nation, even though with a laudable motive in the beginning soon lose sight of the goal and stray away into selfishness and self-aggrandisement. As they approach the end of their life, they are filled with an inward bitterness (and, this, too, only if they have at some time or other had a spiritual inclination) at not having achieved substantial inner progress.
Throughout the active career of these people they are filled with the wrong notion that they are indispensable to the state or nation or society. But the Lord of Death has no such illusion: he snatches them away in the twinkling of an eye. What is the wonder of wonders—the world goes on, the nation lives, and society thrives in their absence, too. The world neither gains nor loses anything. These people were Maya’s tools: if they had discarded her charms and worked selflessly for the good of humanity, at the same time plunging within their own Self and brought out the pearl of Atma-Jnana, Maya would have lost one of her victims, and the world to which they would have handed over this pearl of wisdom would be definitely the better and richer for it.’
14 th APRIL, 1949
H. A. Y.? P. R.
Do you know what this means? Think. For thinking is good for the brain.
As they do with conundrums, I will give you some details about these letters. They form part of an autograph-blessings that appear on the cover of a book that Siva is sending a devotee as a present. And, this devotee has for a considerable time not been writing to Siva. Now, think again. For, deeper thinking along a particular line helps cultivation of the powers of concentration.
The interrogation mark reveals it: ‘How are you? Please reply.’
You might ask: ‘How does Swamiji expect the devotee to know this? If he is not sure that the devotee would easily understand it, then what use is it writing this much?’
This is the strangest phenomenon. If the reader understands, then the purpose is served. If he is unable to understand it, then also the purpose is served. The purpose is served the moment these letters are penned by Siva.
How? If he understands, he will reply. If he does not, then he will write to ask what it is: and naturally he will write all that Siva wants him to write!
In the process of thinking about this conundrum, already the blessed devotee has gained a lot. He has passed through his mind all the days that he was with Siva, the Upadesh that Siva had given him (lest it should refer to something of that Upadesh, that he has neglected), everything, everything indeed, from the date he met Siva till the date of the receipt of the book with these few letters inscribed on it. Thought deepens into concentration: and this, when coupled with Vichar, is productive of the most salutary results. He is sure to be revived—spiritually.
MESSAGE TO THE GUARDIANS OF YOUTH
Sri K. Raman Nair, Headmaster of Shoranur High School, has come and before leaving the place had collected a number of Siva’s books. His wife made a quick survey of the entire book-shelf, the photographs and lockets and selected many of them: ‘The children will like it.’
Siva came in. Raman Nair explained to him that he was on a mission of gathering information from authoritative sources about any improvement that he may carry out in the management of the school.
‘Much of what the boy learns in the school today, he has to forget later on: very little of it is actually useful to him. The main thing—a spiritual training—is sadly neglected. Ethics ought to be the very foundation of the boys’ career at school. At the schooling age the boy is easily pliable. You should try to plant in his fertile mind good seeds of spirituality, morality and ethical perfection. Then only will the school serve its purpose. Start the school with a prayer in the morning. Encourage the students to study spiritual books of a non-sectarian nature. Gita should be taught. Yoga Asans and Suryanamaskar should be introduced.’
‘Swamiji, I have already selected your pictures, and am taking them with me. Yoga Asana Chart and Suryanamaskara—I shall certain train my students in these. I am also taking some of your books. I shall encourage my students to study and digest your precious words contained in them.’
‘And, start a magazine also. Ask the teachers and students, too, to contribute articles to it. This will help you a great deal. Convert your school into a college gradually. You have a wonderful philanthropic spirit. You can do wonders.’
‘It is all possible only through your grace, Swamiji.’
MORE KUTIRS
Nowadays frequent enquiries are received here for estimates for the construction of Kutirs. Retired people are anxious to have the Satsang of Siva and of spending their retired life in the service of the great master.
‘Say ‘Yes’ to this letter.’ Siva gave a fresh enquiry whether a Kutir could be constructed at the Ashram.
Then, Siva added: ‘We do not know how it will develop in future. Perhaps it will one day turn out into a Sanatorium. But anyway, all these retired people will be of great help to the institution, too: and, they will keep the work going. It is all God’s will and no one knows in what mysterious ways help will come.’
16 th APRIL, 1949
THE GREATEST SERMON
Sadhana Week is in progress. Siva quietly joined the morning meditation class. When meditation was over, he stood up. He began to sing:
Sarvam Brahmamayam re re Sarvam Brahmamayam
‘This is the last word of wisdom in the Upanishads. It is the cream of the Vedas. This one formula contains all that you need. Meditate on this one formula. You will attain Kaivalya Moksha.
‘Sarvam Brahmamayam: all hatred, dislike, diversity, fear and other evils will vanish. You will see Brahman and Brahman alone everywhere. Names and forms will vanish. You will enjoy supreme peace.
‘Meditation on the four Mahavakyas bestows on you the fruits of studying the four Vedas. But, meditation on this one great utterance of the Seers is equal to meditation on all the four Mahavakyas at one stroke. Therefore, repeat: Sarvam Brahmamayam.
‘Negate the illusory names and forms. Kill this little I. Hate none. Dislike no one. Sing now: Sarvam Brahmamayam.’
‘Ghrina will vanish. You will never dislike anything—no, not even evil. In the Devi Sukta, Devi is worshipped at ….
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Bhranti Rupena Samsthitaa
Ya Devi Savabhuteshu Trishna Rupena Samsthitaa
The Devi who is Shakti, mother, Santi, etc., is Trishna and Bhranti, too. Good and evil are both Her forms only. The Lord says in the Gita: ‘Dyutham Chhalayatam Asmi’. He is described in the Rudram: ‘Taskaranam Pathaya’. These clearly prove that hidden in all these forms it is He and He alone that shines. Negate the outer covering and sing ….
Sarvam Brahmamayam
‘In whatever condition you are, even though you have been starving for days together, even if you are on the roll of unemployment, even though you have lost everything in Pakistan, sing: Sarvam Brahmamayam. You will feel an inexpressible joy pervading your entire being. All the wealth of the world will perish. But the bliss that flows from the meditation on this Mahavakya is imperishable. It will revitalise you. It will give you peace and bliss. Live forever in the spirit of this one formula. You will soon become a Jivanmukta. May God bless you all.’
Then he had all people repeat in chorus ….
Jaya Jaya Radhe Govind
and
Sita Ram Ram Ram
….before the assemblage dispersed.
DR. BRIJ BEHARI LAL
Dr. Brij Behari Lal of Saharanpur spoke on practical Sadhana and pointed out methods of practically living the divine life. Siva, at the conclusion of the doctor’s speech, eulogised the doctor’s humanitarian services at Saharanpur.
‘Dr. Brij Behari Lal’s lecture was full of words of wisdom. He has shown you how to live the divine life every day. His practical instructions are worth following. He is a very learned man: yet he has chosen to dwell on the practical side of religion than on the philosophical.’
‘The same Atman is in all. Therefore, you should day by day develop equal vision. You should give up the practice of reserving the best of everything for yourself and giving away the stale plantain to the servants. You should feel that your own Self is in the servant, too. You should feed the servants first, give the best fruits to them, and if need be forego your own share. Then only will your heart expand. After a few days this zeal will fade away. You will relapse into the old habits. You will once again have to raise up the Bhavana. And, gradually, this trait will strike a deep root in you. Your heart will expand and you will realise the Self.’
SANYAS CALLS YOU
The Sanyas Flag was worshipped. Siva, in the course of a brilliant oration explaining the significance of the Sanyas Flag, said:
‘The flag flutters in the air: it calls you all—‘Come, embrace Sanyas’. One day or the other, you have to embrace Sanyasa. The Upanishads declare: ‘Na Karmana Na Prajaya Dhanena Thyagenaikena-amritatwamanashuh. Nothing except renunciation can give you Moksha. If not now, at a later stage: if not in this life, in a life to come—before you attain the Supreme you will have to embrace Sanyasa.’
‘Some people say: ‘Why give Sanyas to young people?’ Why? They are the fittest for Sanyasa. Only young people can practise intense Sadhana and Tapasya. What can an old man do? Just when he is about to die, someone will utter the Mahavakya in his ears which had already ceased to hear. Of what use is such Sanyas? Glory to the youthful Sanyasins who have dared to defy the worldly temptations and embrace the Holy Order.’
‘Even you, ladies, ought to take Sanyas. There have been astounding examples in the Upanishads and Yoga Vasishta of ladies who possess Brahma Jnana. You are by nature nearer to God. You are loving by nature. You have many divine virtues. Only, you are more attached to children. That is your only weakness. If you try even a little bit, you can achieve the Supreme.’
‘May you all realise the Self in this very birth.’
TEHRI’S CHIEF MINISTER
Sri Jyoti Prasadji, Chief Minister of Tehru-Garhwal State, was coming towards the Ashram. We received him and took him to Siva’s Kutir where the party was entertained by Siva himself.
‘Swamiji, I have received the packet of books that you have so kindly sent me. How wonderfully you write! Every word of what you say is only too true and uttered in your own direct style: and one is at once inspired by them, as they emanate from the very heart of a Self-realised saint. I have studied the books of all great men: but have not been able to find that particular charm in anyone else’s.’
‘It is all God’s Grace.’
17 th APRIL, 1949
THE DEVOTEE’S ATTITUDE
Sri Sudarshan was in a complaining mood. The Sadhana Week did not satisfy her entirely: for she heard more of talks and discourses than of Kirtan and Bhajan. She is good at composing songs. She has composed many songs on Siva himself. Quickly in the afternoon she had composed her song of complaint. ‘O Sadhaks, please ask Swamiji why he has not chosen to sing his lovely Kirtan Dhwanis.’
Siva stood up on the platform after the Drama at night was over. Sudarshan asked for this Kirtan or that song.
‘Ohji, all these are stale now,’ said Siva. Look at the simplicity that enables him to say this from the lecture platform, facing a huge audience.
‘No, Swamiji, to us they can never become stale.’
‘All right, then,’ said Siva. Then gushed forth Siva’s favourite songs, one by one, and Sudarshan was visibly moved by Siva’s grace and mercy.
Siva sang ‘Song of Ities’ and explained the meaning. Siva sent the audience to the heaven of joy when, in the middle of the song, he stopped and said in the same tune: ‘I have forgotten the rest of the song,’ and translated this into all the languages. A little while later, he recollected the entire song and continue to sing.
Try it once in your life and feel for yourself what a tremendous lot of courage and straightforwardness is necessary to do all this. It is impossible to evaluate this except through one’s own experience. Fear of brickbats, fear of loss of name, fear of public criticism, and a host of other fears simply eat into the vitals of the man who finds himself in such a predicament. ‘Dwiteeyaat vai Bhayam Bhavati—Only perception of duality creates fear’. Where is fear, of any sort, to one who has passed beyond this sense of duality? Siva sees his own Self in all—he has realised the Unity of Self—and therefore there is no fear for him, but bliss alone.
Next he turned to the song ….
Chidanand Chidananda Chidananda hum
Har haime Atmas Satchidananda hum
I am Knowledge and Bliss, in all conditions I am Knowledge-Bliss Absolute.
‘This is the greatest tonic in the world,’ said Siva. ‘In whatever condition you may find yourself, sing this song and realise its power to revitalise you, to rejuvenate you. You need not resort to drugs and tonics if you know this song. You will save doctor’s bills if you sing this song.’
Next came the ‘Song of Govinda’ ….
Goal of life Govinda
Is God-realisation Govinda
Attain this Govinda
Through Japa Kirtan Govinda
Through Mantra writing Govinda
Quickly Siva turned to Sudarshan and asked: ‘You have heard this many times. You are fond of this song also. But, have you ever thought of doing what I am telling you now? You never write the Mantra.’
‘From today I will do, Swamiji.’
‘And, send me the Mantra note-books regularly.’
And, he continued the song.
Siva was not feeling quite well physically. Yet, he continued the programme till 1 a.m. Thus had he demonstrated the efficacy of ‘Chidanand’ song. At 12.30 he was in a spirited mood. He sang sectional songs. A Punjabi tune ….
Ladagai Ladagai Ladagai Ho
Akiyan Ladagai Shyam Sundar se
His own Tamil composition followed: and then a Telugu poem. After this, the two party Kirtan. The novelty this time was that he set man against woman. Ladies would say ….
Radha Radha Shyam Bolo
….and men said:
Sita Sita Ram bolo
Now, it was Siva’s turn to get dissatisfied. ‘No, no: this is no good. There is no life in that corner. All big officers. Shy to do Kirtan. Now, sing again. Let me see who wins—ladies or gentlemen.’
This infused a new spirit in all. The sky was rent with the Lord’s names.
‘That is fine. The ladies have won. They have got all natural godly tendencies. They deserve to win. They are nearer God. Their nature is loving. They are fit for Bhakti Marga. They can realise God through Bhakti, even more quickly than men can do. Only, they are attached to children.’
21 st APRIL, 1949
PARADISE THROWN AWAY
On the 28 th February, 1949, Siva wrote a poem warning earnest Sadhaks from falling into the hands of pseudo-Gurus who misguide their followers.
Today we have a practical example of what effect such contacts have on the Sadhaka.
L.L. Bhirud, a very earnest student of Yoga, one who has received much valuable help from Siva’s teachings and thus had progressed satisfactorily along the path of divine life, writes:
‘Received your kind gift of two books. I also got your loving letter. I am really very happy to note your enthusiasm in helping me. Today I want to write about the changes in me during the last few months.
After coming to Poona, I began to study ….I first went carefully through ….
which deals with Sadhana Chatushtaya. This book captured me at that time. But now I am studying Sri …. ’s lectures. They appealed to me so much. Now I do not find any need of belief or Guru. I do not at all like Japa. I do not at all think it necessary to follow the commands of the masters, etc. simply because they are great. I have nothing to do with God. I never think about God. There is no need to think about Him. I want to follow the dictates of my own conscience. This is a very simple and direct way of approaching the so-called Reality. I shall consult others, authorities, but not accept their views unless I find truth in them. This, I think, is a great change in me. To put into classical words, I am following Jnana Yoga. I hope you will still love me ‘as I am’.
Certainly, there is a great change ….but is it for your good or otherwise?
What was Siva’s reaction on reading this letter? He smiled and said: ‘Here is a clearer warning of what I said days ago. Here is a case to prove what I said. This is how innocent, diligent Sadhaks are lured away from the right path by miscreants who unsettle the Sadhaka’s belief and leave him in the lurch. Never, never listen to them. Never even approach the room in which their books are kept. The association of these preachers is as beneficial to the Sadhaka as is the association of an evil-minded dancing girl to a wealthy zamindar. As the dancing-girl will drain the zamindar of his resources and then leave him in the lurch, so also these preachers will drain the Sadhakas of all the spiritual wealth they possess and then leave them in a very pitiable condition, where the Sadhakas will find that they have burnt their boats in mid-stream. Beware!’
23 rd April, 1949
MAHANTS! PLEASE NOTE
The Rawal Saheb of Badrinath temple has come from Malabar, on his way to Badrinath. Along with him came a Swami from Kalikamliwala Kshetra. After exchange of greetings, the Rawal Saheb settled down on a chair in front of Siva. But this Kshetra Swami was greatly embarrassed when Siva asked him to sit on the bench.
‘No, Maharaj, I shall keep standing.’
Above all, these people who have lived in Rishikesh for the past twenty-five years not only know Siva to be great but have realised that he is great—they have seen him in rags, they have seen him as a stern Sadhu, they have seen him as a walking Gita, they have seen him as a great Yogi, and now they see him as The Great.
And, the Swami continued: ‘Maharaj, this year I shall be going to Badrinath to be in charge of the Kshetra’s free kitchen there. I require Swamiji’s blessings.’ Palms folded in front, eyes closed and the head swayed in front.
‘Ohji, you are a very noble soul: that is why God has given you this opportunity. May God bless you. I will tell you one thing. Serve the Sadhus and Mahatmas there with Prem-Bhav. Do not run hither and thither, doing Dandavat Pranams to rich people, and entertaining them on Persian carpets, and then scolding and ill-treating Sadhus. Serve the Sadhus and God Himself will shower gold into your Khajana. You will attain Moksha Samrajya by this one service. May God bless you. OM Namo Narayanaya.’
Precious instructions are these to all those to whom God has entrusted spiritual organisations.
BE SELF-DISCIPLINED
It takes all sorts of people to make an Ashram: and Sivanandashram is noted for its catholicity of faith so that anyone professing any religion, creed or Yoga can become its inmate. And, there are some orthodox Vairagis who would prefer to take Bhiksha from the Kitchen and eat it on the Ganges bank. VVV was one of them. The kitchen manager had felt it rather inconvenient to serve these people with Bhiksha and to serve the others at the same time.
Siva called VVV and said: ‘In whatever you do you should try not to cause the least of trouble to others. Well, if you wish to take Bhiksha and eat it on the Ganges bank, do so by all means. It is good. And, it would not be very difficult for the kitchen people to arrange it. But, you should have patience and discipline. You should wait for your turn. Never ask for extra-considerate treatment. Obey the rules. It will help you in your evolution.
‘Even God follows certain rules self-imposed. Think of the universal laws—how nicely they operate. Think of the correlation of planets and with what rhythm and precision they move. Cannot God also leave the world, go and do Tapas in Uttarkashi? He has His eye on every atom of creation and attends to everyone’s needs. He has to keep an account of everyone’s Karmas and mete out the rewards and punishments in strict accordance with the Eternal Laws. You should acquire that much of self-discipline if you wish to evolve into God.’
And, I have heard that even in his Swarg Ashram days, when the Ashram authorities were ever eager to serve him in all possible ways, Siva would insist on being one among the crowd and decline to make use of the privileges granted to him. He would stand in the long queue, in the hot sun, waiting for his turn to take Bhiksha. He could as well have taken it at any moment ‘side-ways’: but he would never break the discipline of Swarg Ashram.
And, still they come.
25 th APRIL, 1949
JUDITH TYBERG
From far off America a sincere seeker after Truth intent on finding out the Reality in and through the maze of sects, creeds and schools of thought in India— Srimathi Judith Tyberg has come to Ananda Kutir.
She has great ideas. She was one of the founders of the World University Round Table of America of whose Religious Section Siva is the head. She intends to go back to America and spread Hindu Yoga.
After the evening Satsang Siva asked her to speak a few words, if she would like to do so.
‘Me, Swamiji? I came to learn, to listen and to be with you and to inhale the holy spiritual vibrations that pervade the atmosphere of the Ashram. What I am going to say?’
Such is their attitude. Similar was Brig. Yadu Nath Sing’s yearning, too. When he was here during the Sadhana Week, he described to me his mode of approach towards the saint of Ananda Kutir.
‘It is a strange thing,’ the Brig. said. ‘I have stayed here for days together. Before I come, my mind is filled with eagerness to ask Swamiji about this and that. But, when I ultimately find myself in his presence, it seems as though that very presence is the answer. I have no need to ask any question.’ And a true Sadhu among high-ranking army officers, you will at once see in the Brigadier a man of parts, noble and gentle, but not the least trace of the vanity of position.
26 th APRIL, 1949
JUDITH TYBERG SPEAKS
This evening, during Satsang, Siva requested Srimatha Judith Tyberg to speak and she was ready to do so.
She dwelt at length on the deplorable conditions in the West and emphasised the need for the quick and rapid spread of Eastern thoughts and the spiritual culture of the East in the Western nations. She felt that America was in need of it, and was ready for the message.
She had come to India to learn Indian Spiritual Science. She had studied the Indian philosophy and more than the philosophical portions of it which she was able to learn in the universities, she felt that the influence that actual living spiritual personalities, like Siva himself, had created in her lasting impressions and given her strength and courage to take the message of the East to America and say boldly, ‘Here is a message from the living messiahs of the East in whom the ancient spirit of Vedanta still lives.’
Judith Tyberg felt that her quest for the living spirit in India had taken to Siva’s Ashram at Rishikesh: and she said that during the few days of her stay here she has been able to learn a lot and absorb the message of divine life.
ASHRAM TRAINING
After listening to Siva’s favourite and humorous Kirtans and songs at the conclusion of the Satsang, Srimathi J.T. was ready to leave for her Kutir. She said: ‘Good night, Swamiji.’
‘ OM Namo Narayanaya! That is the Sadhu’s way of saying ‘Good night’. At every turn utter the Lord’s Name. Even the mere Good-night forms part of Japa.’
‘ OM Namo Narayanaya, Swamiji. Yes, it is a nice way.’
29 th APRIL, 1949
RELENTLESS SERVICE
Before the class started, Siva himself had gone round the entire Ashram waking up all the inmates and all the visitors including J.T., so that they might attend the class. Siva found J.T. fast asleep and so left her alone. But, the moment she awoke, she ran into the Bhajan Hall and quietly slipped in. Such is the liberty that people at once take of Siva, induced, no doubt, by his own spontaneous love and kindness: J.T. at the conclusion of the class, mildly put in: ‘How is it that I did not wake, Swamiji? Did you wake me up today also?’
‘Yes, yes’: replied Siva, ‘and you were fast asleep. I thought you were tired and so left you. Later I sent Vishnuji twice. Perhaps, you were too tired to get up. Anyhow, it is good you have come to the class.’
MUSEUM: A UNIQUE FEATURE
‘So, you are leaving? OM Namo Narayanaya. Please come again and come every year. Spend a few months here. Take an aeroplane and you are here in a day.’
‘I shall, Swamiji. In any case, I shall always depend on your blessings and kind thoughts to help me in my work in America. I have learnt a lot during my stay at this Ashram. I was greatly delighted to see the Yoga Museum. I have decided to set up a similar one in America. It is so simple and grand. The idea is simply unique.’
‘Very good. I shall send you cuttings of pictures, etc. Though I may not be able to send you an exact replica, I shall try to furnish you with what all I can to make your museum complete, as the one here is.’
‘Thanks very much, Swamiji. You are so good and generous.’
YOUTH CAN’T UNDERSTAND
Turning to Swami Chinmayanandaji, Siva asked: ‘Is Shroff also leaving today?’
‘Perhaps, no: Swamiji. His health was very bad last night.’
‘What happened?’
‘Swamiji, he easily gets upset over trifles. The problem of travelling by day in the hot sun, in a bus, worried him so much that he got blood pressure again.’
‘Quite true. Only old people know their difficulties. It is a trifling thing to youth: but it is a real problem to an aged man like him, with all his weak heart and blood pressure. A young man cannot understand. I was doing double-somersault when I was young. But now diabetes, etc. make it difficult for me to walk, too. Age has its own limitations. You should try to understand and sympathise.’
Now the head of Yoga Samaj, Madras.
